Manager Steve Bruce has said that the capture of John Terry is a ‘real statement of intent’ about Aston Villa’s ambitions this season.
Having largely struggled to a 13th place finish last season, the aim this year is clearly promotion at all costs and Bruce believes that capturing 36 year old Terry proves that.
Speaking to the Official Site to discuss the signing of the former Chelsea captain, an upbeat Bruce explained.
‘This is a real statement of intent from Aston Villa. John has certainly got to be the most decorated player in the Championship. He has real calibre. We know what he brings. It`s not often you get a natural leader of men these days. But certainly John has been that over many years.’
Bruce went on to say that he feels Terry still has an awful lot to offer, both in terms of an on pitch presence but also behind the scenes.
‘I have watched John from afar for a long, long time. To get him here is a great coup for us all because of what he can bring to the club. I still think he has a lot to offer. It`s a huge acquisition for all of us and sends out a message of intent. I know there`s excitement among the lads in the dressing room because it`s not every day someone of John`s calibre walks through the door. That can only help the dressing room. The lads will look up to him, especially the younger ones – learn from him, learn how to handle themselves.’
With Wyness earlier rubbishing our chances of landing Terry with the Premier League offers and offers from abroad that he had open to him, Bruce was naturally delighted that we’d finally been able to win him round.
‘It was always going to be difficult. We knew that from the outset. I had a conversation with Steve Round and Keith Wyness two months ago to see if we could go and make it happen. They both gave me the green light. We beat off a bit of competition. I saw him train just over a week ago and, for someone of his age, he`s in terrific physical condition. Even when he beat me at golf, he only had half a shandy! We are delighted he`s here and he will be a great asset for us.’
You can see what difference his signing has made to our odds for the season at bookmakers.tv.
Congratulations to all involved in pulling this off, I never thought I’d say it but let’s hope Terry goes down in VP history now.
Terry has been handed the No 26 shirt for the coming campaign and he’s signed a 12 month deal.
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