axed

Aston Villa sack Dean Smith after five straight Premier League defeats as Andy Townsend admits he was ‘disappointed’ by decision

Aston Villa have announced that Dean Smith has been sacked as manager.

The 50-year-old had been in charge for more than three years at the club but has struggled for results of late.

Five straight Premier League defeats for Villa, and a current league position of 15th, has seen the club decide to make a change.

The 1-0 loss to Southampton on Friday appears to be the final straw and the news was announced on Sunday.

CEO Christian Purslow said: “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.

“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.”

Smith led Aston Villa back to the Premier League in 2019 and also to the Carabao Cup final last year, where they were beaten by Man City.

Former Aston Villa man Andy Townsend admitted he was ‘shocked and disappointed at the decision.

Reacting to the news, he told talkSPORT: “I am very surprised and disappointed that they’ve made this decision as I do think it is premature.

“The greatest gift you can give any manager is time. Everyone talks about money and having it here there and everywhere to spend, but the easiest thing you can give them is support and a little bit of time when you are going through a change.

“Dean has had a change with his staff, I don’t know what happened with John (Terry) and Richard O’Kelly. You can only assume it is that they wanted to do other things. I can’t think of anything more sinister than that.

“I know the team have been playing poorly, but I’m very, very surprised they haven’t given him longer than this to sort it out.”