Former Aston Villa manager Ron Atkinson has delivered his verdict on the appointment of Dean Smith as the new boss.
Smith was drafted in after the sacking of Steve Bruce, and as a result has left his post at Brentford – and Atkinson could not be more delighted with Villa’s new arrival.
He praised how well Smith had done in his previous managerial stints at both Walsall and Brentford, saying that he had done a “smashing job” at both clubs before he decided to take charge of Aston Villa.
“I am delighted because so far he has done an absolutely smashing job, both at Walsall and Brentford. He truly deserves this step up. Whenever a job has come up I have always promoted him,” he told the Birmingham Mail.
OPINION
It comes as no surprise that Atkinson has heaped praise on Dean Smith following his appointment at Aston Villa. Other names had been floating about, but Smith is definitely the manager who can inject a new lease of life into the club. Steve Bruce’s presence did not seem to reflect well on anyone, which was mirrored by the poor run of results leading up to his sacking. Atkinson is right – Smith has done a “smashing job” at both Brentford and Walsall – and he must now prove that he is up to the task of guiding Aston Villa to the Premier League next season. New ideas is just what the club needs – and fans will no doubt have their fingers crossed that Smith makes the desired impact and brings Villa forward. Nevertheless, it is not surprising that Atkinson is delighted – as it now means that the prospect of top-flight football is growing ever closer for the club.