Dean Smith shares verdict on WBA promotion, includes message for Romaine Sawyers
Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has congratulated West Brom for sealing promotion to the Premier League this week.
Smith admitted that he would have preferred Brentford to seal second spot behind Leeds United, but backed them in the play-offs.
West Brom managed to reach the top-flight despite failing to win any of their final four Championship games – the pressure was too much for Brentford.
Smith also included a special message for one of his former players and Baggies star Romaine Sawyers for his achievement.
“But it’s another local club and I’ve sent my best to everyone at West Bromwich Albion,” he told the Birmingham Mail.
“Also there’s a lad who played under me a lot at Brentford, Romaine Sawyers, who I’m really pleased for and proud of getting promoted to the Premier League.
“It was interesting viewing for sure and I was willing Brentford on. I was disappointed but I’m sure they will go on to do it in the play-offs now.”
Smith’ Aston Villa have their fate in their own hands going into the final Premier League game – a win against West Ham would see them survive.
That could mean another Midlands derby next season, a game that Sawyers would no doubt be involved in for Slaven Bilic.
The 28-year-old was pivotal to the Baggies success this season in that holding midfielder “quarter-back” role. Sawyers completed 62.4 passes per game according to WhoScored – 14 more than any other player in the squad.
Despite making numerous more passes than his teammates, Sawyers still managed a 90% success rate at the Hawthorns – also the best in the squad.
Sawyers was superb in this campaign despite some lapses in concentration, and he will be seeing Smith next season if they survive.
In other West Brom news, Chris Brunt details what Albion must do to succeed in the Premier League next season
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