Dean Smith will be a success at Aston Villa, says West Brom boss Darren Moore
Dean Smith will be a resounding success according to Baggies boss Darren Moore, who wished the Aston Villa head coach well in his new job despite the local rivalry.
Moore knows Smith from his time at Walsall, when the pair regular spoke about the possibility of Albion's youngsters heading to the Saddlers on loan.
In the summer, both men were interviewed for the Albion job before owner Guochuan Lai decided to reward Moore's sterling work as caretaker with a permanent contract.
Five months later, Smith has returned to the West Midlands to take the job at his boyhood club following Steve Bruce's exit.
And despite the two sides' fierce rivalry, Moore has wished his counterpart well.
"It's fantastic for Dean," said Moore. "We’ll let the dust settle and I’ll send him my personal congratulations.
"I'm delighted to have him back in the Midlands, I’m sure he’s delighted to be back too.
"Dean’s record speaks for itself, he’s a fantastic manager and I’m sure Aston Villa will reap the rewards of his appointment. We wish him really well."
Villa and Albion haven't met in almost three years, and the first derby this season is scheduled to take place at The Hawthorns on Friday, December 7.
Moore is looking forward to it, and will catch up with Smith and his No.2 Richard O' Kelly, who spent seven years at The Hawthorns as a youth team coach.
"I remember Dean from my playing days and obviously his time managing at Walsall," explained Moore. "We had a real close link with him and Albion with some of our younger players.
"He was always at our games. I know him and Richard really well. I wish them every success."
