The Dream Come True for a Boyhood Villa Fan
Dean Smith‘s voice trembles with emotion when discussing what it means to manage Aston Villa in the legendary Second City derby. “Not even in my wildest dreams…” begins the man who grew up on the Holte End terraces, now preparing to patrol the Villa Park touchline against Birmingham City. This isn’t just another Championship fixture—it’s the culmination of a lifelong passion that began when young Dean watched Villa’s 1980/81 title-winning side dismantle their rivals 3-0, with Dave Geddis’ brace and Gary Shaw’s strike etching themselves into club folklore.
Divided Loyalties in the Smith Household
The build-up to this clash has seen Birmingham buzzing with anticipation. Smith reveals the unique family dynamics at play: “Most are Villa fans but some are Blues as well.” The 52-year-old coach admits to good-natured ribbing with his Birmingham-supporting friends, but makes no secret of his desire to claim bragging rights. His preparation has been meticulous—having attended last season’s derby while Brentford manager, Smith analyzed the game with dual purpose: “I had to have my professional head on,” though he couldn’t suppress a smile when recalling his daughter’s unrestrained celebrations of Villa’s goals.
Tactical Battle: Smith vs. Monk
This Sunday’s encounter promises to be fiercely contested, with both clubs level on points. Birmingham under Garry Monk—Smith‘s former Sheffield Wednesday teammate—have been transformed into a disciplined, hard-to-beat unit. “They’ve only lost three games,” Smith acknowledges, before hinting at potential weaknesses he’s identified. The Villa boss stresses that while the emotional stakes are high, the three points count equally whether against Birmingham or any other Championship rival.
The electric atmosphere of this historic rivalry awaits both sets of players (Source: Baji live match archives)
Expert Insight: What Makes This Derby Special?
Former Villa striker Darius Vassell, speaking exclusively to Baji live, reflected on the unique intensity of this fixture: “The Second City derby isn’t just about football—it’s about community pride, family bragging rights, and proving which side of Birmingham truly rules.” Vassell’s perspective underscores why this match means more than the league table suggests.
The Professional’s Perspective
Despite the emotional backdrop, Smith maintains a laser focus on Villa’s promotion push. “My obsession isn’t beating Birmingham City,” he states. “It’s about winning every game.” This professional detachment might surprise some fans, but it’s precisely this balanced approach that could give Villa the edge. With both teams showing improved form, tactical discipline rather than raw passion may decide this encounter.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Game
As Birmingham prepares for another chapter in this storied rivalry, Dean Smith stands at the intersection of childhood dreams and professional ambition. Whether as the fan who remembers Villa’s glory days or the manager determined to create new ones, Sunday represents the ultimate test of his connection to the club. For Baji live readers worldwide, this derby offers everything that makes English football special—history, passion, and the promise of unforgettable drama. Will Smith’s Villa continue their resurgence, or will Monk’s Birmingham spoil the party? One thing’s certain: the Second City will be talking about this one for years to come.
