Former Sheffield Wednesday skipper takes over as Aston Villa manager

Aston Villa have appointed Dean Smith as new manager, according to Brentford, who he leaves after almost three years in charge.
Dean Smith has left Brentford to become new manager of Aston VillaDean Smith has left Brentford to become new manager of Aston Villa
Dean Smith has left Brentford to become new manager of Aston Villa

Villa sacked Steve Bruce last week and Thierry Henry had been linked with the post, with John terry tipped to work alongside him.

However, Brentford revealed on Wednesday night that Smith has left Griffin Park to take over his boyhood club.

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Smith has been impressive during his time with the Bees, regularly pushing for a play-off place before falling away towards the end. However, they did so with an entertaining style of play without having spent a lot of money.

The 47 year old spent two seasons as a player at Sheffield Wednesday, becoming captain in the process, towards the end of his playing career and made over 50 appearances while at Hillsborough.

In their statement, Brentford took a subtle dig at Smith decision to leave.

Part of it read: 'Dean leaves with Brentford seventh in the Sky Bet Championship having won four of 12 games so far this season, losing just two.

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'Villa are three points and eight places worse off than The Bees and have been without a boss since Steve Bruce left his position last week.

'Dean took charge of 143 Brentford games in all competitions, winning 57 of them and losing 51. Brentford Football Club would like to record its thanks for all the hard work done by Dean during his time at Griffin Park.'

John Terry will be Smith's assistant at Villa Park.

Villa also released a statement which read: 'Aston Villa Football Club is delighted to announce the appointments of Dean Smith as our new Head Coach, John Terry as Assistant Coach and Jesus Garcia Pitarch as Sporting Director.

'Smith, a lifelong Villa fan, is known for his exciting and attractive brand of football which he implemented in his previous posts at both Brentford and Walsall.

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'Terry spent the final year of his illustrious playing career at Villa Park as he captained the club to the play-off final last season and brings a wealth of experience with him to his new role from his time as skipper of both Chelsea and England.

'And Pitarch has occupied Director of Football roles at both Valencia and Atletico Madrid in his native Spain.'