Aston Villa’s set-piece conundrum
Dean Smith’s Aston Villa have this season demonstrated an ability to win through a moment of brilliance, a dogged defensive display and in the...
From Bruce to Smith, a footballing chasm
I want to begin this piece with an important bit of housekeeping. Although what follows will contain criticisms of Steve Bruce and his antiquated,...
Johan Lange’s right-hand man, Frederik Leth
When Aston Villa appointed Johan Lange as the club’s new Sporting Director last July, co-owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens re-affirmed their promise in...
‘It’s my job to get the best out of them’ – Dean Smith leading...
Behind every good team, there’s a great leader.
Elements of resilience, determination and courage are all key to the make-up of a coach capable of...
Patience is a virtue: Aston Villa’s project in motion
While the shutters are down and fast-food wrappers flutter violently in Trinity Road gusts, Aston Villa have been busy setting club records, quietly going...
Johan Lange’s influence at Aston Villa
When Aston Villa appointed John Lange as the club’s new Sporting Director, co-owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens said: “We’re pleased to welcome Johan...
Aston Villa 2020-21: How is the season shaping up?
With half the 2020-21 season gone, Aston Villa are flying in the Premier League. Here, Peter Watton, from matched betting specialists OddsMonkey, takes a...
Missing Villa Park more than ever
A congregation of the masses, young and old, chase the Saturday afternoon with a palpable buzz in the air as thousands head under the...
Analysing why Aston Villa are proving the Premier League’s tricky customers
In a Premier League season blighted by COVID-19 outbreaks, fixture postponements, and even the looming possibility of a circuit-breaker, it’s been far from business...
How Dean Smith is using lessons learned from his Walsall days to galvanise Aston...
The life of a Premier League manager can often be a gilded existence – but Dean Smith’s days in lower league football have ensured...