SIGNING JT OK WITH ME

Smith: It was my decision to bring him in

DEAN SMITH insists he is not threatened by being overshadowed at Aston Villa by John Terry.

In fact, the new Villa boss revealed it was his decision to bring in the ex-Chelsea and England leader.

The former Brentford chief said he had the final say on appointing the 37-year-old to his coaching staff.

Smith said he felt it was a “win-win” situation to get Terry in, learning the ropes of management.

Terry will work alongside Richard O’Kelly, who was Smith’s trusted right-hand man at Griffin Park.

Smith shrugged aside any perception that he had been forced to take Terry, who played for Villa last season, as part of the deal.

He said: “When I discussed the role, there was an opportunity to take John. Me and John spoke about it and decided it was right.

“I felt it was win-win. It was my decision. We had a onehour FaceTime. We had a good discussion and got the answers we both wanted.”

Smith (right) said Terry was both nervous and excited about starting what he felt was his ’apprenticeship’.

He added: “John’s very humble and he’s a willing learner. He was in bright and early at 7.30am with his pencil case at the ready!

“I’m quite flattered that he’s chosen to work with us to get his coaching hours in.

“I have no doubts John Terry will be a fantastic coach and go on to be a fantastic manager, but he’s well aware that this is his apprenticeship.” Smith, a lifelong Villa fan, said he had not had time to let his heart rule his head.

But he admitted walking down the tunnel on Saturday for the home game with Swansea might be where it kicks in.

He added: “I didn’t tell anyone outside of my wife and children when I was having talks.

“Now it’s out, I’ve got family coming over from the States for the game. There will be a tinge of emotion, but I’ll leave the crying to the family up in the stands!

“I’m a local guy. I’m sure there are a few pubs I won’t be able to go in that I used because of the profile this job brings.

“But this wasn’t an emotional decision – it was totally rational.”