It's interesting, how things come about. So many wanted Dean Smith to replace Steve Bruce but they didn't really know much about Dean Smith. They just wanted rid of Steve Bruce. But at the time, they were certain.
Today, Dean Smith takes his Aston Villa to Brentford with a 35% win record. It's only just better than Thomas Frank, the man that replaced him, who has a 33.33% win record. It's close. But does it tell us anything?
Me, I'm not sure. I know things are not going great for Dean Smith at the moment, but I have faith things will turn around. Most of our squad would start for most teams in this League, so it's only a matter of time before Smith gets them to start winning together.
And it's wasn't supposed to happen straight away. And yes, I'm okay not having it instantly. I know things don't happen that way. But around us, the game has changed. For the past few weeks, there has been this clamouring for Ole Gunnar Solskjær to take over at Manchester United because he'd done quite well. Last night I heard someone on the radio suggesting that he wasn't good enough because of one result.
And I write this because I have no doubt if we don't tonight, there will be a few that go a little mental over it. Relax. Tomorrow is coming.
I'll be back later. I now have work to perform and Dean Smith needs to see the comments, otherwise he's not going to know what team to pick. Hurry.
Match facts from the BBC
- Since Villa dropped down to the Championship in 2016, Brentford are unbeaten in five league meetings with them. Dean Smith was in charge of the Bees for those five games.
- Prior to their two defeats in the last two seasons, Villa had not visited Griffin Park in the league since February 1947.
- Brentford lost four of Thomas Frank's first five home matches in all competitions. But they have now won five of his subsequent six games at Griffin Park, including each of the last four.
- Villa have lost 12 of their last 14 league visits to the capital - but both were in West London, against QPR at Loftus Road, under Steve Bruce.
- Said Benrahma has been involved in 10 goals in nine Championship starts at Griffin Park for Brentford this season (three goals, seven assists).
- Dean Smith has won just one of his seven league meetings with Brentford, a 3-2 win as boss of Walsall in April 2011.