The big news in the world of football this morning is Dean Smith's appointment as manager of Aston Villa. 

It is a move which has delighted some of the purists, a Villa fan being given the chance to manage the club he loves as well as an English manager being handed a chance on a big stage.

There's little doubt Aston Villa are a top-flight club punching well below their weight. They shouldn't be in the Championship based on their history and stature, but the reality is right now they're not even amongst the favourites for promotion.

Mismanagement under Bruce and of the course the summer of discontent have left them some way behind their rivals, although the talented squad should surely be able to arrest the slide under the right guidance.

What will Dean Smith need to address to be a success? Here's three hurdles he'll have to overcome in the next few weeks.

The uncertainty around who is his number two will need instant clarification, so there's no confusion amongst the players.

Is it John Terry? Or is it going to be Richard O'Kelly?

What exactly is the situation behind the scenes? If there's going to be clear and concise management, this needs addressing.

Grealish hasn't played well this season, nobody can pretend he has.

Has he been affected by the summer's speculation? Or was he not being used to his full potential under Bruce?

Whatever the problem for his form is, it must be overcome quickly by Smith. The most obvious and glaring issue with Villa is the back four.

There's a lack of decent centre backs to partner James Chester, a current lack of James Chester, and aging full backs perhaps not suited to a Premier League assault.

Smith needs to make them resolute, but will undoubtedly have to strengthen even if it is through the free agent market.