There are scant few achievements in the footballing world that earn you the place in annals quite like securing play-off glory, so hats off to you, Mr Dean Smith.
There are few experiences like it, a play-off final. The nerves, the excitement, the sleepless nights and wistful conjectures of the glory to come, like pre-empting a lottery win and daydreaming about what the newfound riches will be spent on, all roll into one to create one of football’s most entertaining spectacles.
The play-off final is a long and arduous 46-game season squeezed into a single awe-inspiring 90-minute match; a measly goal the difference between travelling to the Den or Old Trafford, the thin line between hero and villain status; and the emotional gulf lay between crying tears of joy and tears of happiness.
But most importantly, it was the difference between Dean Smith and Frank Lampard on 27 March 2019.
What a man. What a story. What an achievement.
Indeed, not even the foolhardiest and blissfully optimistic fans could have envisaged the fairy-tale comeback Villa have enjoyed under boyhood fan Smith – not least considering the state of the club at the beginning of the season.
While it was never in doubt that the man who was so evidently invested in the club managed such a remarkable achievement, it is the speed and efficiency in which Smith went about his job that impressed us and fans the most.
Villa were languishing in 13th place when the Holte End regular inherited the dishevelled, dejected and desperate group of players from Steve Bruce – who would finally receive his p45 after just one paltry win in nine league games, yet they looked a totally rejuvenated under their new guidance.
The football was smoother, the defence tighter; the players looked like they had something to fight for, a dream of reaching the Premier League.
You try telling us that any other manager could have guided the team on a 12-run unbeaten streak and pitch the club so cleanly into the top six.
Aston Villa fans, how much does Smith mean to you? Do you think anyone else could have achieved what he has? What are your predictions for next season? Let us know in the comments below…
