New Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has said that he will no doubt feel 'emotional' when he walks out at Villa Park today, but insists it will be down to business as usual following that.

The new Villa manager is preparing to take charge of his first game today, as the Villans take on Swansea City at what is expected to be a packed house at Villa Park for the former Brentford man's first game in the hotseat.

And Smith, speaking to Villa's official website, recognised the sentiment behind his decision to take over.

"My introduction to the crowd will be the emotional bit for me. So far, I've tried to take the emotion out of it. Coming here was a rational decision, not an emotional one."

"Of course it's a proud moment. I've got cousins coming over from as far as the U.S. who want to be here for my first game. I'm really looking forward to all that, of course I am. But then I'll get my game head on. I have to ensure the players are right to go and win the game.

Smith will be hoping to get off to a fine start as he begins his tenure with the club he supported as a boy, with the ultimate aim to get his club into a playoff position come the end of the season, something Smith will no doubt feel is possible given the squad at his disposal.

The verdict

This reaction from Smith doesn't surprise me, and I very much think he will be down to business as soon as the adulation is over and done with.

Smith wants to win football matches first and foremost, and what better way to get his tenure at Villa underway than with a home win in front of a packed house.