Dean Smith wrapped up his press conference with a touching tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne.
The former Aston Villa boss honoured the legendary Black Sabbath singer after news broke of Osbourne’s death at age 76 on Tuesday morning. His family shared that he passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

Tributes have since poured in, with fans leaving flowers and cards outside Osbourne’s childhood home—just minutes from Villa Park, where he gave his final performance only two weeks ago. The farewell show featured solo hits and a reunion with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward for four classic Sabbath tracks.

Smith, a lifelong Villa supporter raised in Perry Barr, led the club from the Championship to the Premier League before departing in November 2021. He has since managed Norwich and Leicester, and now coaches MLS side Charlotte FC.

During Thursday’s press conference, Smith ended by saying:
“Can I just say… Can we raise a glass to Ozzy Osbourne? What a Brummie. What a guy. What a life. Up the Villa!”

He continued: “I didn’t know him personally, but what a guy. Born in Aston.”

Meanwhile, Aston Villa landed in the U.S. on Thursday for friendlies against Frankfurt, St. Louis, and Nashville.