Aston Villa Football Club on Sunday, November 7 confirmed that they Club parted company with Head Coach Dean Smith.
Dean was appointed Villa Head Coach just over three years ago in October 2018 and led the Club back to the Premier League via the play-offs in his first season in charge following a club-record ten-match winning sequence towards the end of that campaign.
In his first season in the Premier League, he kept Villa in the topflight where he also led the team to a Carabao Cup Final at Wembley, narrowly losing 2-1 to Manchester City.
According to Aston Villa CEO Christian Purslow: “When Dean joined us in October 2018 our team was really struggling in The Championship. He immediately transformed the atmosphere and performances and achieved the ultimate success of leading Villa back to the Premier League within the same season - a rare feat,”
“He then secured our place in the Premier League after a tough campaign and took us to a Cup Final at Wembley.”
“However, after a good start to last season, this year we have not seen the continuous improvement in results, performances and league position which we have all been looking for. For this reason, we have decided to make a change now to allow time for a new head coach to make an impact.”
“The Board would like to sincerely thank Dean for his many excellent achievements, on and off the pitch, during this time. Everyone knows how much Aston Villa means to Dean and his family.”
Dean has represented the Club with distinction and dignity - universally liked and respected by everybody associated with Aston Villa – our staff, players and supporters alike. We wish him the very best.” Purslow’s statement read.
The club notified its supports that the process of replacing Dean as manager was already in course and an update will be given in due time.
Aston Villa has had four successive Premier League defeats, most recently being against West Ham last weekend, with them sitting at position 15 in the league table.
Earlier on after the match Dean Smith had noted that he had no pressure as his team knows how to overcome the huddle.
"I think the perception from outside of the football club is always different," Dean Smith stated
"If you are asking me if I sleep well, yes, I sleep well. I still play well at golf. My wife is still talking to me, so if that answers your question, then yes, I feel fine.”
"There is no panic, we're in control and determined to put things right. There has been a reaction from all the players because they are disappointed with the results." Dean Smith noted