Aston Villa's English assistant coach John Terry collects up the balls ahead of the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge in London on December 28, 2020. (Photo by Catherine Ivill / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by CATHERINE IVILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
John Terry is favourite to become Swansea’s next manager (AFP via Getty)

John Terry has been installed as the heavy favourite to become Swansea City’s new manager after leaving Aston Villa on Monday.

The former Chelsea captain has been Villa’s assistant manager since ending his playing career with the Midlands club in 2018.

The 40-year-old was part of the backroom team which helped Villa secure promotion back to the Premier League and has established their place in the top flight.

But Terry has now decided to leave his role in order to chase his ambitions of becoming a manager.

Swansea City are searching for a new manager after Steve Cooper left the club by mutual consent last week.

John Eustace emerged as the early front-runner to replace Cooper but he has turned down the role at Swansea due to personal reasons.

JOHN TERRY'S NEXT CLUB ODDS

Swansea 1/8
Crystal Palace 10/1
Aston Villa 16/1
Fulham 20/1
West Brom 25/1
QPR 40/1
Chelsea 50/1

Odds courtesy of Betfair

That has now put Terry in line to become the Championship club’s next manager, with the season due to begin on August 7.

‘It has been a tremendous honour and privilege to have spent these last three years at Aston Villa, but I feel now is the right time to make the extremely difficult decision to move on,’ Terry said in a statement on Monday.

‘I want to be as respectful to the manager and everyone at Aston Villa as I can and, having given my future serious consideration over the summer, I genuinely don’t feel it is fair to move into a new season without being certain of seeing that through.

‘My immediate plan is to spend some quality time with my family and, thereafter, hopefully, take up some invitations to visit clubs and managers around Europe to develop my aim and objective of becoming a manager.

John Terry has left his role as Aston Villa's assistant manager
John Terry has left his role as Aston Villa’s assistant (Getty)

‘It has always been my ambition to move into football management and, providing the right opportunity presents itself, I feel ready to take up such a challenge. I would like to thank Christian Purslow and our owners, Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris, for believing in me and giving me the opportunity.

‘I will forever be indebted to the gaffer 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. 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.

‘Finally, I would also like to thank all the players and staff and wish them all the very best for the season ahead and say a huge thank you to the wonderful Aston Villa fans for their support.’

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