Aston Villa have named Dean Smith as their new head coach one week after the dismissal of Steve Bruce, the East Midlands club have confirmed.
The 1982 European Cup winners were beaten 2-1 at Millwall on Saturday, leaving them down in 15th after 12 games heading into the international break.
Dean Smith arrives at Villa Park having guided Brentford to top 10 finishes in each of the three previous seasons. Former Chelsea and Aston Villa player John Terry has been appointed as his assistant.
Villa had won just one of their nine final Championship matches under Steve Bruce this season. Back in May the former Manchester United centre-back had guided the Villans to the Championship play-off final, losing 1-0 to Fulham at Wembley Stadium.
Aston Villa CEO Christian Purslow commented on the appointments of Smith and Terry, quoted on the club’s official website today as saying:
“Dean has a clear and successful coaching philosophy as well as a real understanding of Aston Villa Football Club. He is also knowledgeable about the Championship.
“John is one of the most decorated players in English football, has an affinity with the club and is ready to make the next step in his career working alongside Dean.”
Dean Smith’s first game in charge of Aston Villa will be at home to Swansea City on 20 October.
Aston Villa are competing in their third consecutive season in the second tier of English football following their relegation from the Premier League in 2016.
