Aston Villa sack Smith after three years

Aston Villa have sacked manager Dean Smith after three years in charge.

Smith and Villa parted ways following the club’s 1-0 defeat by Southampton on Friday.

Thank you for the memories, Dean. pic.twitter.com/PfcSpncqHh

The loss was their fifth in a row in the Premier League – and their worst losing run since January to February 2017 in the Championship.

It leaves the club in 15th place – just three points above the relegation zone.

“The process of replacing Dean will now begin and the Club will update supporters in due course,” a statement from Villa said.

Smith is the fifth managerial change in the English Premier League this season.