Smith’s pre-derby comments underline his connection with the Aston Villa fans

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The relationship between Aston Villa and Steve Bruce always felt like a marriage of convenience that would only truly be tolerated if the club gained promotion back to the Premier League.

Bruce’s past connections with Birmingham City made it difficult for Villa fans to take to him initially and his reliance on experienced players and tepid style of football ensured that there was never any genuine affection between the two parties.

Bruce conducted himself with great resilience and pride in the last meeting between the sides; overseeing a 2-0 victory over his old club in the week where he lost his father.

That should not be forgotten but it is already clear that Bruce’s successor Dean Smith has a greater affinity with the club’s fans; after all, he is one himself and understands exactly what the derby means to the club.

His comments in the build-up to this weekend’s clash against Birmingham underline his connection with the fans. He said: “I’ve sat in the stands as an Aston Villa fan. Even as Brentford manager last season, I came to watch the 2-0 win at Villa Park with my daughter. I know what it means to supporters.”

That goodwill means the fans are far more likely to unite behind Smith and back what he is trying to do. Those intangibles could make all the difference to a juggernaut still trying to turn itself around.