ASTON VILLA have led tributes to manager Dean Smith’s dad Ron after the lifelong fan died aged 79, four weeks after contracting coronavirus.
Ron, who saw Villa win the European Cup in Rotterdam in 1982, was in a care home with dementia until being taken to hospital due to Covid-19.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
Fans have rushed to send their condolences to Aston Villa manager Dean Smith, whose dad Ron has died after catching coronavirusCredit: PA:Press Association
He always dreamed his son would manage in the Premier League, which the 49-year-old achieved when taking Villa back to the top flight last May.
Villa posted on Wednesday night: “A lifelong supporter, Ron was a steward for many years and passed on his love for the club down to his children.
“As well as being a regular at home games, Ron was also there to witness that greatest of days in May 1982 when Villa lifted the European Cup in Rotterdam (beating Bayern Munich 1-0).”
Play for your family because they are the important people in your lives who you want to send home happy
Deam Smith in February
Fans posted their own touching messages, including: “At least he got to see his son manage the club they both love. RIP. Thoughts and prayers with Dean and his family x.”
Another supporter tweeted a video of Dean talking poignantly about visiting his dad while the Midlanders were battling to clinch promotion.
Ron’s dementia meant he was not really aware of Dean being Villa boss.
And Smith Junior said in the clip: “He opened his eyes for about two minutes’ maximum, I think.
“And during that two minutes I told him next time I see you I’ll be a Premier League manager and I got a smile, if not anything more, and hopefully there was an understanding.
“It’s a terrible illness and everyone who knows someone who has suffered from it know it’s tough to deal with it.”
Dean also revealed, before Villa’s 2-1 Carabao Cup final defeat against Manchester City in February this year, that he tells players love for their families should inspire their performances.
He stressed he believed in “playing for your family because they are the important people in your lives who you want to send home happy”.
But in the same interview he said his dad was unlikely to see the trophy should Villa have gone on to win it.
Dean explained: “I don’t think I’d get much out of him. I’m not sure I’ve seen his eyes open for the last month or two.
“It is what it is. Dementia is a tough illness. He’s suffering.”
After Villa announced Smith Senior’s death, one fan posted a photo of Dean celebrating promotion 12 months ago and added: “RIP Ron. Think his son has made him so proud with this. Holte enders in the sky.”
And another said: “RIP. He would have been so proud of his son.”
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS – STAY IN THE KNOW
Don’t miss the latest news and figures – and essential advice for you and your family.
To receive The Sun’s Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, sign up here.
To follow us on Facebook, simply ‘Like’ our Coronavirus page.
Get Britain’s best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day – find out more.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
