Aston Villa assistant head-coach Richard O’Kelly has praised new boss Dean Smith’s managerial style.
Smith was appointed Aston Villa head coach earlier this week following the sacking of Steve Bruce.
Villa have won just three times in 12 games, and despite reported interest in former Arsenal ace Thierry Henry, the club moved swiftly to appoint the Brentford head coach.
Smith has taken his assistant coach at Brentford with him, and O’Kelly has heaped praise on the new man in charge.
“His management style is inclusive of everybody. He has great relationships with people.’’ He told Aston Villa TV.
“He’s very open and honest. If he’s got something to say, he will say it. He also listens to other people’s opinions.
“But at the end of the day, he also knows what he wants. It’s very important that he’s like that.
“You can talk to him about anything. He will have an opinion but he will also listen to yours, which is important because we all see things differently – that’s part of the deal.”
The club have also appointed former player John Terry to the coaching staff, and O’Kelly believes the trio could work well together.
“We have heated debates now and again and John will join in those, too.’’ He added.
“I think if we are going to flourish as a group, we need to be putting our different ideas in – it’s not about everyone just going ‘yes that’s a good idea’. It never works like that. You have to push each other all the time.
“He’s certainly that type of character. He will push the players. He will push the staff. He’s a good person to work with.”