Aston Villa are eighth in the betting to gain promotion despite managerial switch
Dean Smith and John Terry have their work cut out at Villa Park as they look to turn things round
DEAN SMITH and his new assistant John Terry face an uphill task to get Aston Villa promoted this season.
The Villains are eighth in the betting alongside their Championship rivals to return to the big time.
The former Brentford boss was brought in last night to replace Steve Bruce, with Chelsea legend and former Villa star Terry joining him as assistant
In fact Smith's former club are more likely to be promoted, with the Bees being priced at just 2/1.
Meanwhile the chances of Villa turning things around and going up are 11/2.
Bruce was sacked after winning one of his last nine league games, but he left Villa just just four points off the play-offs in 15th.
Alex Apati of said: "It's all change at Villa Park but the betting suggests fans will have to suffer at least another season in the Championship after this one."
Ladbrokes: Top ten clubs in the Championship to get promoted
West Brom - 8/11
Leeds - 11/8
Middlesbrough - 6/4
Sheffield United - 7/4
Brentford - 2/1
Nottingham Forest - 5/1
Stoke - 5/1
Aston Villa - 11/2
Derby - 13/2
Norwich - 8/1
West Brom are current favourites at 8/11 with the bookies expecting them to bounce straight back into the top flight.
Meanwhile Leeds United and Middlesbrough trail them in the market.
The second tier is also on an international break with Sheffield United topping the table ahead of West Brom, Leeds and Boro.