I’m not ready to manage ―Terry

John Terry has admitted he is not ready to become a manager, and says his new role as part of the backroom staff at Aston Villa is “perfect” as he embarks upon a career in coaching.

The former England and Chelsea captain retired earlier this month, and was quickly appointed assistant coach at Aston Villa, working under their new head coach Dean Smith.

Terry is taking his coaching badges and has made no secret of his desire to become a manager, but insists he is happy to begin as a number two.

When asked about management, he said: “Every player at the back end of their career keeps one eye on that route.

“A lot of players have gone off and done it – Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. They’ve started well at their clubs.

“But this is the perfect role for me right now – I’m not ready for that. Obviously that’s my ambition in the long-term, but I’m starting at the bottom and I’m keen and eager to learn and be successful.”

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Terry spent the vast majority of his playing career at Chelsea, but his final spell as a player came at Aston Villa, when he captained them to the Championship play-off final last season.

Having taken the summer off, he began his new role at Villa Park on Monday, and said: “It felt a bit strange at first. I almost walked towards the dressing room area!

“But it’s great to be back. Obviously I have been here as a player and I understand the magnitude of the place – I’ve experienced it.

“I’m delighted to be part of the team alongside the gaffer and Richard O’Kelly and I’ll try and learn as much as I can.

“I’m very excited by it. It’s a new chapter in my career and a new challenge for me. To start at such a big club like Aston Villa is a dream come true for me and I’m absolutely delighted to be back.”