Aston Villa owner Dr. Tony Xia has stated that former club captain John Terry has the ability to "grow into a great manager one day", in light of the 37-year-old's appointment as assistant manager.

The former Chelsea defender will team up with new head coach Dean Smith, who was appointed as the club's new manager after departing Brentford on Wednesday night, and will become the club's new assistant manager.

Terry is no stranger to Villa Park having captained the club to the play-off final last term, and was also heavily linked with a move back to Villa Park in the summer, after his contract expired at the West Midlands club at the end of last season.

In what is his first role as a coach, Terry will look to restore some belief and character in the dressing room after a dismal run of form of late - the Villans have won just one of their last ten league games and sit 15th in the Championship table.

The Verdict

The appointment of Dean Smith and John Terry will no doubt restore passion and pride in the Villa Park faithful, it's a smart move by the club to bring back Terry, as he knows all about the club, the fans, and most of the players.

He captained Chelsea to many Premier League titles and is bound to possess several leadership qualities - all of which will put him in good stead to be a future manager as Xia believes he will be.