Following survival in the Premier League, Dean Smith’s job was rightfully safe. The Aston Villa fan-turned-manager led his side away from the perils of relegation in the nick of time on the final day. And, now, to ensure further solidity next season, Craig Shakespeare has been appointed as the new assistant head coach ahead of next season. The former Leicester City man, also a boyhood Villa fan, will combine with Smith to attempt second season success in the Premier League.
With all his experience, too, Shakespeare’s appointment could turn out to be Villa’s smartest of the summer.
Craig Shakespeare Confirmed as Aston Villa Assistant
Shakespeare a Plan B to Fall Back On
Despite the eventual achievement of survival, those in charge at Aston Villa will be aware of just how close the reality of a Championship return was. For most of the season, they flirted with the dropzone, even dropping into it on several occasions, and but for a post-lockdown turn of form, they would have gone down.
For now, however, albeit cutting it close, Dean Smith keeps his job alongside a top-flight position. The guidance and experience from the more veteran Shakespeare should only improve Smith’s managerial prowess, too, going into a second Premier League season.
It has to be said, though, that should Dean Smith fail to oversee progress next season, then the club have given themselves an instant plan B. The appointment of Shakespeare gives them a direct candidate for the job should Dean Smith fail.
The ex-Leicester man would come straight into an interim role, and given his experience, has every chance of taking the position full-time. The Villa hierarchy will hope the situation doesn’t present itself, but, the fact is, if it does, they are well prepared.
What Seems an Insignificant Arrival Could Prove Vital
After guiding Leicester to safety in 2017, beating Liverpool and winning a Champions League tie along the way, Shakespeare could end up being the signing of the summer for Aston Villa.
His appointment certainly seems a shroud piece of business; his experience could well lead to second season solidity in the Premier League, and will only improve Dean Smith’s backroom staff.
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