Aston Villa are the form team heading into the final throes of this Championship season, on a run of eight consecutive victories that has thrust Dean Smith's side into fifth place in the league with only four matches of their season remaining.

This form has led former Leeds United and Coventry City striker Noel Whelan to claim to Football Insider that Smith has inspired the revival at Villa Park through shrewd management.

“It’s an incredible turnaround and the man who deserves most credit is Dean Smith,” Whelan said. “He was under a lot of pressure when he came in, but he changed the formation, the style of play, everything, and the fruits of his labour are now being reaped."

So is Whelan right in his assessment of Smith?

We discuss........

George Harbey

"I think he's absolutely spot on.

"It was a tricky start for him at first, and he had to be patient in order to get his side playing the way that his Brentford side did.

"But he has taken his time, and he's now reaping the rewards."

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Gary Hutchinson

“Absolutely, and not just for the job he’s done after the turn of the year.

“I’d heard whispers that the Villa fans wanted him out after their poor run.

“He stood firm though and remained true to his principles.

“That shows immense character.”

Jacob Potter

"He’s been hugely impressive.

"Smith had a tough start when he joined the Villans, but he’s learnt from his mistakes and deserves a considerable amount of credit.

"Without Smith in charge, I seriously don’t think that Aston Villa would be in with a chance of winning promotion to the Premier League this season."