Dean Smith - reflection & appreciation

[nigel]

Not surprised, but am tinged with sadness

[Toronto Villa]

Even if you were in the camp that this had to end, it’s also possible to have immense appreciation for what he achieved and simply a great affection for the man. He came to the club at precisely the right time and saw us climb out of the potential abyss of what could have been years in the Championship. Had we not got up that year, we’d have lost Jack for sure, and very likely a few others. But instead getting up, saved us millions and made us millions. So for however it ended, I will always be appreciative of what he did for us.

Cheers Dean. Always one of us.

[Richard E]

Well said.

[Bad English]

Thanks Dean. Up the Villa!

[Fred Crump]

I’m gutted. Stuff Football, screw the ‘premier league’ , I  thought we were better than that, but obviously not….
Bollocks to it all, I’m off for a ride on a Steam Engine.

[PaulWinch again]

Yes right decision, but sad, and now I hope we can look back on all the positives of his reign. A great run to promotion, some excellent wins and exciting games. Best of luck in the future Dean - on balance a successful reign.

[Jon Crofts]

Do we need another thread?

[Stu82]

Echo those sentiments, Dean will be remembered In  years to come as the manager who put Villa back on the map.

[pauliewalnuts]

Sad end.

[chrisw1]

Do we need another thread?

Nope.  WE've already got too many DS threads.

[Bobby Boy]

A genuinely sad day but the right decision.

Thanks for taking us back up Dean. You are one of us.

Best of luck for the future.

[darren woolley]

Sad day thanks Dean for everything.

[cdbearsfan]

Thanks Dean Smith.

For beating the shite home and away, TEN in a row, seeing off the Baggies, getting us promoted, that night against Everton when we showed that we were back, going to Norwich and scoring five, a League Cup Final where we were an inch away from extra time, a run of form that briefly saw us threaten the elite, for beating Arsenal (three times), Leicester (twice), Chelsea and Tottenham and a rare as unicorn shit win at Old Trafford. For getting us our pride back.

And for this, surely his finest hour.

[cdbearsfan]

Do we need another thread?

Yes, the other one was a debate this is a tribute thread.

[gpbarr]

I have nothing but admiration for Dean - what he achieved at the club in 3 years is remarkable, and unlike a host of shysters that had driven our club to increasing levels of ridicule and despair, he was a true Villa fan and a true gentleman. The class of the man should not be forgotten.

I wish him nothing but huge success in whatever he chooses to do in the future.