Former Leyton Orient captain Dean Smith has been appointed as Aston Villa’s new head coach.
The 47-year-old, who is a lifelong Villa fan, will be assisted by former Chelsea skipper John Terry, who returns to Villa Park in a coaching capacity having retired from professional football last week.
Smith moved to East London from Hereford United in 1997 and went onto enjoy six years as a player with the O’s, captaining the side to the Play Off final on two occasions.
After retiring as a player, the 47-year-old returned to Orient in a coaching capacity, initially working with the club’s youth team, before stepping up to become Martin Ling’s assistant.
Since leaving Brisbane Road in January 2009, Smith has embarked on a successful career as a manager with both Walsall and Brentford, with the Bees widely regarded as one of the most attractive teams to watch in the Championship.
He guided Brentford’s young squad to a ninth place finish last season and the West London club had enjoyed a promising start under the 47-year-old this campaign too, holding league leaders Leeds United last Saturday.
Smith leaves Griffin Park with the Bees in seventh place in the table and his first match in charge of Villa will be against Swansea City on Saturday, October 20.
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