A number of Aston Villa fans have been reacting to Dean Smith’s training ground routines during his time in the Midlands, as reported by Ashley Preece.

Smith was relieved of his duties at Bodymoor Heath following a fifth successive Premier League defeat prior to the international break.

He has since taken over at basement side Norwich City, whereas Villa have officially brought in Steven Gerrard from Rangers.

Gerrard took training as Villa manager on Monday and was hands-on during his first session. Preece added that coach Michael Beale, who left Rangers to move south alongside Gerrard, was also very vocal and revealed that winger Trezeguet was back out on the grass following a serious knee injury in April.

Preece also stated that he was intrigued to see if Gerrard has changed the timing of Villa’s sessions, with Smith admitting earlier this year that training began at 12pm.

Villa fans react

Preece’s post on Monday afternoon received plenty of interaction, with many Villa supporters stunned at the 12pm start under Smith and one labelling it as ‘bonkers’, given their total lack of match sharpness during their poor run of form....

“Wait, what? Villa start their day at NOON? Sheesh, get the whip cracking, Gerrard, no excuses!”

Credit: @BannisterMonty

12 o’clock start. Elite athletes half the world already done 5 hours for £3.75 an hour by then. Surely banter this ??????

Credit: @Seeley789

“I don’t know how I missed this, but 12pm starts at training !! Wow”

Credit: @JUSTIN_AVFC_

“The 12 start is bonkers in today's world, elite athletes should be eating breakfast together for health, culture and bonding before heading out onto the pitches, The 12 promotes bad sleeping habits, poor eating habits and poor team togetherness”

Credit: @Villamole1

“What!?? Did Smith start training at noon? That is a huge question mark for me!”

Credit: @espenstrand

“12pm start?! I don't think Dean Smith had the authority he should have had”

Credit: @GaryBolton91

In other news: Gerrard has already picked out the £30m Rangers duo he wants NSWE to sign for Villa.