Former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has made an impassioned plea for the club to honour Jack Grealish with a permanent tribute, arguing the playmaker merits a statue for his role in the club's revival, not the abuse he sometimes receives on his returns.
A Lasting Monument for a Villa Fan
In an exclusive interview for the Claret & Blue podcast, Smith expressed his dismay at the mixed reception Grealish has received from some fans since his £100 million move to Manchester City in August 2021. The former boss, who shared a promotion-winning bond with the player, believes Grealish's legacy should be celebrated in bronze.
"I still believe there should be a statue of him outside the academy building," Smith stated, "as somebody who came through as an Aston Villa fan and got sold for £100 million to help the club get to where they are now." He emphasised his pride in Grealish's subsequent trophy-laden spell at City and described him as "a really good human being first and foremost."
The Catalyst for Villa's Revival
Smith's connection with Grealish is inextricably linked to Aston Villa's redemption story. Appointed in October 2018, Smith recalled an early meeting where he challenged Grealish to improve his goal contributions. The midfielder had not scored in the 2018-19 season before that talk but finished the campaign with six crucial goals, driving Villa's promotion charge.
Smith's decision to make Grealish captain in March 2019 proved a masterstroke. Villa went on a remarkable run, taking 30 points from a possible 30 in the Championship to secure a play-off place, which they won at Wembley against Derby County. Smith highlighted Grealish's "will to win" and exacting standards, which sometimes saw him clash with coaches like John Terry in training.
Anticipating Another Emotional Return
Grealish is set for another charged return to Villa Park this weekend. Now on loan at Everton, he is eligible to play in Sunday's Premier League fixture after serving a one-match ban. This will be his third appearance at his old ground since his departure.
His previous returns in December 2021 and last season were met with a complex blend of jeers, taunts of 'You're not Super any more', and later applause. Smith, sacked three weeks before Grealish's first return as an opponent, confessed his disappointment at the jeers.
Regardless of the reception, Smith expects a fierce but respectful battle on the pitch, particularly between Grealish and current Villa captain John McGinn. The pair shared a close, mischievous bond during their time together, famously sneaking off to a pub during a pre-season camping trip in the Brecon Beacons.
While Smith will forever appreciate Grealish's contribution, his allegiance on Sunday remains clear: he, like every Villa fan, hopes for a home victory over Grealish's Everton.
