With last night’s late-breaking news about Aston Villa’s triple appointment of Dean Smith as head coach, John Terry as assistant coach and Jesus Garcia Pitarch as our new Sporting Director – well you have to wonder if the club made such an announcement deliberately as a two fingers to the London based press who went full Steven Spielberg in their exclusives and claims over the last week.
We are 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 ✍️
Full story 👉 https://t.co/gNj5QrSa7c#OneOfOurOwn #AVFC pic.twitter.com/HUPSQ8BiDz
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) October 10, 2018
Having had ‘positive talks’ with a number of candidates apparently, but those same candidates ‘turning us down’, the same outlets were confidently reporting that despite turning us down they still remained in the hunt for the job? Some even turned us down twice (based on Sky’s reporting I think Faria turned us down three times in one day).
Substitute the name Terry, Rodgers, Faria, Henry, Martinez, Joe Bloggs, Oprah Winfrey, Where’s Wally, Cookie Monster, Boris Johnson – and I’m sure the above has applied to each of them (and more) depending on what you were reading recently.
So the club certainly conducted this the right way – links with Terry were obvious given his playing time with us, Smith featured as his name had come up previously amongst fans given his Villa supporting background and the success he’s had at building an ethos at Walsall and Brentford.
But he wasn’t the media favourite was he? Maybe now more people will take things with a pinch of salt and stop believing everything they read and simply enjoy a proper announcement when it comes as these fans did with their hot chocolates (or lager) last night given the time.
Literally took the words out my mouth. JT was pivotal last year both on & off the pitch. Love Dean Smith’s style of play & the way he goes about his business.. Combine that with the team we have & I think we’ll do just fine!! ????
— Dan Greaves (@DiscusDan) 10 October 2018
I’m very excited about this full team of people I must say
— Declan Pierce (@DecPierce) 10 October 2018
Fantastic appointment Villa, welcome home Dean Smith UTV! pic.twitter.com/dDjRmNEqyB
— AVFCLlVE (@AVFCLlVE) 10 October 2018
Brentford saying his no2 O'Kelly not taking training tomorrow and his position will be clarified in the next few days. Hopefully hes coming too as they are very close
— Boycey (@Boycey1259) 10 October 2018
DEAN SMITH CLARET AND BLUE ARMY
— James (@Shead_AV) 10 October 2018
we showed a whole lot of patience with the last manager, Dean Smith actually advocates a good footballing style ethic. He deserves that patience and big respect for coming to this brilliant club. chuffed to bits! welcome Dean Smith ????✌❤
— Rachel Malloch (@RachelVillavox) 11 October 2018
some fans have expectations. nothing wrong with ambition but let's not forget a rebuild is needed, areas have been left depleted. This is a big job and it will take time. He's used to working with a low budget so that's in our favour. I'm elated Paul! ✊????
— Rachel Malloch (@RachelVillavox) 11 October 2018
Genuinely so excited about this. It’s like JG all over again. Welcome home Dean Smith!!!! #avfc
— Chris Neville (@C_Nev) 10 October 2018
Get behind the new lads
If you're going to moan after a game or 2 then stay away from VP as the defence and GK are still going to be a little ropey until Jan unless JT can work his magic
If the players don't want to buy in then they can do one.
— Silver Arrows Villain (@Ossie12Simon) 10 October 2018
I shouldn’t need to say that’s only a small selection, there were plenty more along the same lines!