Aston Villa head coach Dean Smith's father dies following coronavirus battle

Ron Smith, the father of Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has died following a battle with coronavirus, the club has confirmed.

A lifelong Villa fan, he has passed away following a short spell in hospital.

Smith and his brother Dave used to stand on the Holte End terrace during their youth.

They were Villa fans because their father worked as a steward in the Trinity Road Stand.

A club statement confirmed: ‘The Aston Villa Family are saddened to announce that Ron Smith, the father of our current Head Coach Dean, has passed away at the age of 79.

"Ron, who had recently been living in a care home after being diagnosed with dementia six years ago, contracted Coronavirus four weeks ago and after a short spell in hospital passed away with his family at his side.

"A lifelong supporter, Ron was a steward at Villa Park for many years and passed on his love of the club down to his children.

"As well as being a regular at home games, Ron was also there to witness that greatest of days in May 1982 when Villa lifted the European Cup in Rotterdam.

"The thoughts of everyone at the football club are currently with Dean and his family at this most distressing of times and would kindly ask for the family’s privacy to be respected."

Ron had been suffering with dementia for over nine years, spending the last four in a care home.

Dean, upon leading Villa to Wembley for the League Cup final in February, spoke emotionally about his father's battle with the disease in the build up to the meeting with Manchester City.

“He has no idea I’m Villa manager. Dementia is a tough illness and he is suffering,” said Smith.

“[Last season] I'd gone to see him just before the Championship play-off final. He was awake and I just saw a little glint in his eye. Unfortunately, over the past couple of months I've not seen him too often with his eyes open.

“I will do it for myself first and foremost but you do it for all your families, that is what these things are about.”

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