Going ‘walkies’ key for Aston Villa boss Dean Smith

Smith has spent more than two years in charge of his boyhood club, winning promotion back to the Premier League and then securing survival on the final day of last season.

During an online discussion on mental health with Martin Ling, to whom he was assistant at Leyon Orient, Smith revealed how his family, dog walks and staying level-headed enable him to cope with the stress of such a high-profile job.

Smith, who sits on the board of he League Manager’s Association, said: “I hold regular talks and always say to every manager now, ‘you need to get yourself a dog’ because waking up every morning and taking the dog out gives me that time.

“It gives me head space to think about what I’m going to do in the day and how I’m going to do it. It works for me.”

“I love the job. The minute I don’t love the job, that’s when you start stressing and having thoughts. But I actually love the job.

“I’m never too high when we win and I’m never too low when we lose. That’s a massive thing. It helps me keep a perspective of things.”