Former Aston Villa boss Dean Smith was sacked on Sunday but fought his corner during a meeting with Christian Purslow.
That’s according to reliable reporter Ashley Preece, whose article in The Birmingham Mail and corresponding social media post had a lot of Villa fans talking.
Smith’s three-year tenure in the Midlands came to an end just a couple of days after a fifth successive Premier League defeat. The 50-year-old was relieved of his duties at Bodymoor Heath on Sunday, and according to Preece, he argued the fact that big-money summer signings Leon Bailey, Emiliano Buendia and Danny Ings had barely featured on the pitch at the same time.
In fact, the journalist observed that the trio had all featured together for just 35 minutes. However, Purslow wasn’t happy that Smith surrendered a shot at European football during the second half of the 2020/21 season, with Villa just four points off fourth-placed Liverpool with two games in hand in February before ultimately finishing 11th.
Villa fans react
Preece’s article and tweet late on Sunday caught the eyes of these Villa fans, with many defending Smith while criticising Purslow, and one labelling it as 'heartbreaking'.
“makes me feel even worse. Never really liked Purslow (although it was probs the right choice in the end), he’s always made me feel a little concerned”
“Purslow worries me with each passing day. I find this viewpoint bizarre. Where’s the acknowledgement regarding the Covid outbreak? Poppadom shins being out so much? The constant integration of yet more players? ”
“Heartbreaking to hear. Understand where he's coming from, but doesn't excuse the squad overall poor form since the new year.”
“Well, I'm not happy that Purslow got Jack to sign a new contract with a release clause in it. If the next appointment doesn't work, then Purslow's head can roll this time.”
“Purslow has got this so wrong. And every single name linked is a big fat no”
“Surrendered European shot? Yes, we fell off a cliff from January onwards. But that was more to do with JG being injured and the Covid outbreak in the team. Valid points as well about our BIB front 3. Seems Purslow has wanted rid for a while, which is slightly concerning”
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