Aston Villa boss Dean Smith remains confident in his job future.

Villa's losing run has come less than a month after Smith, who led the club back to the top flight through the play-offs last season, penned a new four-year deal. Though there is no suggestion his position is under any threat, Smith is acutely aware of the need to turn results around sooner rather than later.

Asked if he had received any messages of support from the club's owners, he replied: “I haven't had to speak to them.

“I've spoken to our sporting director and our chief executive, who I regularly speak to after every game.

“They are fully aware of what we are trying to do at the football club, which is move it forward.

“I'll continue to do that. Their support has been fantastic, and I feel we're giving them something back.

“But the last few games we haven't, so it's important we turn around that."