Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has given assurances that John Terry will be an integral part of his coaching staff.

Before Smith was even announced as Steve Bruce’s successor, it was reported Terry would be returning to the club as part of their coaching staff.

There were reports of confusion over Terry's position with Richard O'Kelly being appointed as assistant head coach, but Smith has set the record straight.

The duo have since been confirmed, and the new head coach at Villa Park has spoken for the first time since his appointment and highlighted the involvement the former Villa captain will have during his time as part of the coaching staff.

Ahead of his official unveiling, Smith sat down with Aston Villa’s official Youtube channel and spoke about his relationship with Terry and what is expected from the former England international.

“I coached John Terry’s brother for three years, so I got to know him,” Smith said.

“The proposal came from Villa about John wanting to be a coach at Villa, and we spoke at length. 

“He’ll be involved in everything I do. I want him involved.” 

The duo will be in the dugout for the first time together this weekend when they host Swansea City at Villa Park.

The Verdict

There has been some ambiguity over the position John Terry holds at Aston Villa, but Dean Smith has put that to bed and assured the supporters of the involvement the former defender will get in his new role.

Having recently retired to take up the position at Villa Park, Terry will know all too well the players at the club and will be a vital part of Smith’s backroom team.

Regardless of whether he is the assistant manager or a first-team coach, the tight-knit nature of a coaching team makes you assume he will be involved in every situation imaginable at the club and Smith has confirmed this.

All the signals coming out of Villa Park are overtly positive at present, and this latest update regarding Terry will make fans even more relaxed heading into this weekend’s match against Swansea City.