EXCLUSIVE: Villa boss Dean Smith wanted old pal John Terry as coach

Many had believed the former Chelsea and England skipper had been a condition of Smith taking the job with the Villa board eager to bring back the former centre-half.

However, Chris Marsh – who has been friends with Smith since they were teenage apprentices at Walsall – told how Smith and his new assistant have known each for a number of years after meeting through Terry’s older brother Paul.

Smith coached Paul during his time at Leyton Orient. Paul Terry then went on to become an agent.

The new Villa head coach and John Terry have often played golf together since. Ironically, it was on the golf course where former manager Steve Bruce first convinced Terry to sign for the club in 2017.

Smith and Terry have been joined by Richard O’Kelly in Villa’s new management team. And Marsh believes the trio are a great appointment for the club.

“I have every confidence they are going to be successful,” Marsh said.

“Dean deserves this job. His management skills are absolutely outstanding. And he’s served a great apprenticeship at Walsall and Brentford.

“It will take time. The players are going to have to adapt to his style of play.

“But with O’Kelly and Terry beside him, they have got the right team in place to get them back to where they want to be.

“From the outside looking in, everyone thinks John Terry and Dean have been thrown together – but they have known each other for years and get on really well.

“Smith coached Paul Terry at Leyton Orient and that’s when he got to know John and they’ve often played golf together. They get on really well so Dean is delighted he is now part of his coaching team.”

Smith grew up as a Villa fan and used to clean the stands with his dad Ron who was a steward at Villa Park.

And Marsh believes he wouldn’t have left Brentford for any other club.

“He is so passionate about the club – he was passionate about Villa when were apprentices,” the Walsall legend continued.

“If it wasn’t Villa, I don’t think he would have left Brentford. He was doing a fantastic job there, the team were playing how he wanted them to play and he was enjoying it.

“It was only the Villa job that has made him move. But he knows exactly what is needed there. It’s an exciting time for him but it’s an even more exciting time for the club.”

Marsh said he has never wanted someone to succeed in football more – with Smith one of the nicest men you could wish to meet.

“It’s funny because even my mum text him to say congratulations – she didn’t even tell me,” Marsh joked.

“But he still text her back to say thanks. Can you imagine it? His phone has been going 10 to the dozen with messages.

“But he still takes the time to text my mum. It was a real touch of class and shows you what a great guy he is.

“I just wish him all the best – I’ve never wanted someone to succeed more.

“It’s a dream come true for him, but it couldn’t happen to a nicer man and a nicer family.

“Everyone needs to get behind him because he’s going to get Villa playing the right way and bring a lot of success to the club.”