Nigel Spink: Time is needed to sort Aston Villa out

The European Cup-winning keeper admits it currently feels like the ‘lowest of low points’ for Villa, after a run of just two wins in 13 Championship games which has left their play-off hopes hanging by a thread.

But he remains convinced Smith can again get the club on an upward curve if given time – claiming the head coach is currently paying for the mistakes of the past.

Spink told the Express & Star: “I think Dean is the right man long-term and I think the majority of the fans think that.

“Football is not the game it once was and patience runs out quickly. But they have to stick at it, this is not something which is going to be put right overnight.”

Spink believes Villa have been guilty of costly mistakes in the transfer market since being relegated three years ago.

And he reckons this summer, when a number of players are out of contract, should be seen as the chance to clear the decks.

He said: “Enough is enough. This summer, if the club is still in the Championship as looks likely, is an opportunity to rejuvenate the whole place.

“Dean has the right philosophy and got the team playing the kind of football fans want to see, before Jack Grealish and Axel Tuanzebe got injured.

“Perhaps there also needs to be an acceptance they are now a Championship club.

“They’ve got an opportunity, at the end of this season, to sort out the playing squad, bring in fresh faces and start taking the club forward.”