Terry quits role as Aston Villa’s assistant manager

Chelsea legend, John Terry has quit his role as an assistant manager to Dean Smith in Aston Villa to pursue a career in management.

Terry arrived at Villa Park as a player in 2017 before returning as an assistant head coach a year later, helping the Villans win a promotion from the Championship to the Premier League.

The Englishman who was instrumental as they avoided relegation in their first season back in the top-flight before finishing 11th last season, has been linked with Swansea.

Announcing his exit on Monday, The 40-year-old confirmed he wants to pursue a managerial role of his own in the near future.

“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,” he said.

“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.

“I would like to thank Christian Purslow and our owners, Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris, for believing in me and giving me the opportunity.

“And I will forever be indebted to the Gaffer for giving me the opportunity to start my coaching career at such a wonderful club. I have loved every minute of it and learnt so much.

“I can’t thank Dean enough for the support and guidance he has provided me with and I’m sure he will continue to lead the club from strength to strength.

“Finally, I would also like to thank all the players and staff and wish them all the very best for the season ahead and say a huge thank you to the wonderful Aston Villa fans for their support.”