Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has brought about a meteoric change of fortune at Villa Park since assuming the head coach role, following the sacking of Steve Bruce back in October, after a play-off final win over Derby County at the weekend.

Smith, 48, oversaw a remarkable run of matches over the last two months of the Championship season, that thrust the Villans into the play-off mix at just the right time.

But what one word best sums up Smith's time at the helm at Villa?

We discuss.........

Alfie Burns

“Outstanding.

“It was a slow burner to start with from March onwards Villa have been outstanding and the job Smith has done deserves unbelievable credit.

“From 13th to play-off winners in two months is nothing short of outstanding,”

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Toby Wilding

"Overachieving.

"I don't think anyone expected Smith to get Villa promoted when he took over from Steve Bruce in October, and certainly no one will have had them down for a return to the top flight when they sat 13th at the start of March.

"Smith's however managed to pick his side up and pull off a club record winning run from out of nowhere to secure a place in the top six, before putting the nightmare of the Wembley defeat to Fulham of 12 months ago to bed.

"It's a magnificent achievement for the boyhood Villa fan, who had never managed a club of this size before, and one that nobody saw coming."

Louie Chandler

"Impressive.

"Coming into Villa he was always going to be popular, having grown up in the area and as a fan of the club and, of course, having replaced Steve Bruce.

"But it is easy to forget that around December/January time there were Villa fans calling for him to go as well, so to take all that in his stride and still win promotion is very impressive."