Dean Smith in pole position for Aston Villa job

Dean Smith is the early favourite to replace Steve Bruce as Aston Villa manager, according to our latest odds.

Bruce was dismissed this week after a miserable run of one win in 10 games.

Smith has impressed at Brentford on a very tight budget. He’s 2/1 to take over at Villa Park.

Paulo Fonseca and Thierry Henry are joint-second in the betting at 4/1.

After excelling on the pitch last season, John Terry is 7/1 to return to the Midlands as manager. Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is also a 7/1 shot.

Villa are 13th in the Championship and face Millwall away this weekend.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Dean Smith ticks a lot of boxes and at this stage, he’s the most popular pick with punters to replace Bruce.”

Ladbrokes Latest Betting:

10 most likely names to replace Steve Bruce

Dean Smith – 2/1

Paulo Fonseca – 4/1

Thierry Henry – 4/1

Andrea Stramaccioni – 5/1

Brendan Rodgers – 7/1

John Terry – 7/1

Chris Wilder – 10/1

Sam Allardyce – 10/1

Alan Pardew – 12/1

Carlos Carvalhal – 12/1

All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication