LONDON (Reuters) - Second division club Aston Villa announced on Wednesday that Dean Smith would be named new coach and will be assisted by former England captain John Terry.
Smith, who gained fame as a coach because of his offensive style with Brentford, will also be promoted to Villa, Steve Bruce, who was sacked last week after a bad start to the season in the second division.Former Chelsea defender Terry has retired from the club last Sunday and has not been linked to any team since leaving Villa after losing to Fulham in the Premier League last season.
The club also appointed Jesús Garcia Petrasch as a sports director.
"These contracts represent the beginning of a new era in the management of Aston Villa and we are delighted to complete them after extensive research," said Villa Executive Director Christian Porcelov.
"A coach who has a clear and successful philosophy, who understands the nature of the club and already knows the second division."
"John Terry is one of the most celebrated players in English football and is tied to the club and ready to take a new step in his career with Dean."
Villa occupy 15th place in the second division after winning 3 times in the first 12 rounds.
