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John Terry appointed Aston Villa assistant as Smith named manager

Aston Villa have appointed Dean Smith as their new head coach, with former England and Chelsea captain John Terry as his assistant.

Smith – a lifelong Villa supporter – joins from Championship rivals Brentford and replaces Steve Bruce, who was dismissed on October 3 after a run of one win in nine games left them in the bottom half of the table.

Terry, who announced his retirement from playing on Sunday, spent last season with Villa, who have also announced Jesus Garcia Pitarch as their new sporting director.

Pitarch has previously been director of football at Valencia and Atletico Madrid in his native Spain.