Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has opened up for the first time about the heartache of losing his father to coronavirus. Ron Smith, who was a lifelong Villa fan and also a club steward, lost his battle with Covid-19 last month aged 79.After being diagnosed with dementia six years ago, he had been in a care home for the past four years.This meant the Villa boss and his family were unable to visit him during lockdown but they were there by his side wearing full PPE at the end.
Smith will lead his team out at Villa Park on Wednesday to play Sheffield United in what will be the first Premier League game back since the coronavirus outbreak.