Villa boss grateful for Terry’s experience

– New Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has backed John Terry (right) to make a big impact after the former Chelsea captain joined the Championship club’s coaching staff.

Smith became Villa’s fifth manager in the last three years when he left Brentford to replace the sacked Steve Bruce last week.

Terry, who played for Villa last season, has been appointed as Smith’s assistant, along with Richard O’Kelly who has also moved from Brentford.

The 37-year-old turned down an offer to continue his playing career with Spartak Moscow ear-

London

lier this season and announced his retirement.

Smith believes Terry’s glittering career as a decorated defender with Chelsea and England will make him an invaluable resource to draw on as he tries to lead Villa back to the Premier League.

“When I was at Brentford I worked with Richard and Thomas Frank, it’s only natural you have another one on the coaching team to work with,” Smith said on Monday.

“John has a wealth of experience, we all know he has played at the top level and has always been interested in coaching.”

Terry was part of the Villa team beaten by Fulham in last season’s Championship play-off final at Wembley.

He has been involved with training Chelsea’s academy youngsters since leaving Villa last term.

“Coming here Richard and John will be involved in everything. Team selection, training, coaching, planning. I have an open door policys,” Smith added.

Terry’s former Chelsea teammate Frank Lampard took his first managerial job at Derby this year.

But ex-England captain Terry is content to work his way up the ladder, according to Villa chief executive Christian Purslow.

“It’s obvious having been at Aston Villa last season, John has really understood what the club is all about and familiarised himself with it,” Purslow said.

“It’s tremendous that a great footballer has dedicated himself to try to become a leading coach.”

Terry won five Premier Leagues, five FA Cups and the 2012 Champions League during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Villa are currently 15th in the Championship table, four points adrift of the play-off places. –