Ex-england skipper JT helps Villa rediscover defensive backbone

JOHN TERRY’S influence is already being felt at new-look Aston Villa.

Terry will need loads of boxes to pack away his medals when he moves to the Midlands, but he’s keen to keep a low profile.

The former England captain spent a while two hours before kick-off quietly signing autographs for fans and gave a wave when he walked on to the pitch.

But it’s what’s happening on the training pitch that’s getting Terry (right) noticed.

This was only the second time in the last 14 league games Villa haven’t conceded a goal.

Terry, partnered with James Chester in central defence, held Villa together last season as a player and they have looked far more vulnerable without him this season.

His job now as the rookie coach in the club’s new management team is to get some backbone into the defence. And he’s made an instant impact. New manager Dean Smith said: “John has had a big input, as has Richard O’kelly. We’ve worked hard on defending without the ball and defending our penalty box.

“JT’S been at the top level and international level, so he certainly knows his stuff.

“He doesn’t rally the troops, he coaches. He passes on tips that he has learned in the game.

“We’ve worked very well together and hopefully that will continue.”

O’kelly, a long-time No.2 to Smith, looks after the forwards and Terry looks after the defence. “Myself and Terry have done some really good work with the defensive system this week,” added ex-brentford boss Smith.

It also took five good saves from Norway keeper Orjan Nyland to keep out Swansea.

They should have been overrun by rampant Villa following Tammy Abraham’s eighth-minute header but survived, got better, and then found Nyland impossible to beat.

“He made some good saves,” sighed Swansea manager Graham Potter, now with one win in seven matches.

Smith (left) makes no bones about aiming for promotion this season with the team he has supported since he was seven years old.

There were Villa players from the league title and European Cup-winning days of the early 1980s at the game, paying their respects as part of the emotional tribute Villa Park gave former owner and chairman Sir Doug Ellis.

Smith, losing probably 40 years, hugged and spoke to the heroes of his youth as he made his way to the dugout.

Whether he can get Aston Villa back to those heights is his huge challenge.