What the Alleged Duo of Thierry Henry and John Terry Could Bring to Villa

Another day, another favourite for the vacant Aston Villa managerial position. Another alleged rumour put into the mill.

Today, a number of media outlets are reporting that the position is going to be offered to former Arsenal and Barcelona striker Thierry Henry – with last season’s Aston Villa captain John Terry set to take the mantle as his Assistant Manager.

In regards to Thierry Henry, the Frenchman was heavily linked with the job during the tumultuous summer which saw him the heavy favourite to replace Steve Bruce before a ball had even been kicked, so he was always going to be there or thereabouts in the betting odds this time.

Henry was heavily decorated as a player, and had the opportunity to learn under the likes of Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola during his playing days – two legends of the modern managerial landscape.

The current Manchester City manager Pep has tipped Thierry Henry to be a success as a manager, saying that he “has the talent to do it”. 

He’s also had the option of learning under former Wigan Athletic and Everton boss Roberto Martinez when working as the Assistant Manager for the Belgian national team. 

This eclectic mix of playing styles, tacticians and man managers can only help the Arsenal legend in his quest to become a successful manager. Pairing this with a smart footballing brain, youthful exuberance and a passion to succeed, there’s a lot of positives to his prospective arrival at the Recon Training Complex. 

And he’s not been afraid to get his hands dirty either. In acquiring his UEFA Pro Licence, Henry worked alongside the Welsh Footballing Association with the likes of Mikel Arteta – who’s name has also been mentioned in regards to the Villa job – and a number of Welsh League coaches. 

And in this process, he took everything on board. Bala Town FC coach Colin Caton, who worked alongside Thierry Henry as the Frenchman gained his badges, said that Henry had taken an interest in how he went about his management – and specifically how he motivated his players in a League that was dominated by one team – The New Saints.

Henry is known for his prowess as a forward during his playing career and having an attractive playing style. Something that Aston Villa struggled with under Steve Bruce. According to The Telegraph, ‘Henry played a significant part in the Red Devils’ training session, running drills and giving Belgium players a number of one-one-one tutorials: including Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku’ – meaning that the likes of Jack Grealish, who Henry is allegedly excited to work with, Scott Hogan, Jonothan Kodjia and Tammy Abraham should be delighted. 

A number of fans are more on board with Thierry Henry’s appointment though, due to the mention of John Terry, who earlier in the season said that he had ‘unfinished business’ at Aston Villa, in regards to the Assistant Manager role.

Last season’s captain has knowledge of how the club works, knows the vast majority of players and knows how to coach, or at least lead a defence.

The duo, should they take over, might just be able to bring a bit of balance to an incredibly top-heavy Aston Villa side.