Some confusion over JT's role at Villa. Turns out he isn't quite the No2. From The Times:
Dean Smith’s assistant manager at Brentford Richard O’Kelly will join him at Aston Villa as his No 2 in a move that raises questions over John Terry’s precise role at the club. The former England captain was named as Smith’s assistant along with the appointment of Jesus Garcia Pitarch as Villa’s new director of football when the club confirmed the identity of their new manager last night, but they have also reached an agreement with Brentford to take O’Kelly from Griffin Park in a joint deal worth around £500,000.
Villa are understood to have wanted to promote the coup of Terry’s recruitment so omitted mentioning O’Kelly in the statement confirming Smith’s appointment, but his arrival is expected to be confirmed shortly. The 61-year-old has worked with Smith throughout the latter’s managerial career, having two spells as assistant manager under him at Walsall before also joining him at Brentford, and the closeness of their relationship indicates that he will be Villa’s de facto No 2 rather than Terry.
Villa’s new owners have been keen throughout to land a high-profile replacement for Steve Bruce and spoke to Thierry Henry, Brendan Rodgers and Rui Faria before appointing Smith. Terry was not considered for the manager’s job because he has not have a UEFA A Licence, although his appointment as a coach is likely to be well received in the dressing room where he was a popular captain last season.
Terry had been tipped to take over as No 2 even before Smith was appointed and had also been mentioned as a candidate to be the manager, now his role appears to be diminishing.
Villa confirmed the appointment of Smith as their new head coach last night, with Terry joining him to end a difficult search for a replacement for Steve Bruce.
