Hutton issues 'matter of time' Aston Villa prediction after Smith reveal from source
Alan Hutton has backed the "fantastic" Dean Smith to outlast increasing pressure regarding his future at Aston Villa.
The former Claret and Blue, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted Villa could challenge for European football this season after their "excellent" transfer business.
Football Insider revealed yesterday (September 14th) that Smith is fighting for his job and the sack is a possibility if he cannot inspire a turnaround ahead of the next international break.
A Villa source revealed Smith's relationship with chief executive Christian Purslow has weakened following the departures of coaches John Terry and Richard O'Kelly on the eve of the Premier League season.
Hutton emphatically backed the former Brentford boss and warned Villans that "the grass isn't always greener".
“Obviously it’s not the start they will have been wanting," he told Football Insider's Ewan Kingsbury.
"But I don’t think you can pass judgement based on what they did against Chelsea.”
“I do believe they should be pushing for those European spots this season.
“But listen, it takes time. They’ve brought in some excellent players, and they are still getting over the Jack Grealish situation.
“They’re still figuring out how they’re going to play and perform without him moving forward.
“He’s a fantastic manager – he gets the best out of players, and he’s put together a great squad capable of challenging.
“It’s just a matter of time before it clicks and he gets it right.”
“Sometimes the grass isn’t always greener. He’s building something good - so stick with it.”
The Midlands side currently lie 12th in the table after a mixed start to the new campaign.
Villa completed the summer signings of Danny Ings, Leon Bailey, Emi Buendia and Axel Tuanzebe amid the British record departure of Jack Grealish to Manchester City.