What does Dean Smith need to sort out to make Aston Villa promotion candidates?

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From the minute Steve Bruce was sacked as Aston Villa manager, Dean Smith was the clear and obvious standout candidate.

The former Brentford boss is a lifelong Villa fan, knows the Championship well and has experience of getting teams punching above their weight.

All the other options would have represented a risk; Smith is not a sentimental appointment, he is the best man for the job.

But loving the club counts for nothing at this stage; he has to sort out a club that is something of a mess. Even the recruitment process was not smooth and it came on the back of a disorganised summer.

But what is at the top of the list of things Smith must sort out? First of all, he needs to construct a younger, more dynamic side. Bruce relied on aging legs and a stodgy style of play; Smith’s Brentford played flowing football, without relying on star names.

That is what the fans want to see and will get the best out of the players. Secondly, he must sort out that defence; you suspect that is why John Terry has been brought back.

He was in that backline last season and will know its strengths and weaknesses. It’s a tough job at Villa Park right now, but if Smith gets to grips with his major issues early, he may just make the club promotion contenders again.