Pundit ‘hearing murmurs’ at Aston Villa amid ‘huge’ update on Smith’s future
The return of fans has had a detrimental impact on Aston Villa this season, according to Kevin Campbell.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Arsenal and Everton striker believes the absence of supporters in the 2020-21 campaign worked to Villa’s advantage.
The Claret and Blues have lost their last three Premier League fixtures.
A Villa source has told Football Insider that Dean Smith’s position at the club is now under “huge” scrutiny.
Owners Wes Edens and Naseef Sawiris are fiercely ambitious and want a significant improvement on last season’s 11th-placed finish.
Villa currently lie 13th in the Premier League table.
When asked by Football Insider for his assessment of Smith’s future, Campbell said: “Pressure is part of the job.
“I like Dean Smith, I think he’s done a really good job at Aston Villa.
“They got a few surprise results last season. Now there is a different level of expectation.
“They have invested a lot of money but in Jack Grealish, they’ve lost their talisman.
“Villa were excellent last season but we must remember there were not fans in the grounds. I think that helped them. It is a different dynamic this season.
“Villa have got a good team and a good manager. I think Dean Smith should be alright.
“We know what happens if you don’t get results though. The murmurs and rumours have started, from what I hear.
“When you look at names like Danny Ings, Emi Buendia, Leon Bailey – this side could do something.”
In other news, a pundit has slammed Dean Smith’s training methods after the latest on Aston Villa from BBC.