Match Day: Wigan vs. Aston Villa

It’s off to the DW Stadium today as Aston Villa visit Wigan and look to start turning draws into wins. As everyone’s been talking about, it’s one of those weekends where Villa could make up some ground and finish the day seventh if everything turns out right. That, of course, includes getting all three points.

Pleased To Meet You, Dean. What Happens Now?

Dean Smith & Co. took their first bows this week, and along with Christian Purslow, seemed to quite easily make a good impression all round. Well, Purslow seems a bit tightly wound, but you know what I mean. When he talked about Villa’s FFP woes being completely resolved? He made a pretty good impression. Richard O’Kelley seems likable and no nonsense. John Terry made all the right noises. And Smith? Smith managed to not say a whole lot other than promotion remains the goal.

Is Dean Smith a Hedged Bet?

Weeks of speculation and tabloid frenzy ended Wednesday with the appointment of Dean Smith as Steve Bruce’s successor at Aston Villa. Smith will be joined by none other than John Terry, who was seemingly part of the package for whoever we’ve been talking to.

And strangely this new era begins just as we hear of the passing of Sir Doug Ellis. RIP, Doug.