Dean Smith wants to bring the glory days back to Aston Villa after signing new deal

The 48-year-old, who guided Villa back to the Premier League back in May, believes breaking into the top six and a return to Europe are realistic long-term goals.

Smith, who has signed a contract through to the summer of 2023, said: “I have seen what this club can do in this country. It can be one of the biggest.

“It is going to take time. I think everyone knows that.

“I am thankful for the owners, (sporting director) Jesus Garcia Pitarch and (chief executive) Christian Purslow for giving me the opportunity to continue this journey.

“I would love to be the one who takes this club back to the glory days of playing in Europe.

“Under Martin O’Neill the club got regular top six finishes and that is where we feel we need to be again.”

Smith’s new deal follows an excellent first 13 months in charge of the club he has supported since childhood.

Villa currently sit 15th in the Premier League and the boss hopes signing fresh terms will reaffirm to players about the bold ambitions of billionaire owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens.

He said: “I know I have signed the contract but the people it will really affect are in the dressing room.

“They are the most important ones as they are the ones who go out and play every week. They want to see consistency.

“We brought 12 people in the summer and those 12 people know I was part of the process of bringing them in.

“I have been a player and it is not nice to see managers come and go because you are always trying to prove yourself again.

“We have a chance to fulfil some of the potential of the players we have got, grow their value and make them assets for the club. We can make this club a real top club.

“There has always been a long-term vision and a strategy. The toughest part to start with was to get the club back into the Premier League.

“We have managed to do that and now we have to go and build again.

“We have two owners who are very ambitious but also invested into the club financially and emotionally, flying over from wherever they are to watch games at the moment.

“As a club it is about growing over the next few years and trying to challenge to become one of those top six teams.”