Dean Smith has left Brentford to take over as Aston Villa head coach.
Smith, a lifelong Villa fan, leaves with the Bees seventh in the Championship – eight places above Villa. John Terry will be assistant boss.
Villa chief executive Christian Purslow said on the club’s website: “These three appointments represent the start of a new era and direction at Aston Villa and we are delighted to secure their services after an extensive search.
“Dean has a clear and successful coaching philosophy as well as a real understanding of Aston Villa Football Club. 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.”
Former Chelsea captain Terry, 37, recently announced his retirement from playing.
Brentford have confirmed assistant head coach Thomas Frank will take training on Thursday ahead of a planned weekend off with no fixture because of the international break.
Assistant manager Richard O’Kelly followed Smith to Griffin Park from Walsall in November 2015. Brentford said his position would be “clarified in the coming days”.
This post was last modified on 11/10/2018