This article is part of Football FanCast's Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba's haircuts to League Two relegation battles...

Dean Smith has been given a new contract at Aston Villa that sees him stay at Villa Park until 2023, as reported by the club's official website.

He has been impressive since coming into the club, having taken Villa up from the Championship to the Premier League through the play-offs, making effective signings that have helped the club hold their own in the top flight.

[ad_pod ]

While there are various managerial qualities he possesses that other coaches would be able to bring to the table, he has highlighted how important a local connection can be.

The manager grew up as a Villa fan and it can be seen in his face how much it means when he gets to manage his team at Villa Park.

That his new contract arrived on the same day Unai Emery was sacked as Arsenal manager seemed rather apt given the growing detachment between the Spaniard, the supporters and the players towards the end of his reign.

Had Emery been a north Londoner with emotional ties to the club it seems unlikely that the atmosphere would have turned so sour.

Towards the end of his tenure he lost control of the club, with the Granit Xhaka saga serving to illuminate the extent of his frailties, and his dismissal seemed inevitable in the final weeks of his stint.

A comparable situation is unlikely to ever emerge with Smith at Villa due to the affinity he has with the supporters and the club in general.

Putting the whole of Smith's success at Villa down to his relationship with the club would be doing a disservice to his other strengths, but it certainly helps.

Don't miss out on MASSIVE savings with Fan Deal Drops - shop now for the latest deals (USING LINK HERE) on TVs, laptops, football shirts & much more.