Dean Smith - reflection & appreciation

[wolfman999]

If this had continued for much longer, everything might well have turned toxic as it did for another previous manager who, even if you hated his football, was a decent man Steve Bruce. Thank you Dean for all your efforts to save our rapidly sinking ship when you arrived and getting us up to the top teir again. I'm sure you will always be welcome at Villa Park.

[martin o`who??]

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

What the bloody hell did I watch this for......

[sickbeggar]

Top bloke. Most successful manager since MON and arguably including MON spending wise. Careful what you wish for. All the best Dean.

[cdbearsfan]

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

I'm not crying, you're crying.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

He is a good, decent bloke and of course went through some tough personal times during that first season.  I felt he handled himself impeccably during his time with us and was a great representative of the club.  Hope he gets some good time away now and then gets back into the game soon and has further success in his career. 

Absolutely. There's so much to love about the fella. Sad that it didn't work out but for me I'll always remember how he represented the club with such class. Good luck, Dean and thanks.

[Villan82]

Top bloke. Most successful manager since MON and arguably including MON spending wise. Careful what you wish for. All the best Dean.

Dean Smith is our best manager since Brian Little for me. However, even the mighty Little ended up having to leave after 3 and a bit years. It's a tough gig and the results just weren't there.

[RichardBatchelor]

I can’t agree with but have to accept the decision.

Hard act to follow.

[KevinGage]

Leaves the side in a far better state than he found it three years ago.

Not many Villa managers can say that in our recent history. Up there with GT, BFR and Sir Brian for me.

Hope he gets the right club and can build a legacy - so long as it's not with one of our nearest and dearest, obv.

[OCD]

He leaves the club in a better state than how he found, which isn't often the case. It's a shame to lose first a club captain who is a Villa fan and now a manager who is one. That's the reality of where we find ourselves though and now it's about getting the right manager in.

[Steve67]

Dean will be remembered fondly by all of us.  It is the right outcome but we should always hold Dean in high esteem as we won promotion and the Play off final, giving the club some pride back.  Many thanks Dean.  Up the Villa.

[Scott Nielsen]

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.

Exactly this.

[rob_bridge]

Dean will be remembered fondly by all of us.  It is the right outcome but we should always hold Dean in high esteem as we won promotion and the Play off final, giving the club some pride back.  Many thanks Dean.  Up the Villa.

Totally agree with every word

[ez]

John Gregory on twitter.
Dean Smith gave Aston Villa Football Club the kiss of life when the Club was an embarrassment to Villa fans and he rekindled the love and passion and success on the field where so many others had failed hopelessly.
Dean you will be forever remembered at VP. Thank you 🙏❤️⚽️
#utv

[Jon Crofts]

Do we need another thread?

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

The other thread I was referring to was another appreciation styleeee thread, I merged them.

[colin69]

Dean was without doubt the right manager at the right time. Gave us some great times and can leave with his head held high.
For me it’s the correct decision though and the board have to get the next appointment right.