West Brom assistant Graeme Jones backs Thierry Henry for Aston Villa job

Thierry Henry has the potential to be a big success should he become Villa’s new manager – according to Albion assistant boss Graeme Jones.

Henry remains the leading contender to be named Steve Bruce’s successor and further talks with Villa’s hierarchy are planned for this week.

Villa still hold an interest in Celtic’s Brendan Rodgers and Jose Mourinho’s former long-time assistant Rui Faria. while Belgium boss Roberto Martinez was also yesterday touted as a possible shock contender.

Henry, who has never managed before, is currently part of Martinez’s coaching set-up, where he worked with Jones for two years before the latter left for the Baggies back in August.

Villa sit 15th in the Championship following a disappointing start to the season but Jones believes the challenge of transforming the club’s fortunes won’t faze his former colleague.

“As long as the opportunity is correct, I don’t think Thierry is frightened of anything,” Jones told Sky Sports.

“Wherever he goes, he raises standards. He is driven to succeed. His contacts in the game are top level. Alone he would recruit many players. If it was a 50-50 call, he would make the difference. If he went to Villa it would be a real coup for the club.”

A deal for Henry to become Villa’s boss could be finalised in the next few days, with John Terry potentially joining as assistant.

Jones, who got a close-up view of Henry’s coaching ability while with Belgium, believes the pair would make a strong management team.

“Thierry has everything. He is a really good coach, tactically aware,” said Jones. “Obviously he has had a career in the media, so he knows that angle.

“He has worked under Pep Guardiola, Frank Rijkaard, Aime Jacquet. That is a lot of top experience.

“As a human being he is a great lad when you get to know him.

“He has inexperience of the Championship. But John Terry played 32 games for Villa last season, so his knowledge would help.

“Thierry has great humility as a person, patience, good understanding. He knows the game. I am sure he will be fine whatever level he manages at.

“He’s the type of guy that will pick things up quickly.”