Walsall Road
From Walsall to Villa Park: Dean Smith's journey through the Football League and into management.
Dean Smith (born 19 March 1971) is an English professional football manager and former player who is the head coach of Major League Soccer club Charlotte FC. Smith began his playing career as a defender with Walsall in 1989, where over five years he played 166 league and cup games. After signing for Hereford United in 1994, three years and 146 appearances later, he moved on to Leyton Orient. In six years with Orient, he made 309 appearances in all competitions before earning a move to Sheffield Wednesday in 2003. After a season with Wednesday, he moved on to Port Vale, retiring in January 2005. He scored 54 goals in 566 league games in a 16-year career in the Football League.
Quick Facts
- Role
- Original Home Ground (1874–1876)
- Location
- Walsall Road, Birmingham
- Key era
- Founding and Early Amateurism
- Fate
- Sold for development; replaced by Perry Barr, then Villa Park
- Status
- Historical Site
Lore & Background
Smith was appointed as Aston Villa manager in October 2018 and took the club from 15th in the Championship to the Premier League via the play-offs in the 2018–19 season, and then to the 2020 EFL Cup final. Aston Villa dismissed him in November 2021.
Reader's Guide
Smith's managerial career includes spells at Walsall (from January 2011), Brentford (from November 2015), Aston Villa (October 2018 to November 2021), Norwich City (13 months), Leicester City (short-term from April 2023), and Charlotte FC (from December 2023).
Did You Know?
- Smith took Walsall from the relegation zone to safety in his first four months in charge.
- He took Walsall to the 2015 final of the Football League Trophy.
- Smith attained his UEFA Pro Licence in 2008 alongside Roy Keane and Brendan Rodgers.
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