Dean Smith - reflection & appreciation

[aj2k77]

It had to happen but it's a bit of a downer to have ended last season with Villa fans as Captain and Manager and now both have gone. Feels like the end of an era, hopefully paving the way on to a better one.

[cdbearsfan]

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.

Ah, apologies.

[p_ad]

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[SoccerHQ]

Thank you Dean.

As someone who has regularly watched Walsall since 2008 it was brilliant to see someone rise from being their youth team coach to caretaker manager to eventual manager and in less than a decade become a premier league manager of his boyhood club. That is something to be proud of.

We've all criticised him at times and he's not perfect but he more than fulfilled his remit when he took over in October 2018. He'll get a terrific reception whenever he returns (get the feeling Norwich would be a good fit for him if he fancies it).

Sometimes you just have to accept a manager has taken a club as far as he can and we've reached that point so think this is a decision in the interest of both parties.

[Toronto Villa]

Appears that Craig Shakespeare has also left the club. Suggests a quick appointment.

[Rioch is King]

should have given him longer. Don't like the decision at all and am surprised how many think it had to happen.

[SoccerHQ]

Appears that Craig Shakespeare has also left the club. Suggests a quick appointment.

Has to be. Shakespeare caretaker manager of Leicester for 3-4 months a few seasons back. Certainly want likes of McPhee and Danks nowhere near picking the team so yes seems certain now we'll be appointing new manager by end of this week at the latest.

[London Villan]

Thanks Deano. Been some great moments. You’ve done more for this club than so many that went before you.

However… That video isn’t 5 minutes work…. Wonder when it was commissioned?

[simboy]

Thanks Deano. Been some great moments. You’ve done more for this club than so many that went before you.

However… That video isn’t 5 minutes work…. Wonder when it was commissioned?

He’d gone Friday night is my guess. Perhaps explain Targetts post match interview.

[Meanwood Villa]

Thanks Dean. Achieved all that was asked of him with great dignity. A Villa man.

[Flamingo Lane]

Got me going again to games at Villa Park, after 18 years of not going.

[Nunkin1965]

Big shame but decision made at the right time I feel. Just want to say thanks Dean for getting us back into this division and making us proud again.

The new appointment is massive.

[Jane]

I’m sad now.

[exigo]

Thanks for so many great memories Dean. And credit to the way you conducted yourself at the club you loved.

Truly hope you can step back onto the Holte and enjoy games as a fan again. I know I won't be the only one delighted to buy you a pint to say thanks for everything you did to put this club back where it belongs.

[Legion]

I’m sad now.

Same. Gutted for him.