Calderwood became Steve Bruce’s assistant manager at Villa a fortnight ago.
Aston Villa defender James Chester has explained to AVTV that Colin Calderwood’s appointment as assistant manager has seen an increased focus on defensive training.
Calderwood was appointed as Steve Bruce’s second in command last month after leaving the same position at Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 51-year-old, who was a defender himself, played for Villa in 1999-2000 and has returned to the club in a leading coaching capacity.
Unsurprisingly, his arrival has seen renewed focus on defensive training, and Chester revealed that he has also taken over much of the training from Bruce and first-team coach Stephen Clemence.
The centre-back told AVTV: “Yeah he’s been good. Col’s took a bit more of the training and he’s carried on on the same foot from where Clem and the gaffer first came in. The intensity’s really high and there’s a lot of tackles flying in, which is nice to see!
“On a personal note, he’s another defender so he offers the advice that he’s had through his career to pass on to myself and Tommy [Elphick] and [Nathan Baker].”
Villa will be hoping that Calderwood’s expertise helps to guide them to a successful month of December as a crucial, potentially season-defining, run of fixtures begins.
They suffered their first defeat under Bruce against Leeds at Elland Road on Saturday, but will be looking to regain momentum with a win over Wigan Athletic at Villa Park this weekend.
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