Home is where Smith’s heart is

VILLA BOSS IS BRIT BUYER

DEAN Smith will buy the best of British this summer to realise Aston Villa’s ambition.

Villa’s boss has admitted his domestic-focused policy will be extended as he seeks to push the Birmingham club upwards next season.

His formula is already reaping rich rewards as the international break opened up before him with a string of his charges joining up with the Three Lions.

Striker Ollie Watkins joined centre-half Tyrone Mings in the England ranks with star turn Jack Grealish sidelined through injury.

National manager Gareth Southgate also took time out to name-check right-back Matty Cash.

With left-back Matt Targett also moving into consideration, it is clear that Smith’s gamble is paying off.

Asked whether it was largely British by design or default, he said: “A little bit by design. We wanted a ‘British’ feel. But that’s not to say we will turn our noses up at good deals abroad.

“We’ve taken that view because we expect player recruitment to be harder because of Brexit.

“That’s something we have been conscious of, so young, British talent is what we’re looking for.

“I believe that can improve us and, also, we believe we can improve those players.

“We can improve their value. The fact that they can see a clear pathway for them

now with England will help, too.”

Villa followed a similar path – with some success – just over 20 years ago when John Gregory was in charge.

A core group of mainly English-qualified players pushed fleetingly to the top of the Premier League.

Southgate was part of that along with others such as Lee Hendrie, Gareth

Barry, Ugo

Ehiogu and

Dion Dublin, who formed part of an all-English

XI that sat on the summit back in December 1998.

Ironically, given Smith’s words, his last move was to land what Villa believe will be a cut-price £14million bargain in French midfielder Morgan Sanson that was the third largest Premier League January import.

It was behind Manchester United’s £37m starlet Amad Diallo and Said Benrahma, who made his move from

Brentford to West Ham permanent.

Villa are likely to be active in the market again, and behind the scenes the club has strengthened its academy with investment in players after academy boss Mark Harrison joined from West Brom.

Smith (left) added: “The owners are the strategic ones, they’re the ones who know what they want their football club to look like.

“I’ve said many times I’m grateful we have good owners. And for my part, a good culture is always evolving.

“It can never stay still – it has to get better. When someone comes into the training ground they should see it, hear it, feel it.

“I want them to see a team. Not just of players, but groundstaff, catering staff – that everyone’s pushing in the same direction and wants to improve.”

TALENT Tyrone Mings and Jack Grealish are England stars ROARING LION Ollie Watkins scored on his England debut IT was December 13 1998 when Aston Villa last went top of the Premier League table – with a side of all-English players. John Gregory’s team beat Arsenal 3-2, mounting a stirring second-half revival after Dennis Bergkamp had given the Gunners a two-goal half-time lead. But Julian Joachim pulled back a goal shortly after the hour and then new-boy Dion Dublin added a brace as Villa reached the summit. Villa’s side on that day was: Michael Oakes, Steve Watson, Gareth Southgate, Ugo Ehiogu, Alan Wright, Gareth Barry, Lee Hendrie, Ian Taylor, Alan Thompson, Julian Joachim, Dion Dublin. They were unable to sustain their push, however, finishing in sixth – some 24 points behind eventual winners Manchester United.