Aston Villa: Goodbye and Thank You, John Terry

Aston Villa captain John Terry will not return to the club next season, per official statement. The former England captain was a central figure in the team’s stout defense that nearly made it back to the Premier League.

John Terry has officially departed Aston Villa, per club statement. The move comes a mere four days after the claret and blue army was defeated by Fulham in the EFL Championship play-off final.

Terry, 37, leaves Villa with 36 total appearances on the season. He and central defense partner James Chester were an integral pairing that conceded just 42 goals across the league campaign, en route to a 4th-place finish.

Terry’s almost-mythical arrival sparked renewed discussion in Aston Villa globally. Even if it just piqued interest momentarily, John Terry made Villa more relevant as a summer transfer. Wanting to get away from Chelsea and England’s top flight, but still possessing the fire to play football, Terry signed under good pal, manager Steve Bruce after a round of golf (if rumors and circulated pictures are to be believed).

Many questioned his desire to play. An equally many wondered whether his aging body could withstand so many quick turnaround, mid-week matches. He quelled those concerns and then some. Terry played nearly every minute of the campaign save for a broken foot that sidelined him from early November until the new year. While his performances waned some by spring, Terry impressed greatly as a calming influence at the back and as a ball-clearing vulture in the air.

Terry’s absence at Aston Villa creates an inescapable void at the center back position. Owner Dr. Tony Xia admits the club face, “severe FFP challenges next season.” Clearing the captain’s wages is but one of several steps in order to meet EFL and UEFA compliance. With the former England international not returning, James Chester remains, as does sometimes-central defender Mile Jedinak, and Academy graduates Easah Suliman (20) and Mitch Clark (19).

While Chester might be sacrificed himself for FFP, Tommy Elphick is reportedly closing-in on a move to Reading.

Terry is now free to make his next move. So much is up in the air though. He will probably take his time to ensure his next move is half as successful as his one at Aston Villa was. Whether it’s coaching, punditry, or a return to the Premier League, thank you, John Terry, for being a passionate captain.