Dean Smith’s Aston Villa beat Birmingham City 4-2 on Sunday to seal three Championship points and the Midland derby bragging rights.
Dean Smith has a tough challenge to get his boyhood club Aston Villa back to the Premier League, but the 47-year-old has certainly made an impact after replacing Steve Bruce at the Midland giants.
The former Brentford boss has taken charge of six Championship games since getting his dream job in October, and is currently revelling in the glory of a Midlands derby victory at the first attempt. Villa edged out Birmingham City 4-2 in a thrilling encounter on Saturday – and club hero Lee Hendrie obviously enjoyed the show.
Speaking to Sky Sports (26 November), Hendrie has lauded the impact Smith has made at Villa Park, while paying tribute to three attacking talents who will surely serve the highly-rated manager well during his time in the Second City.
“Since he has come in he has been a breath of fresh air,” Hendrie said. “He has got that foundation there, the back four, he is slowly getting that confidence. That is the backbone of the team.
“With the players that are in front, (Connor) Hourihane, (John) McGinn, (Jack) Grealish there is so much quality going forward. That is a quality team and it’s starting to show, it just needed a bit of guidance.”
Grealish was one of the best players on the pitch against The Blues, scoring a dream goal to inspire Aston Villa’s victory. Arguably the most naturally gifted player in the Championship, Grealish is starting to look like himself again under Smith.
Hourihane also impressed in the second half while McGinn, who missed the derby through injury, looks integral to Smith’s plans with his all-action style.
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