Smith signs new Aston Villa contract

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has put pen to paper on a new four-year contract, the Birmingham club have confirmed.

Smith arrived to Villa Park in October last year and it took him less than one whole season to guide the team to Premier League promotion by winning the Championship play-offs. His team started the top-flight campaign better than many would have expected. After 13 rounds, they are in 15th place with 14 points to their name, four above the relegation-zone toppers Norwich City.

Upon putting his name on the contract, the 48-year-old said it was his long-term aim to see Aston Villa become a top Premier League club once more. Many don’t remember it now, but Villa have been crowned champions of England seven times, though their last title came in 1980/81. They also have seven FA Cups, five League Cups and the 1982 European Cup on their shelves.

Club CEO Christian Purslow added that this extension confirms Smith’s place in their long-term rebuilding plans.