Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand is anticipated to be considered as Aston Villa hunt for a successor to Dean Smith who was dismissed on Sunday after a fifth straight PL defeat; CEO Christian Purslow: “We have not seen improvement in results, performances and league position” on last season.
Villa have not yet settled on a recommened candidate and will conduct a thorough process to gauge who will be their next head coach – but Hjulmand is well known to Villa sporting director and fellow Dane Johan Lange.
In announcing Smith’s departure on Sunday, Purslow said: “After a good start to last season, this year we have not seen the continuous improvement in results, performances and league position which we have all been looking for.
“For this reason we have decided to make a change now to allow time for a new head coach to make an impact. The process of replacing Dean will now begin and the club will update supporters in due course.
“When Dean joined us in October 2018 our team was really struggling in the Championship. He immediately transformed the atmosphere and performances and achieved the ultimate success of leading Villa back to the Premier League within the same season – a rare feat.
“The board would like to sincerely thank Dean for his many excellent achievements, on and off the pitch, during this time.
“Everyone knows how much Aston Villa means to Dean and his family. He has represented the club with distinction and dignity – universally liked and respected by everybody associated with Aston Villa – our staff, players and supporters alike. We wish him the very best.”
