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Dean Smith

Dean Smith

Coaching Sessions

Defending the box

Defending the box

This session is all about the back four and the real basics of defending. It teaches players that if one player goes for a header, the other defenders should be covering around the area for any flick-ons that they can pick up.
Deep runs from midfield

Deep runs from midfield

This session is designed to encourage attacking midfielders and wide players to make deep runs in behind the opposition defenders.
Finishing in the box

Finishing in the box

The vast majority of goals scored in the penalty area are achieved using one or two touches. This session therefore rehearses quick thinking and fast shooting in danger areas, where anticipation and speed of thought is key.
Match specific defending

Match specific defending

Use this session to teach players the key points involved in being a solid defensive team – namely patience, and the ability to delay the opposition in order to allow for cover and support from team mates.
Playing with split strikers

Playing with split strikers

In the session, we look for the different movements of the strikers in linking up to create space and opportunities for both themselves and others
Crossing and finishing

Crossing and finishing

No matter how good you are as an attacking player, you’ll always need great service, and that’s what this session coaches, notably in practising crossing situations from in and around the box.

Biography

Dean Smith began his coaching career in 2005 working with the youth players at Leyton Orient but it wasn’t long before he was appointed the club’s assistant manager, a position he occupied until January 2009. He subsequently became head of youth at Walsall, but in January 2011, with the team nine points adrift at the foot of League One, he accepted the role of caretaker manager. He successfully lifted the club out of the relegation zone and he was given the manager’s job on a permanent basis when safety was assured. He went on to lead Walsall to the final of the Football League Trophy in 2015 before leaving to manage Championship club Brentford. After a ninth place finish in his first season in charge, Smith substantially rebuilt the Brentford side and earned praise for creating a team that played attractive, passing football. He was appointed as Aston Villa manager in October 2018 and took the club from 14th in the Championship to the Premier League in his first season. In 2020 he led the club to runners up spot in the League Cup. He is a graduate of the LMA’s Certificate of Applied Management at Warwick University, a recipient of the LMA’s special achievement award, and a member of the LMA Board.

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