Fans Can Go Back To Hating Him Now As Key Villa Man Leaves

Well, we knew it was only a matter of time before one member of our coaching staff moved on and as head coach Dean Smith returned to training after his period of isolation, former skipper John Terry has now departed as he continues his journey towards management in his own right.

Aston Villa can confirm that John Terry has left the club.

Thank you and all the best for the future, JT. 👊

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) July 26, 2021

Having first moved to Villa Park back in 2017 on a 12 month deal, he played 32 times for us as we missed out on promotion back to the Premier League, but he returned a year later to take up the position of coach under Smith’s time in charge – latterly promoted up to assistant head coach, serving alongside Richard O’Kelly, and latterly Craig Shakespeare.

Terry’s management plans have long been known about and he undoubtedly feels that the time is now right to take the next step, which he explains is to take up invitations to visit clubs and managers around Europe to broaden his experience before then ultimately taking the plunge himself.

Speaking to the Official Site as his departure was announced, Terry explained.

“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.”

Vital Villa’s John Terry Forum Thread

Adding.

“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.”

Terry rightly also thanks the fans for their support of him during his time with us and now we simply have to see where he ends up, and then ultimately how he makes the transition to the hotseat. Unlike some others, he’s certainly put the work in to learn the ropes with us so he shares in the credit for how we’ve turned ourselves around in the last few seasons and pushed on.

The only thing that actually surprises me here is the reaction to him leaving as it seems so any fans didn’t see this coming. But you can see that on the above Tweet.

It’ll be interesting to see if we replace him, but with Shakespeare being in the group, I wouldn’t be surprised if we didn’t to be honest.

Thanks and best of luck JT.