Aston Villa fans will be excited to see how their new look managerial team of former Brentford manager Dean Smith and former Chelsea and Villa defender John Terry get on in their first game against Swansea City.
John Terry spent a successful campaign at Aston Villa, that sadly ended sourly – with a Championship Play-Off final defeat at the hands of Fulham. The former England captain was linked with a return to Villa Park for another plating spell, before reportedly heading to Italy to complete a medical with Russian side Spartak Moscow.
However, the move fell through, and Terry opted to call time in his playing career.
Upon former manager Steve Bruce’s sacking, Terry was one of many names linked with the managerial vacancy at Villa Park, along with Thierry Henry and Paulo Fonseca.
In the end, Dean Smith – former Brentford manager and childhood Villa fan – was appointed, and Terry has been named as his assistant, much to the delight of Terry.
When asked about looking into a managerial career, Terry told Sky Sports News:
“Every player at the back end of their career keeps one eye on that route.
“A lot of players have gone off and done it – Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. They’ve started well at their clubs.
“But this is the perfect role for me right now – I’m not ready for that. Obviously that’s my ambition in the long-term, but I’m starting at the bottom and I’m keen and eager to learn and be successful.”
“It felt a bit strange at first. I almost walked towards the dressing room area!” Terry added.
“But it’s great to be back. Obviously I have been here as a player and I understand the magnitude of the place – I’ve experienced it.
“I’m delighted to be part of the team alongside the gaffer and Richard O’Kelly and I’ll try and learn as much as I can.
“I’m very excited by it. It’s a new chapter in my career and a new challenge for me. To start at such a big club like Aston Villa is a dream come true for me and I’m absolutely delighted to be back.”
