Aston Villa fans react to Dean Smith’s return to the Premier League - as Leicester City appoint head coach

Aston Villa supporters have been reacting to the news of former manager Dean Smith returning to the Premier League. Leicester City announced on Monday that the 52-year-old would be their head coach until the end of the season while they look for a longer-term replacement for the sacked Brendan Rodgers.

The man to lead The Villans to promotion back to the English top tier in 2018/19, Smith remains a popular figure at Villa Park. This is despite the fact he was relieved of his duties at the end of 2021 following five straight Premier League defeats.

Smith has since had another role in the Championship, with Norfolk side Norwich City. He spent 13 months at Carrow Road before being sacked for yet more poor form. Formerly also of Brentford and Walsall, Smith is keen to take on a new challenge and he certainly has that at Leicester.

Deep in a relegation battle, The Foxes need a bounce. “Smith brings a wealth of managerial experience and expertise to the role and, along with his coaching team, will be tasked with helping the Football Club retain its Premier League status as we head into the final eight games of the current season,” a club statement reads.

Smith is joined by another former Villan at Leicester - John Terry - as the legendary centre half and now coach takes on a fresh venture of his own. But will they be able to do enough to keep the former champions in the Premier League? Here’s what Villa fans make of the appointment.

Aston Villa fans react to Dean Smith’s Premier League return

Even though there is quite a rivalry between Villa and Leicester, the reaction to Smith’s new role at the King Power Stadium has been almost completely positive. At least that is the case on Twitter...

@danbardell said: “When lockdown hit, Dean Smith, @JohnTerry26 etc did some amazing work with a defensive plan to keep #AVFC up. If they can do the same (admittedly with less time) for #LCFC, they will stay up. The attacking talent is there.”

@AVFCMidge said: “The disrespect to put Dean Smith with the likes of Bruce and Gerrard is just crazy. He gave us our club back, show him the respect he deserves.”

@Total_Villa said: “I really think Dean Smith can keep Leicester up this season and having both Craig Shakespeare and John Terry with him will be key. They’ll sort out their defence and hopefully play a style of play that I think will suit the squad that Leicester have.”

@DarrenGreenfie1 said: “Dean Smith is a quality manager. Leicester are so lucky to have him. I can see them staying up 100 per cent. Terry will sort out defence too. Worry about Maddison being fit enough for Smith’s tactics long-term though.”

@B6_Dave said: “Genuinely hope Dean Smith keeps Leicester in the premier league. A top bloke who gave us something a lot of fans will never ever get to experience. I’ll always be grateful for what he did at Villa and wish him all the best at Leicester.”