Monday 15 October 2018 17:32, UK
Dean Smith insists promotion remains a realistic aim for Aston Villa this season despite the club's disappointing start to the campaign.
Smith was appointed as Villa's new head coach on Wednesday following the departure of former boss Steve Bruce, who was sacked after a run of one win in 10 matches.
Villa are currently 15th in the Sky Bet Championship, just six points above the relegation places, but Smith believes he can guide the club back to the Premier League in his first season at Villa Park.
"The statistics are not good for the club at the moment, hence why I'm sat here," said the former Brentford boss, speaking at his first Aston Villa press conference on Monday.
"There is a realistic aim, I believe, to go and get promoted this season. That has to be the aim.
"I've been in this league now for the last three or four seasons, and it is a tough league. For me, it's the most even league I've seen since I've been in it.
"Wolves last season were outstanding. The season before you had Newcastle and Brighton, who were very good.
"At the moment I don't see anyone who looks like they're going to run away with it. There is not an insurmountable gap between us and the top two, or top six."
Former Aston Villa defender John Terry has been appointed as one of two assistant coaches to Smith, with Richard O'Kelly also joining the club from Brentford.
Smith believes the former Chelsea captain is an ideal appointment, having spent the final season of his career at Villa Park.
"John has got a wealth of experience," said Smith. "We all know that he has played at the top level of the game.
"He has always been very interested in coaching as well. It was nice to get out on the grass today with John and Richard, and work with the players.
"He knows the football club, the dressing room, the players and he knows the expectations at the club. For me, it is a really good fit for everybody."
Villa chief executive Christian Purslow confirmed Smith will have funds available to sign new players in January should he deem it necessary.
When asked if Smith will be able to add to his squad, Purslow said: "Absolutely.
"A critical third appointment, which we announced last week, was the appointment of our new sporting director - Jesus Garcia Pitarch.
"Jesus has enormous experience at two major Spanish clubs, Valencia and Atletico Madrid, in a sporting director capacity.
"I expect Dean, Jesus and myself in the next four to eight weeks to listen to Dean's initial assessment of the squad, as he sees it.
"We'll talk and build a plan for the rest of the season and the future. If that includes players joining and leaving in January, then that will be absolutely fine."
