Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has revealed that new coach John Terry has been “nervous” in his first week on the job.
The former Chelsea and England defender joined Smith as one of Villa’s two assistant coaches, alongside Richard O’Kelly, when he succeeded Steve Bruce as first-team manager earlier this month.
Terry had captained the Villans last season, leading his side to the Championship play-off final at Wembley, before leaving the club following the expiration of his contract.
The 37-year had looked likely to continue his playing career with Spartak Moscow, although he later decided against the move and opted to hang up his boots for good.
Now leading sessions on the training ground instead of participating as a playing member, Terry was nervous to lead the men he played alongside last season. Talking to talkSPORT, Smith said:
We’ve got a great relationship, it’s been brilliant.
John is very enthusiastic, a great learner, asks loads of question and he just wants to start his apprenticeship as a first-team coach.
I’m quite flattered he’s chosen me to get his tutelage from.
His first couple of days on the training ground were in front of players who he played with last season, so he was probably a little bit nervous. He’ll be the first to admit that.
But he’s taken to it like a duck to water, he’s really enjoying it and he knows the players.
He knows their positives and some things they can work on as well. His relationship with the team is really good.
