Aston Villa Set to Appoint Rui Faria as Manager With Thierry Henry Edging Closer to Monaco Switch
Aston Villa's vacant managerial position is set to be filled by Rui Faria, Jose Mourinho's former assistant, after Thierry Henry officially turned down the job in favour of taking over at his old club Monaco, with John Terry also set to return to Villa as the second-in-command.
Steve Bruce's sacking at the start of the month came after securing just one win in his last ten matches at the helm, leaving the Villans to search for the perfect manager capable of steadying the ship and guiding the club back into contention for promotion.
Henry was reportedly the one chosen, after being offered the role following negotiations over the weekend, and Terry was expected to return to Villa as a member of the Frenchman's backroom staff.
However, after hesitating to consider other offers, the former Arsenal star is more interested in the challenge of returning to Ligue 1. Monaco are prepared to dismiss manager Leonardo Jardim after a torrid start to the season which has the club languishing in 18th place - as per ESPN.
With Henry out of consideration at Villa Park, the door was left for a new candidate and Faria's agent Jorge Mendes has been the man advising Villa's new owners over the suitability of his client.
According to the Mirror, Terry had a shot at the top job himself, which would be his first in management, before the club's owners moved to instate the pair as a double act following their history together at Chelsea.
Faria had been Mourinho's assistant for more than 17 years before the pair went separate ways earlier this year.
Terry announced his retirement as a player last week amid speculation over his future in management, and may get his chance to work with a senior team after coaching Chelsea's Under-19 side.