'It is him' - Aston Villa fans agree with Steven Gerrard about Dean Smith

Some Aston Villa fans were disappointed to see their club's former manager Dean Smith relegated with Norwich City upon his return to Villa Park.

Villa ran out 2-0 winners to record their first victory since March 10 with Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings on the scoresheet. Burnley winning at Watford means Norwich are relegated again having only come up last season.

Smith moved to Carrow Road in November when he was sacked by Villa and Steven Gerrard brought in to replace him. Brought in as Steve Bruce's successor in 2018, Smith took Villa up and consolidated them as a Premier League club once again before a run of five-straight defeats convinced their owners a change was needed.

Smith's experience as a promotion winner will be crucial for next season as he looks to bring Norwich back into the top flight and Gerrard reckons that is on the cards. "I'm disappointed for Norwich and Dean, he's someone I've got the utmost respect for, but I think they've employed him for the big picture," Gerrard said.

"It was always going to be a tough job, it was always going to be a massive mountain to climb to keep them up and I don't doubt they'll be one of the favourites to bounce back next year." Villa fans reckon Smith is the man to bring the good times back to Norwich, too.

"I hate that it was us who sent Norwich down, respect to Dean and his team and I am sure they’ll be back in the Prem soon," one supporter said on social media. "Good luck to him in the Championship. he did well for us and hopefully brings Norwich back up next season," another added while a third fan said: "I feel for Smith, it is good to see he got a decent reception and the best of luck to him and Norwich next season in the Championship."

"All the best to Smith