After a club-record winning streak in the Championship that contributed to promotion via the play-offs, Dean Smith’s first year in charge at Aston Villa has been both memorable and successful for the boyhood fan turned manager in B6.
The former Brentford boss’ first season in charge culminated in promotion for Villa, and the 48-year-old is currently attempting to guide the club to Premier League safety in their return to the top-flight after a three-year absence.
With the manager’s one year anniversary having been marked on Thursday, some Villa fans have taken the opportunity to express their gratitude for the transformative job Smith has done in turning around Villa’s domestic fortunes and leading their return to the Premier League.
#OTD in 2018: Dean Smith was appointed Head Coach
WHAT. A. YEAR ???#PL #AVFC pic.twitter.com/KQwreiGcV7
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) October 10, 2019
I couldn’t wish for a better manager ?
— Liam Reeves (@koalareeves) October 10, 2019
Thank you, Deano! And what a year it’s been ?? pic.twitter.com/ZOw2gJcTWT
— Lou (@Lou_IzIs) October 10, 2019
Hopefully our manager for many years to come! Love watching us play proper football these days with a Villa man in charge and one as captain. #UTV
— Mr Todd (@MrTodd15722421) October 10, 2019
What a man? pic.twitter.com/TVRXoM3Ugt
— Callum (@_Callumgordon) October 10, 2019
The most important signing we have made in years. Can’t imagine the Villa without him.
— Brian Ellison (@ellison1604) October 10, 2019
I love this man! #indeanowetrust pic.twitter.com/hYj9eFAd0O
— Becca Clarkey (@becca_avfc1) October 10, 2019
Best thing to happen to the club in years
— Joe (@AvGrant1) October 10, 2019
Yet whilst overall the year has been a vast success for Villa, Smith was asked to pick out a highlight from his first 12 months in B6 and there was no doubt in the manager’s mind as to which moment stood out.
After the interview was released by the club, some Villa fans got involved and relived the memory of promotion at Wembley against Derby County.
My favourite moment ?
Just love Deano, right man, right place, right time ??— Gav1827 (@GV18271) October 10, 2019
Best day ever!!!! I’d do almost anything to relive that day again….. ?? #utv
— Gema Lilley (@LilleyCashAVFC) October 10, 2019
Hoping for another Wembley moment this year ?
— . (@EliElGhazi) October 10, 2019
Best day of my life… thanks Deano! #UTV
— Sharon Chance (@ChanceCoco25) October 10, 2019
I was in the VIP section for that match and it was the first time I cried with joy in such a long time!
— Glenn Doyle (@GlennDoyle92) October 10, 2019
Best day ever
— Andy Greene (@Greeneythegr8) October 10, 2019