Former Chelsea legend John Terry will be part of Dean Smith’s staff at Leicester City. Smith was appointed team manager on Monday and will stay with the Foxes until the end of the current campaign. Along with Terry, Craig Shakespeare will also serve as an assistant under Smith. This will be Shakespeare’s third stint with Leicester.
Terry previously worked with Smith for two-and-a-half years at Aston Villa. Villa officials hired the duo in 2019 when the club was playing in the Championship. Initially sitting 15th in the table at the time of their arrival, Smith led the team to the playoffs for the 2018/19 season. The Villans eventually beat Derby County to secure a place in the Premier League.
Terry previously praised Smith for first opportunity
The former Chelsea center back departed Villa in the summer of 2021, before Smith entered his final season at the helm. After leaving, Terry heaped praise on Smith for their time together at Villa. “I will forever be indebted to [Smith] for giving me the opportunity to start my coaching career at such a wonderful club. I have loved every minute of it and learnt so much,” proclaimed Terry.
“I can’t thank Dean enough for the support and guidance he has provided me with and I’m sure he will continue to lead the club from strength to strength.”
Dean Smith, John Terry face tough task to keep Leicester up
Leicester brass will hope that the coaches can work similar magic with their club. The Foxes are currently 19th in the top flight table, two points from safety. With just eight matches remaining on the schedule, Smith will need to hit the ground running. The former Brentford, Vila, and Norwich boss acknowledged this in his first interview with the club.
“Saturday will be a big test, but it’s the kind of occasion that reminds us all what it means to be a Premier League club, competing on the biggest stages against the best players in the world,” stated Smith. “I know we’ll be well supported by our traveling fans. We have to connect with that and give them a performance they can be proud of. We go there positive, looking for points.”
The Foxes are not catching any breaks though, as Smith’s first game in charge will come against Manchester City on Saturday. City are the reigning Premier League champs and are challenging Arsenal for the trophy this season.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Sportimage
