Aston Villa confirm sacking of Head Coach Dean Smith after three years in charge

Villa released a statement this afternoon confirming Smith had been relieved of his duties after five successive defeats
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Aston Villa have today confirmed that they have sacked manager Dean Smith after three years in charge at Villa Park.

The dismissal comes off the back of a fifth straight Premier League defeat away at Southampton on Friday night which left Villa 15th in the table, just three points above the relegation zone.

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At a glance: 5 key points

  • Aston Villa have sacked manager Dean Smith after three years in charge of the football club.
  • The sacking comes off the back of five successive defeats in the Premier League and just 10 wins in 38 in all competitions in 2021.
  • Smith, a self-confessed Villa fan himself, guided the club back to the Premier League in 2019 following a 2-1 victory over Derby County in the Championship play-off final.
  • Villa also reached the EFL Cup final under Smith in 2020 but ultimately lost out to Manchester City who ran out 2-1 winners.
  • Smith leaves Villa Park with a 39.57% win record.

What’s been said

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.

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“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. He 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.”

Dean Smith, Manager of Aston Villa celebrates after Anwar El Ghazi of Aston Villa (not pictured) scores his sides first goal during the Sky Bet Championship Play-off Final match between Aston Villa and Derby County at Wembley StadiumDean Smith, Manager of Aston Villa celebrates after Anwar El Ghazi of Aston Villa (not pictured) scores his sides first goal during the Sky Bet Championship Play-off Final match between Aston Villa and Derby County at Wembley Stadium
Dean Smith, Manager of Aston Villa celebrates after Anwar El Ghazi of Aston Villa (not pictured) scores his sides first goal during the Sky Bet Championship Play-off Final match between Aston Villa and Derby County at Wembley Stadium

Background

Dean Smith joined Aston Villa from Brentford in October 2018, replacing Steve Bruce as manager with the club placed 14th in the Championship.

He guided the club back to the Premier League that same season after some fantastic results including a record breaking run that saw them win 10 in a row for the first time in their history.

Villa have improved year by year under his tenure, most recently finishing 11th in the Premier League in the 2020/21 campaign.

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