Dean Smith - reflection & appreciation

[Toronto Villa]

Such a shame. Such fine margins in all the games. But something pre season just didnt seem quite right with coaches leaving with no real explanation.  As a defensive coach I think there is no one better than terry. But he just seemed to wander off. Who knows what has gone on.

Someone posted earlier that JT and RO’K had whispered in Jacks ear to go.
My take on the post is that Sawais got wind of it and got rid of them.

All due respect lads but that is very, very likely absolute bollocks. Jack Grealish left to improve his career. How he did it we can all probably agree on doesn’t sit well with any of us. But if anyone truly believes it took a word from our former coaches for him to come to that conclusion, then they need to invest in a foil hat. He was sending love notes to Pep. His agent had set things up before the Euros. And he got offered a massive amount of money and a chance to win every trophy every season for the rest of his career.

[Demitri_C]

Thank you dean for aaving this club. You bought us up in 6 months and kept us here. I felt a change was needed but i have absolutely no ill feelings towards you and wish you every success in your career.

Your always welcome back. All the best dean and thanks omce again

[richtheholtender]

Thank you Dean. It will soon come to fruition that you were made thr scapegoat. The haters will come to realise this when in threes were still finishing in the 9th-14th bracket.

[Nelly]

Deeply saddened to see Smith removed from Villa. I suppose it's rare that any manager would survive losing five games on the bounce, but can't shake the feeling that the Villa Twitterati finally got what they wanted, I don't think some were ever particularly enamoured by him. Whoever comes in has gigantic shoes to fill.

Best wishes Dean and thank you for some of the best times at the club since the 90s.

[Villan82]

Thank you Dean. It will soon come to fruition that you were made thr scapegoat. The haters will come to realise this when in threes were still finishing in the 9th-14th bracket.

With respect, 9th-14th would be an achievement this season given how close to relegation we are after 5 defeats on the trot.

[PaulWinch again]

Thank you Dean. It will soon come to fruition that you were made thr scapegoat. The haters will come to realise this when in threes were still finishing in the 9th-14th bracket.

That’s not really Dean appreciation is it? More sniping.

[richtheholtender]

Thank you Dean. It will soon come to fruition that you were made thr scapegoat. The haters will come to realise this when in threes were still finishing in the 9th-14th bracket.

With respect, 9th-14th would be an achievement this season given how close to relegation we are after 5 defeats on the trot.

Were 4 points off it with 27 games left

[richtheholtender]

Thank you Dean. It will soon come to fruition that you were made thr scapegoat. The haters will come to realise this when in threes were still finishing in the 9th-14th bracket.

That’s not really Dean appreciation is it? More sniping.

You're right. I am just very frustrated at this decision.

[Toronto Villa]

Thank you Dean. It will soon come to fruition that you were made thr scapegoat. The haters will come to realise this when in threes were still finishing in the 9th-14th bracket.

That’s not really Dean appreciation is it? More sniping.

Agreed. We have enough in other threads to comment on what led to his ultimate demise. This is meant to be all positive and there’s loads of that. His tenure in my opinion should be defined by what he did to get us back to the PL.

[PaulWinch again]

That’s fair enough. I suppose for me I’m thankful that ultimately Dean’s reign can be seen as a successful one and he’ll in the main be able to hold his head high. For me it was the right time to go, but doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate what he did achieve.

[Scovilla]

Thanks Dean. I wish you all the best. I remember your 1st game at VP vs Swansea. You gave us hope after 1-0 victory. (My Last game at VP)  You took the club up  and for that i will always be grateful. UTV

[algy]

Cheers Dean. Always be one of us, and at least for me will be remembered with the same fondness that I still have for SGT, Big Fat Ron, and Brian Little.

[PeterWithe]

As gutted as I’ve ever been over any loss.

Thanks Dean, sure we’ll see you again.

[The Edge]

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

That is class. The part where he welcomes Leon Bailey with "there's only one Leon Bailey" is very touching after today's events. It showed the world that he's genuinely a villa fan. It's a sad farewell and I wish him nothing but success in the future. Thanks for all you did for us Dean. Thanks for some amazing memories.

[Sexual Ealing]

I know I can't link to it, but there's a lovely tribute to him on the Birmingham Mail site by Mat Kendrick.