West Brom boss Darren Moore has backed new Aston Villa boss Dean Smith to succeed at Villa Park.
The former Brentford boss is set to make his Villa managerial debut against Swansea this weekend, and Albion boss Moore expects him to succeed at his new post.
Moore’s Albion sit second in the Championship table, and are the Championship’s in-form side.
Smith was interviewed for the role at the Hawthorns before Albion decided to hand the job to Moore on a full time basis.
Despite the rivalry between Albion and Villa, Moore took the time to wish Smith well in his new role.
Moore said, via the Express and Star:
It’s fantastic for Dean. We’ll let the dust settle and I’ll send him my personal congratulations.
I’m delighted to have him back in the Midlands, I’m sure he’s delighted to be back too.
Dean’s record speaks for itself, he’s a fantastic manager and I’m sure Aston Villa will reap the rewards of his appointment. We wish him really well.
Albion and Villa haven’t met in almost three years, but will lock horns on December 7th at the Hawthorns.
Moore also spoke of the close bond he had with Smith, with the pair working together when Smith was managing at Walsall and Moore was working within the Albion youth setup.
I remember Dean from my playing days and obviously his time managing at Walsall. We had a real close link with him and Albion with some of our younger players.
He was always at our games. I know him and Richard really well. I wish them every success.
