Millwall boss Neil Harris – Dean Smith deserves “big job” at Aston Villa

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Millwall manager Neil Harris reckons Dean Smith fully deserves his chance to boss a big club – after being appointed this week by Aston Villa.

There had been media speculation that Arsenal legend Thierry Henry could be handed the role following the sacking of Steve Bruce last week.

The Lions beat Villa 2-1 before the international break – Kevin MacDonald taking caretaker charge for that match at The Den.

Smith has left Brentford to take on the challenge of revitalising the Midlands giants.

Harris said: “Dean has certainly performed unbelievably well as a manager in his time at Walsall and then he has gone to Brentford and been successful.

“He fully deserves a huge job like Aston Villa in my opinion.

“It is going to take time for him, but he’ll stamp his mark on that club. He’ll play his style of total football.

“A lot of people will be backing him to make them a top six club and it is a big loss to Brentford.”