It was two years ago today.

[dave.woodhall]

That I wrote this.

http://thebirminghampress.com/2018/10/white-smoke-over-villa-park/

It's not been too bad.

[RamboandBruno]

Been a bit of a rollercoaster ride really, but he’s done a great job overall and it feels like we’re on the cusp of something really good. I dream of Smith and Grealish lifting the FA Cup.
From lower half of the championship to 2nd in the premier league in exactly 2 years, not bad at all

[rob_bridge]

Always a punt but at it was always a progressive punt with a view to the future.
Had a few bumps - certainly 2 months mid season both time but he seems to learn all the time.

Onwards, upwards - we are back

[West Derby Villan]

Great article Dave, what an amazing rollercoaster 2 years it’s been.

[Chris Smith]

There have been a few times over the past two years when, understandably, some nervous grumbling has surfaced suggesting that he isn’t up to the job. Each time he has risen to the challenge and given us all some justifiable optimism for the future.

[Sexual Ealing]

I love him. One of the best things about him is that he never plays the "Villa fan" card to try to win over the supporters when things are going badly. He wants to do well for his own professional pride. The sentimental side, though it's definitely there, is kept firmly in check.

[maidstonevillain]

Good article. Hasn't dated.

Other than a shame the optimism re. Scott Hogan didn't come to pass.....

[Damo70]

Got us up, got us to a cup final, kept us up and has taken us forward so far this season. But I won't pretend I didn't have a major wobble regarding my faith in him in the middle of last season.

[Sexual Ealing]

I think we all did, but you need to go through that to appreciate what you have.

[Steve67]

I was dissenting voice before Christmas.  I am happy to be proven wrong.  He has signed quality and improved all aspects of the club in his time here.  Very firm foundations being laid.  A solid 10th to 15th place finish this season is perfectly acceptable, although, anything is possible with the quality signed this summer.  It's good to be a Villa fan these days.  Littered with internationals and playing a brand of football that is easy on the eye.

[VILLA MOLE]

And even he gave up on hogan !  Interesting read back

[Jon Crofts]

I have to admit I remained in doubt of Smith through to the end of last season, there just wasn't enough evidence to say he'd learned anything from the first 2/3rds of the season to convince me. I'm sure our recruitment policy didn't help & hindsight is a wonderful thing but it looks like he's getting what he wants from the players he wants now & that really seems to have made a massive difference.

[N'ZMAV]

I got a bit fed up of the same mistakes by Dean at times last winter - the lockdown maybe saved his job.
He's met every objective set by him so far.
He was the one I wanted at the start and has done really well - and more importantly, he evolves and keeps improving and working on new ways to win games. Quite modern.

[darren woolley]

Another great read Dave.

[dave.woodhall]

Another great read Dave.

Thanks Daz.