Aston Villa fires manager Dean Smith after 5-game losing run

Posted November 07, 2021 6:00 am

The Associated Press

BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) - Aston Villa fired manager Dean Smith with the team mired in a five-match losing run.

The Premier League club made the announcement on Sunday. Smith, who guided the club back to the top flight, has paid the price for the team's disappointing form this season.

Friday's 1-0 defeat at Southampton proved the last act for Smith, that result leaving Villa with just 10 points from their opening 11 games and just two points clear of the relegation zone.

Villa chief executive Christian Purslow said in a statement on the club's website: 'œThis year we have not seen the continuous improvement in results, performances and league position which we have all been looking for.

'œFor this reason we have decided to make a change now to allow time for a new head coach to make an impact.'ť

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Southampton's Mohamed Elyounoussi, right, fights for the ball with Aston Villa's Emiliano Buendia during the English Premier League soccer match between Southampton and Aston Villa at the Saint Mary's Stadium in Southampton, England, Friday, Nov. 5, 2021. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) The Associated Press

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