Smith’s plans to introduce Aston Villa set-piece coach are very shrewd indeed

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Dean Smith has employed the use of a set-piece specialist during his time at Brentford and wants to do the same at Aston Villa, according to recent reports.

Smith has revealed he wants to discuss the idea with senior board members at some point as he seeks to fine-tune his Villa side with a view to getting them out of the Championship at the end of the season.

Some people may sniff at the idea of specialists for minute details but marginal gains are a very important part of the modern game where results can be decided on the small margins.

Well-rehearsed set-pieces were at the heart of England’s run to the World Cup semi-finals in the summer, while Liverpool have appointed a throw-in specialist in an attempt to get an edge.

England assistant manager Steve Holland visited Brentford before the World Cup – during Smith’s reign – to see how they do things and the influence was clear to see in the host of successful set-pieces choreographed by striking specialist Allan Russell.

The success of that approach has obviously influenced Smith and made him think that it is a key aspect of his approach and something that Villa must press on with.