As you're probably well aware, Aston Villa have finally ended their managerial hunt as they've appointed Dean Smith, the former Brentford man. It's no secret that Smith grew up a Villa fan and considering what he's done with Brentford, the Villains are ecstatic. They're even more pleased, though, as according to The Telegraph's John Percy, the compensation fee is just £300,000.

This news is brilliant for Villa fans, they're all convinced that they'd paid Steve Bruce more to sack him and the fact that they've got someone who they view to be a much better long-term choice in at Villa Park for peanuts is a massive development. The next step will be for the club to start turning it around on the pitch and recover from their poor start to the season that's seen them stuck in 15th place in the Championship.

Steve Bruce really outstayed his welcome at Villa Park and in hindsight, the Villa board should have elected to cut him from the club after the playoff final loss. Although at the time the club was suffering financially and it's hard to know what was and wasn't on the table for the club's directors. Now, though, that's all behind them and Smith will be the man who the fans are hoping can ensure they return to the promised land of the Premier League.

You can read The Villains' verdict on the £300,000 compensation fee here:

The Villains have loved the tint fee they've had to pay in compensation for Smith and will hope he can inspire the club to improve and push for promotion.