John Terry has posted on his Instagram story that he is ‘expecting a better season’ from Aston Villa in 2022/23.
The former Villa player and coach added that the supporters are ’superb’ and he will be grateful for the chance he was given by the club.
Terry was in Claret & Blue colours for one season under Steve Bruce, which led to a play-off final defeat to Fulham, before he hung up his boots on his trophy-laden career.
The former centre-back would return months later to B6, this time as a coach, under Dean Smith, who guided the Midlands side to the Premier League and beyond after Bruce’s sacking.
This time last summer, Terry left his coaching role at Villa after three years, Smith was sacked after the club’s struggles in November, with Steven Gerrard taking charge.
After a bottom ten finish last time out, this was the pretty blunt message Terry had for his former side ahead of the new season.
“I loved my time at Aston Villa and very thankful to Dean (Smith) and Christian (Purslow) for giving me the opportunity,” said Terry.
“Expecting a better season from Villa this year. The fans are superb.”
CAN VILLA GET INTO EUROPE?
That has been the aim for Villa ever since they returned back to the big time, with those in the boardroom spending big on transfers.
The money hasn’t been splashed in a crazy fashion this summer, but the players that have been brought in have a wealth of experience.
Starting in January with the arrival of Lucas Digne and Philippe Coutinho to the captures of Diego Carlos and Boubacar Kamara this summer.
The aim is Europe, a possible top-six finish can’t be ruled out, but it’s more than likely won’t happen, but securing seventh is a possibility.
But, once again, even that will be tough because there is a traffic jam of teams trying to secure Europe.
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