Dean Smith has decided to replicate a bizarre tactic he employed with Brentford earlier this season with Aston Villa. 

He will scrap the traditional club captaincy, instead opting to use a 'leadership group' in order to give a wider group of players the chance to offer guidance.

James Chester is the current Villa club captain, taking over the reigns from John Terry last season who marshalled Steve Bruce's side to the Championship playoff final and was a perfect representation of what is expected from a captain.

Smith was named as the club's new boss after Steve Bruce was sacked following a 3-3 home draw with Preston North End.

A further loss to Millwall last weekend under youth coach Kevin MacDonald's guidance meant the club slumped to 15th place in the Championship table.

Hopes are high that lifelong Villa fan Smith, along with Terry on his coaching staff, will be able to turn the season around.

It may seem a bit of a strange move, but here is why the new captaincy decision is a masterstroke...

It was always going to be tough to fill the boots of John Terry in terms of leadership, but Chester has struggled more than expected.

Some players simply are not cut out to be captain and their game suffers when they pull on the armband and Chester appears to be one of those.

Taking the pressure off him and allowing him to return to his best is a brilliant plan.

There are plenty of experienced players at Villa Park with the likes of Ahmed Elmohamady, Alan Hutton, Yannick Bolasie and Glenn Whelan all carrying a wealth of varied knowledge.

Allowing all of these to take on the role of a leader will allow improvements all over the pitch.