Dean Smith - Confirmed

[Ian.]

Traore could well have got injured training on Monday or playing the following Saturday. Him taking part in a practice training style friendly isn’t a reason to be pissed off about. Those not in the first team have probably really had no game time since last season, hence the Sunday’s training match.

We’ve had a terrible pre-season, two games called off because of Covid and we looked a bit short in match fitness, sharpness and preparation. It’s the first game of a very long season.

[PaulTheVillan]

Happy for any of the players to be playing an extra game behind closed doors. Get some stats on fitness and distance covered. See if we have other options than the dross from the weekend

[Dante Lavelli]

Happy for any of the players to be playing an extra game behind closed doors. Get some stats on fitness and distance covered. See if we have other options than the dross from the weekend

I’d have been more disappointed if a game wasn’t organised. Smith - assuming he was there - deserves credit for putting in the overtime.

[ozzjim]

They clearly need minutes in their legs. United played one in Monday too. This pre season has been so trunkated its been very tough to sort. It's just unfortunate that Bert seems to have got injured.

[Demitri_C]

Looking at September's fixtures/early october games are not easy at all.

Its too early to say must win but we really need a couple wins against Newcastle and brentford afters saturdays poor result

[Drummond]

They clearly need minutes in their legs. United played one in Monday too. This pre season has been so trunkated its been very tough to sort. It's just unfortunate that Bert seems to have got injured.

United? Newcastle? Or Sheffield? Maybe West Ham as Sheffield aren't in the Premier League now?

[Lastfootstamper]

Leeds?

[richtheholtender]

You just know if he'd gone anywhere else he'd be tip of the assist table, scored 10+ goals and be valued between £60-£80 million

[Footy-Vill]

So overall it's far too early to think Smith can't make this team and sqaud into competitive force and year on year he's improved our position.
The frustration is the somewhat inconsistencies and repeated errors from past that don't totally leave our players.

I very much hope in expectations for 2 wins and a jolly messaging board before the international break period.
A defeat in either against our old manager or Dean old club will naturally have people questions on things.

I want Dean Smith to succeed and has the right accumen to do so just hope he gets the right players and coaches around him
Up the Villa.

[ozzjim]

I think the assistant appointment is potentially as important as anyone we buy on the pitch this summer.

[Demitri_C]

Tomorrow will say alot about villa under smith post grealish.  If its another shit display like last week its going to be  a massive worry. Hopefully that was a one off because if we have any aspirations for europe this is the games we need to be winning

[villadelph]

Tomorrow will say alot about villa under smith post grealish.  If its another shit display like last week its going to be  a massive worry. Hopefully that was a one off because if we have any aspirations for europe this is the games we need to be winning

I won't be worried until the starting lineup looks the way we all envisioned.

That said, I better see a decent game plan.

[chrisw1]

Tomorrow will say alot about villa under smith post grealish.  If its another shit display like last week its going to be  a massive worry. Hopefully that was a one off because if we have any aspirations for europe this is the games we need to be winning

I dunno about that.  With Watkins and Traore injured, Bailey & Luiz not fit to start, Buendia still finding his feet, Targett coming back from having 6 weeks in a protective leg boot - I think we're quite a long way from seeing what Villa under Smith post Grealish might look like.

That's not to say I'm not concerned about tomorrow, but I'll hold my judgment until he actually gets to play the players he wants to.

[achilles]

Tomorrow will say alot about villa under smith post grealish.  If its another shit display like last week its going to be  a massive worry. Hopefully that was a one off because if we have any aspirations for europe this is the games we need to be winning

I dunno about that.  With Watkins and Traore injured, Bailey & Luiz not fit to start, Buendia still finding his feet, Targett coming back from having 6 weeks in a protective leg boot - I think we're quite a long way from seeing what Villa under Smith post Grealish might look like.

That's not to say I'm not concerned about tomorrow, but I'll hold my judgment until he actually gets to play the players he wants to.

... and just when will that be? It is the same for most teams unless you have massive squads, you have to make the best of what you have and stop making excuses or the excuses never end!

[wince]

Tomorrow will say alot about villa under smith post grealish.  If its another shit display like last week its going to be  a massive worry. Hopefully that was a one off because if we have any aspirations for europe this is the games we need to be winning

I dunno about that.  With Watkins and Traore injured, Bailey & Luiz not fit to start, Buendia still finding his feet, Targett coming back from having 6 weeks in a protective leg boot - I think we're quite a long way from seeing what Villa under Smith post Grealish might look like.

That's not to say I'm not concerned about tomorrow, but I'll hold my judgment until he actually gets to play the players he wants to.

I don’t think we have the patience. When a bad run starts it opens the floodgates. As much as I like Dean I still say he has reached his ceiling at the moment. Needs to get a tune from the team as last week was embarrassing.