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Former Everton boss Sam Allardyce is impressed by Aston Villa’s appointment of Dean Smith and has compared him to Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe, speaking on Sky Sports’ The Debate podcast.
What’s the word?
Aston Villa made a managerial change during the international break by snatching Dean Smith from Brentford in a move that they will hope sparks a revival after a woeful run of just one victory in their last 11 matches across all competitions.
That poor run has seen Villa tumble down the Championship standings and risks derailing their push for a return to the Premier League but the arrival of the 47-year-old will hopefully spark a revival – and he has the backing of an experienced boss.
Sam Allardyce compared Smith to Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe on Sky Sports’ The Debate podcast, delivering his verdict on Aston Villa’s managerial change.
What was said?
“He’s a very, very, very good manager by the way Dean Smith. I would love to see him break into the Premier League and see what he can do, I think he’s in the Eddie Howe class me on what he’s done and how he’s progressing.
“And he deserves this chance because Villa is his club, that’s even better for him, bigger pressure but worth it.”
A good comparison?
Smith, seven years Howe’s senior, joins Aston Villa with an impressive record with his time at Brentford as he overachieved with the Bees during his three seasons at the club and the comparisons with the Bournemouth boss are easy to see.
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Howe also earned plaudits overachieving with the Cherries, guiding them to the Premier League and maintaining their spot in the top-flight while playing an attractive style of football that has caught the eyes of many.
Smith can do a similar job at Villa but the playing style should come later, as the most important task on the agenda is sparking life into a side that have seen their push for promotion suffer a stuttering start in the early stages of the season.