, Aston Villa manager Dean Smith looking to give club an identity

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith looking to give club an identity

Aston Villa’s newly-appointed boss Dean Smith has claimed that he will look to give the club an identity, as reported by the Express & Star.

Smith left Brentford to move to the Midlands, taking charge of the club he has supported since he was young.

The former Walsall manager has been followed to Villa Park by former Villains captain John Terry and the club have given Jesus Garcia Pitarch the role of sporting director. Richard O’Kelly, who worked alongside Smith at Brentford, has also joined the club.

The 47-year-old has spoken out about the challenge that lies ahead as he looks to rejuvenate a Villa side that are currently languishing in mid-table obscurity:

 “I wouldn’t expect to have a honeymoon period. I’ve been a supporter and you want to be entertained and watching players who will work hard for the shirt. That’s what we want to bring to the football club.

“We want to develop an Aston Villa way. Lots of clubs have philosophies that change from manager to manager and I feel that this is an opportunity now to develop an Aston Villa way, with the staff we’ve brought in, starting with myself, Jesus, Christian and the backroom staff Richard and John.

“It certainly won’t happen overnight, but very quickly we can give players ideas and how we want to do moving forward.

“It’s important for any club to have a philosophy and recruit head coaches and players for that system.”

Despite inheriting a side that have underwhelmed this season, Smith remains confident that promotion is achievable:

“I have been in this league now for three or four years. This is the most even I have known it.

“It’s a challenge because they are sat 15th in the Championship. I know this club, I know the supporters and the demands. We should be higher. That is the challenge. To make sure we improve. It is a realistic aim to be promoted this season. It has to be the aim.”

He will face his first test as manager on Saturday when Swansea City visit Villa Park. Graham Potter’s side occupy 11th place in the Championship table but lead 15th-placed Villa by just two points.

 

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