VILLA THRILLER Draper: Derby win will be huge for Smith and JT
ASTON VILLA could make it glum for Brum in today’s Second City derby – and use it as a launchpad for a promotion campaign. That’s the view of former Villa star, Mark Draper (right), who spent five years at the club between 19952000. During his time at Villa Park, the Midlands giants routinely chased for honours and appeared in Europe three years in succession.
Those days are a distant memory for Villa Park regulars.
Their last continental adventure came back in 2010/11, now they’re mid-table in the Championship.
But today’s clash with their hated rivals does offer the chance of a third win on the spin.
And Draper believes that some derby-day joy could be a springboard to better days ahead under the management of Dean Smith and assistant John Terry.
“This is the perfect chance to lay down a marker,” said Draper. “The new manager needs to time to look at the squad and decide what he needs to do and who he needs to bring in.
“But he is a good fit. He knows the division inside out and knows what’s needed.
“It’s a big game for him and everyone involved in the club.
“Having John Terry in the dressing room will be massive. Anyone with his experience, knowhow and success is vital when it comes to a match like this. A win in a derby is the kind of thing that can have a massive impact on a season. It can lift an entire club.”
Smith has won three of his first five matches since taking over from Steve Bruce. Garry Monk’s Birmingham are also on a good run, winning four of their last six matches. Draper played alongside him at Southampton – and he has no doubt both clubs have the right man in charge. “I was down at Southampton when Garry was a youngster and he looks like he’s doing a great job there,” added Draper. “They’re both huge clubs. If you look at Villa’s history they’re probably in the top five most successful clubs in English football. “They should be in the Premier League but getting promoted is very, very hard.”