Dean Smith was sacked by Aston Villa on Sunday after three years in charge.
Here, the PA news agency looks at why the club acted and what the factors behind the decision were.
Why now?
Thank you for the memories, Dean. pic.twitter.com/PfcSpncqHh
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) November 7, 2021
They have lost their last five matches but Villa’s results have been in decline during 2021 and the club decided to act. Villa have lost 19 of 38 games in all competitions this calendar year so it was not a decision just based on the last month.
Is it fair?
How much did Jack Grealish’s transfer impact Smith’s chances?
No1 will ever compare ?❤️ the real goat ❤️❤️ https://t.co/Spp6ADIAo6
— Jack Grealish (@JackGrealish) November 7, 2021
Grealish’s exit was always likely, despite Villa’s best efforts to keep their home-grown captain. He was integral to any success on the pitch, highlighted by his £100million release clause which Manchester City eventually triggered. He missed three months towards the end of last season with a shin injury and Villa won just three games without him.
Did Villa replace Grealish effectively?
