Graham Potter comments on whether Dean Smith should be worried by John Terry

Follow us on Google Discover

Aston Villa take on Swansea City in Dean Smith’s first game in charge this afternoon.

Swansea City boss Graham Potter has told Wales Online that he doesn’t think Dean Smith should worry about John Terry being a threat to his Aston Villa job.

Villa sacked manager Steve Bruce earlier this month after just one win in nine league games, and it took a week to find his replacement.

Thierry Henry and Rui Faria may have been linked with the post, but Villa went for Smith, convincing him to leave Brentford in order to take over at Villa Park.

Smith was a boyhood Villa fan, so his decision wasn’t a huge surprise, but he has a built a strong reputation for himself at Brentford, and anyone would say that Villa are far from a sure bet for promotion.

Smith has been joined by former Walsall and Brentford colleague Richard O’Kelly at Villa Park, and also ex-Villa defender Terry, who has arrived as an assistant coach.

It seemed that Terry was put forward as a coaching staff addition for any potential manager, and Smith felt comfortable bringing him on board as he knows the Villa dressing room having played for the club last season.

However, many believe that Terry is ultimately being groomed to become Villa manager at some stage in the coming years, and that would mean him, more than likely, taking Smith’s job one day.

Ahead of taking his Swansea side to take on Villa, Swans boss Potter has been asked about the situation, and thinks appointing Terry is a smart move – and suggested that Smith shouldn’t see Terry as a threat and shouldn’t worry about him, as Terry just wants to improve as a coach.

“It’s a smart move,” said Potter. “Dean Smith is a top coach, he has great knowledge of the division and Brentford were one of the best sides in the league so I am pleased he gets that opportunity. Then someone of John Terry’s stature, ready to learn but with influence in the dressing room will add plenty. They are professional guys and I expect they will be ready, they will be strong. We have to understand that and be good and brave ourselves and rise to the occasion. It’s a great advert for the Championship.”

“I don’t think he should see it as a threat, you want good people around you. Dean has achieved a lot and will use good people to help himself get better, that’s what good coaches do. I don’t see any issue with that,” he added.