Dean Smith - reflection & appreciation

[itmustbe_it is!]

Saddened and hoped he'd get longer to turn it round. Will always be grateful for what he did . Onwards and upwards, whoever's next please bring as much heart as Dean did

[TopDeck113]

The photo of Dean and Jack holding aloft the play-off winners' trophy is a glorious moment in time that quite possibly will never be repeated at any club. We were managed and captained by boy-hood supporters. The romantic in me wanted that photo to be replicated again a d again, but with trophies more in keeping with the history of Aston Villa. Unfortunately, the realities of twenty-first century top-flight football have intervened.

[nigel]

It is sad, but, inevitably going to happen.
He will be always be held in the highest regard by myself.

He was immensely proud when we appointed him.

Thanks Dean

[ozzjim]

I wanted this after the run of result and the general direction, but I don't think I will ever feel this gutted to see a manager leave. He will always be one of us, and it's a nice touch from the club to put the thank you video out. He is a really good man, and I hope he walks into another job and gets his mojo back.

[Chris_Jephcott]

I’ve just posted this on the other thread but I can’t think of a better place to put this. So I apologise for the repost.

I was expecting this would happen, but actually now it has, I just feel utterly gutted.

I love Dean - a real gentleman of football, a gem of a man. I am genuinely gutted that his dream has ended like this.

I literally cannot thank Dean enough for getting us back to where we belong. Dean leaves with a whole lot of incredible memories from the Villa fans. And I really hope that we will all keep a warm place in our hearts for him. I certainly will do.

Like breaking up in a doomed relationship, deep down I know it was the right move. But it hurts at the moment.

[AlexAlexCropley]

I'd like a chance to thank him as a Villa Park tribute

[Toronto Villa]

When Joe left it was essentially a fuck off line on the OS. This announcement is being given the respect it deserves and you can see it really was a tough one for the board to make.

[martin o`who??]

Sad to the core about it but I am actually glad that this has happened before the next home game as I think it would have been a bit unpleasant if we had struggled.
Goodbye Dean and I really hope you come good elsewhere and bring a team to VP with your head held high.

[Ger Regan]

Thanks for the memories, Dean.

[pauliewalnuts]

I am glad it never got to the point of sustained abuse from the stands, that would be horrible and deeply inappropriate.

[Toronto Villa]

A wonderful video put out by the club. Warning you will get a bit emotional watching this. He saved us from the brink. Literally.

https://twitter.com/avfcofficial/status/1457339988924841984?s=21

[ChicagoLion]

It’s very sad and I will always appreciate what he did for The Villa.

[chrisw1]

I am glad it never got to the point of sustained abuse from the stands, that would be horrible and deeply inappropriate.

Absolutely.  And I think he'll get a standing ovation when he comes back.

[Three Spires Villa]

I would like to add to the general feeling, thanks Dean and the very best of luck. It was going to happen, it had run it’s course. Whatever we may think, it is how football is today.

The king is dead, long live the King

I am also glad it did not get nasty, he was a man of honour in his time at AVFC

[ez]

All the best Dean and many thanks for some great memories. You can leave with your head held high.