Meanwhile, chief executive Christian Purslow was likewise delighted with Smith’s decision to commit his future and assured that the manager would play a fundamental part in the rebuilding plans as the club seek to re-establish themselves in the Premier League, he added: “The Board is delighted that Dean has signed a new four-year contract which puts him at the heart of the Club’s long term rebuilding plans.”
The Villains have accumulated just 14 points from the opening 13 games and that sees them a couple of points adrift of the drop zone. However, they have been unlucky in a few games against the top Premier League clubs where they have squandered the advantage by conceding late goals to the frustration of the manager.
Villa have an away game at Manchester United for the weekend and Smith could relish the game as an opportunity to register a shock result. The Red Devils have not played to the best of their abilities this season and there certainly remains a weakness in the centre of the park which could be exploited at Old Trafford on Sunday.