Aston Villa announced on Wednesday evening the appointment of Brentford manager Dean Smith with former defender John Terry as his assistant manager.
The Championship giants sacked Steve Bruce at the start of October after a run of three wins from their first 11 league matches.
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry was considered the frontrunner for the job before emerging as a leading candidate for the vacant Monaco post.
Jose Mourinho’s former assistant manager Rui Faria was also in the running to take over at Villa Park but the Portuguese turned down the chance to take his first managerial position.
Terry, who announced his retirement from football this week, was briefly mooted as Bruce’s replacement but will instead serve as Smith’s deputy.
“Dean has a clear and successful coaching philosophy as well as a real understanding of Aston Villa Football Club,” CEO Christian Purslow told the club’s official website.
“He is also knowledgeable about the Championship. The board welcomes him to the club and is looking forward to working with him and his staff.
“John is one of the most decorated players in English football, has an affinity with the club and is ready to make the next step in his career working alongside Dean.”
Smith’s reputation has soared in the last three years after continuing to establish Brentford as a solid mid-table Championship side, playing some of the most attractive football in the division.
However, there is a concern Smith, who is a Villa fan and former season-ticket holder, only continued the work already in place at Brentford and could struggle elsewhere, as former Bees’ manager Mark Warburton found out.
Smith only won 39.9% of his matches in charge as Brentford manager but the Bees avoided defeat in 64.3% of those games.
