JOHN TERRY urges any doubters to “Stand By Me” during his Aston Villa initiation.
The Chelsea legend sang the Ben E King hit at a club dinner after officially linking up with Steve Bruce’s side.
There may be fears that Terry, 36, is unable to hack it anymore after falling out of favour at the Blues last term.
But the ex-England captain – in an embarrassing ritual in front of his new team-mates – made a song and dance encouraging everyone to get behind him.
Villa boss Bruce is confident Terry can still do a job in his twilight years.
Justifying the defender’s £60,000-a-week deal, he said: “He’s certainly the most decorated. When you’re the most decorated then you’ll certainly cost a fair few quid. He’s worth every penny.
“I’ve watched him from afar for a long time now and to get him here will be a great coup for the club.
“When you look at what he’s done and what he’s achieved. We’d love to be signing him when he was 26 not 36!
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“But physically, he’s in fantastic shape for someone of his age. It’s a statement of intent to get someone of his calibre to come and be the big player we all know he is.”
Terry trained for the first time on Tuesday following his switch to Aston Villa on a one-year contract.
He was put through his paces again today at a Portugal camp ahead of the new season.
Terry will earn himself £2million in bonuses if he manages to get Villa promoted next term.
But when asked about his long-term ambitions, Terry admitted he would one day like to return to Chelsea as manager.
He said: “That’s a goal. Me and Lamps [Frank Lampard] have had those conversations.
“Do you dream too big? I don’t think you can ever dream too big.
“I’ve always wanted to be the very best and if that’s in management, then Chelsea’s the one. That would be incredible but I realise as well you can’t go in somewhere like Chelsea as your first job.”
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