Chairman like Ellis, literally are a dying breed. The man always seemed to have a smile on his face, but didn’t take any shoitteee of anyone.

Always looked forward to games against Villa. They had a bit of an edge for me. Just one of those teams I wanted to beat.

Hopefully they can get back into the Top Flight, where a club of that size and tradition should be.

RIP Doug Ellis.

I fear Terry will undermine Smith. He's a big name, big personality and I can see this causing problems. Add in a new director of football and who will have the last word? It should be the manager. I'm concerned it won't be the case.

RIP Deadly a true villa man

If it works and I really hope so, we shouldn't expect instant miracles and I did think same about Terry/Smith but hope this doesn't occur.

Its not as if we are out of contention to get back in at least play offs, but better football to watch will be a start.

What I do worry about is whether us and blouse get clobbered next season for FFP.

UTV

RIP Doug. Yep he had a big ego and wanted the limelight, but he was Villa through and through and supported us to the end. The club was a wreck when he took over.

Been following the interviews today, and it seems all good news. Smith came across very well and I think will be the capable constructive manager we are hoping for.

Purslow said a lot and it was impressive. Smith will be backed in January, the club will remain within FFP, the club is now in a strong financial position, and he, Smith and the new Director of Sports will be planning the way ahead. All seem to be singing from the same hymn sheet; Smith was chosen because his brand of football fits in with the club's aims.

Could well be a bit bumpy ahead, but the important thing is to get the club on a road to steady improvement. Bruce didn't really improve anything.

Think JT will be OK. He has a diplomatic streak. He didn't tread on Bruce's toes.

Sell out Saturday, should be buzzing at Villa Park.

Let’s hope the team give the performance a crowd of that size deserves.

Really looking forward to it

UTV

We won!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We had a plan. We could have won by a lot more, we could have lost as we slumped towards the end.

But we're on the way back!

UTV

R.I.P. Deadly Doug.

Looks like you lost tonight though....

Smith won't last. He'll be gone by summer.

Early days yet for the noobies.
Have to say RIP Doug, they certainly don’t make’em like that any more.
Onwards and upwards for us so, looking forward to the derby, makes for a cracker👍🏻

Meant to add it was an impressive turnout at VP!
Would be happy to see the three teams battling but out at the top of the table and not the bottom...points deduction permitting...

Well done KP in a tight league at the moment we are very much underachieving you are doing fine.

That Villa side Im not sure anyone could coach at times, Grealish frustrates the feck out of me, too pedestrian.

We play at too slow a tempo for that league and don't score enough goals to bury sides hence the draws and defeats.

UTV

Early days. We can but improve. Think we've improved already. Smith plays the right defenders in the right positions, unlike Bruce who did anything but.

The double injuries did for us at Norwich; we'd have had a reasonable chance of winning without. Smith needs to change the mindset of those going forwards; he's working on it.

Looking forwards to the derby!

Hey Andy