July 26, (THEWILL) – Former Chelsea FC legendary centre-back John Terry has announced his departure from his position as Dean Smith’s assistant at English Premier League club Aston Villa. The ex-Three Lions of England international had played a key role in the backroom staff of the club since joining in 2018.
A commitment to personal growth and looking to stake his own credentials and step up the managerial ladder have all combined to make Terry part ways with the Villa Park club before the new football season gets underway.
In announcing the decision, Terry made this obvious when he spoke to the club’s website, which quoted him as saying: “It has been a tremendous honour and privilege to have spent these last three years at Aston Villa, but I feel now is the right time to make the extremely difficult decision to move on.
“I want to be as respectful to the manager and everyone at Aston Villa as I can and, having given my future serious consideration over the summer, I genuinely don’t feel it is fair to move into a new season without being certain of seeing that through.
“My immediate plan is to spend some quality time with my family and, thereafter, hopefully take up some invitations to visit clubs and managers around Europe to develop my aim and objective of becoming a manager.
“It has always been my ambition to move into football management and, providing the right opportunity presents itself, I feel ready to take up such a challenge.”
Villa’s manager, Smith, paid glowing tributes to the 40-year-old: “I’m disappointed to lose John as part of my coaching staff but fully understand and respect his decision.
“John has played a huge role in the success the club has enjoyed over the last few years and has been very supportive of myself throughout that period. I have no doubts he will go on to be a first-class manager in his own right and wish him well for the future.”
A Chelsea legend, Terry spent the majority of his playing career at Stamford Bridge where he won five Premier League titles, five FA Cups and a Champions League trophy with significant contributions to each and every trophy.
He spent a season as a player at Villa upon his departure from Stamford Bridge, before moving into a coaching role at the club until now.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
