Dean Smith wants statue built of Aston Villa figure, not everyone will agree
Aston Villa fans will back everything Dean Smith has to say, but this time may be slightly different.
Smith brought Aston Villa back to the Premier League and is widely regarded as one of the most popular figures associated with Villa Park in recent memory.
Unai Emery has done a superb job since taking over, but Smith laid the groundwork for success at Aston Villa in his tenure.
Villa recently secured wins over Manchester United, West Ham and Arsenal to keep them three points off top spot, just six years after promotion from the second tier.
Smith is a Villa fan who lived the dream and has now revealed one figure from his time in charge in B6 that is deserving of being immortalised with a statue.
Dean Smith calls for new statue at Aston Villa
Morgan Rogers is the star for Villa right now and is making the difference between massive wins and draws or losses in recent weeks.
The England international has become a talisman in claret and blue, with a starting role at the 2026 World Cup in the pipeline this summer.
His talents has sparked supporters to think back to the days of Jack Grealish’s Villa prime as the two have many similarities to assess.
Rogers’ goal against United was eerily similar to one the former skipper netted at Old Trafford with a curling effort into the far top corner.
Certain sections of supporters in the Midlands feel aggrieved by Grealish and his move to Manchester City, due to the release clause being activated that he had personally requested.
That doesn’t seem to bother Smith, who has called for the attacking midfielder to be awarded a trophy at the Villa academy while on the Claret and Blue Podcast.
He said: “I still believe there should be a statue of him [Grealish] outside the academy building.
“He’s somebody who came through as an Aston Villa fan and got sold for £100m to become what they are now.“
Jack Grealish deserves a trophy at Bodymoor Heath
It may be a step too far to immortalise the 30-year-old at Villa Park as he never lifted a cup or league title with the Villans.
If Villa had beaten Manchester City in the 2020 League Cup final, there is easily an argument there to suggest he deserved that honour.
Smith is spot on to suggest Grealish should be rewarded for his service to his boyhood club with a statue at the academy building to act as a role model for all current youngsters.
Villa may never bring through someone who has such a massive impact in the Midlands or goes on to be sold for an amount even similar to that £100m.
He was jeered last time he visited Villa Park, so it may be seen as a controversial move, but it would likely be widely accepted by many.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Aston Villa news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @villanews247