Villa close to confirming Smith as new head coach

Aston Villa close to confirming the appointment of Brentford head coach Dean Smith.

Twitter: Breaking: #avfc are close to appointing Dean Smith as their new head coach, after agreeing compensation with Brentf… https://t.co/65tWBFQH4P (@JPercyTelegraph)

Villa have now agreed a compensation deal with fellow Championship side Brentford and will complete the deal in the coming days.

Thierry Henry and Rui Faria were both heavily linked with the role, but both decided to turn down the move to Villa Park.

John Terry, who was a player at Aston Villa last season, is set to also join as Dean Smith’s number two – after a number of players showed an interest in his return.

Smith has been hailed in recent years as one of the best coaches in the Championship due to his fine work at Brentford over the past three years.

He also grew up supporting Aston Villa, which is likely to have played a part in his decision to leave Brentford.