John Terry role at Aston Villa thrown into confusion after Dean Smith brings his Brentford assistant in as No2
Richard O'Kelly and Smith worked wonders together at both Walsall and Brentford
JOHN TERRY'S new role as Aston Villa has been thrown into doubt after Dean Smith appointed his own assistant manager.
Richard O'Kelly will leave Brentford to become Smith's No2 at Villa Park despite the club announcing that the Chelsea legend would fill that role.
Villa ended their managerial search on Wednesday after holding talks with Thierry Henry, Brendan Rodgers and Rui Faria.
Terry was linked with the manager's job but the club decided against it because he did not have a UEFA A Licence, according to The Times.
The veteran defender, who spent last season at the club, will now need to clarify where he stands in Smith's plans.
O'Kelly and Smith worked together at Walsall before the duo both moved to Griffin Park.
They have a close and successful working relationship having exceeded expectations with The Bees while playing an entertaining brand of football.
O'Kelly's official arrival has not been announced because they wanted to promote Terry's appointment.
But he is expected to be unveiled shortly as Villa's new era gets underway.
Smith is a life-long supporter having been born and raised in the Midlands.
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The club forked out £500,000 to land Smith despite him not being their first choice.
Villa also announced the arrival of Jesus Garcia Pitarch as the club's new director of football.