Dean Smith - reflection & appreciation

[Legion]

Very good indeed.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Just sheer class, thank you Dean

https://leaguemanagers.com/news/lma-latest/dean-smith-statement/

As you say Class.

From beginning to end.

[Ian.]

Missing him already.

Great article

[Woody17]

I was quite firmly in the Smith Out brigade last week, the trigger was pulled and now three days later I’m not so sure it was the right thing to do. Not sure why that is but have a bad feeling about what is about to happen next.

[Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle]

There have been few managers I remember who have maintained an air of dignity like Smith and few who have been genuinely missed on leaving like him.

[Drummond]

Confirms what I thought. Squad of players may have lost confidence in him in terms of football decisions ......

Not sure it says that anywhere.

[Drummond]

I was quite firmly in the Smith Out brigade last week, the trigger was pulled and now three days later I’m not so sure it was the right thing to do. Not sure why that is but have a bad feeling about what is about to happen next.

Yep. I'm usually excited about a managerial search, when it happens. Something fresh and new and the hope of something better. I'm just not sure, with the rumours that are out there, that will happen.

[Smithy]

I was quite firmly in the Smith Out brigade last week, the trigger was pulled and now three days later I’m not so sure it was the right thing to do. Not sure why that is but have a bad feeling about what is about to happen next.

Yep. I'm usually excited about a managerial search, when it happens. Something fresh and new and the hope of something better. I'm just not sure, with the rumours that are out there, that will happen.

I'm the same - I think it's because we are in an unusual position in actually "liking" the manager who has just gone. Even the people who wanted Dean gone due to the results still actually like the man. They know he's a fan. They all wanted him to succeed. 

When previous managers have gone, the managers linked to the job pretty much all looked good by comparison to the guy just out the door.  I've been pretty hopeful about every manager we've appointed in recent years, except McLeish.


But this manager search feels very different. This time it's like swiping through Tinder and comparing everyone to your ex who you still secretly hold a small flame for.  It's going to have to be someone pretty amazing to get me excited. 

And as much as people like Graham Potter are good solid premier league managers, they're not going to excite fans who require a noticeable and tangible step up from Dean.

I'm sure a little winning run under whoever takes over will be enough to make me as excited as it's possible to be, but right now I'm still a little sad it didn't work out with Dean.

[Percy McCarthy]

This is really quite good

https://twitter.com/thevillapodcast/status/1455994455035682823?s=21

I love that podcast. The episodes after the West Ham and Southampton games were excellent gallows humour.

[LeeB]

I was quite firmly in the Smith Out brigade last week, the trigger was pulled and now three days later I’m not so sure it was the right thing to do. Not sure why that is but have a bad feeling about what is about to happen next.

Yep. I'm usually excited about a managerial search, when it happens. Something fresh and new and the hope of something better. I'm just not sure, with the rumours that are out there, that will happen.

I'm the same - I think it's because we are in an unusual position in actually "liking" the manager who has just gone. Even the people who wanted Dean gone due to the results still actually like the man. They know he's a fan. They all wanted him to succeed. 

When previous managers have gone, the managers linked to the job pretty much all looked good by comparison to the guy just out the door.  I've been pretty hopeful about every manager we've appointed in recent years, except McLeish.


But this manager search feels very different. This time it's like swiping through Tinder and comparing everyone to your ex who you still secretly hold a small flame for.  It's going to have to be someone pretty amazing to get me excited. 

And as much as people like Graham Potter are good solid premier league managers, they're not going to excite fans who require a noticeable and tangible step up from Dean.

I'm sure a little winning run under whoever takes over will be enough to make me as excited as it's possible to be, but right now I'm still a little sad it didn't work out with Dean.

With Potter, aside from liking how his teams play, I feel he could at least keep the bond between club and fans tight, not just that he's a Villa fan, but he grew up here and understands us.
I don't think that can be written of a just a nice aside either, it's been a vitally important element of getting us back off our arses, and I think why we have a sold out stadium and a waiting list for the first time ever.

[RamboandBruno]

Ffs feeling all emo again after reading that excellent article. I think its because its the end of an era that like life had ups and downs, but from the depths of where we were the highs felt high with villa boys running the show.
Im also underwhelmed by Deanos possible replacement, which doesnt help.

[Rory]

Ffs feeling all emo again after reading that excellent article. I think its because its the end of an era that like life had ups and downs, but from the depths of where we were the highs felt high with villa boys running the show.
Im also underwhelmed by Deanos possible replacement, which doesnt help.

Just remember to wash your hair regularly and, if you get a tattoo, make sure you go to a proper accredited tattoo artist - not some bloke in the Oasis market with a needle and a biro.

[RamboandBruno]

Ffs feeling all emo again after reading that excellent article. I think its because its the end of an era that like life had ups and downs, but from the depths of where we were the highs felt high with villa boys running the show.
Im also underwhelmed by Deanos possible replacement, which doesnt help.

Just remember to wash your hair regularly and, if you get a tattoo, make sure you go to a proper accredited tattoo artist - not some bloke in the Oasis market with a needle and a biro.

Im wearing black, recycling my jesus and mary chain t shirt and drinking cider out of plastic bottle again, ever since Sunday

[wittonwarrior]

just reinstate him with a bigger ££££contract now

[Nunkin1965]

Time is passing and I'm feeling more and more uncomfortable about what is going on here.
Such an uninspiring list for me.
Anyway I hope Deano gets back in somewhere soon.