John Terry: Aston Villa won't just make up the numbers in the Premier League

The 38-year-old is expected to remain part of Dean Smith’s coaching staff next season when they head back to the top flight following a three-year absence.

A big summer is expected, with several senior players out of contract and a number of signings likely as Villa reshape their squad for the Premier League.

Chief executive Christian Purslow has declared ‘the sky is the limit’ for a club which has the backing of two billionaire investors in the shape of Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens.

Terry said: “We’re not just going in to make the numbers up. I think we’re prepared. It’s great that we have gone up, it means we get to keep the likes of Jack Grealish, John McGinn and all our top players. It’s Jack’s football club, he’s been here right from a boy and it’s just great to see.

“We have players out of contract and we need to strengthen to make the jump, of course, but if we add in the right departments, I’m sure we will be fine.”

Terry, who hung up his boots last September and then joined Villa as assistant when Smith was appointed head coach in October, has been linked with the vacant managerial position at Middlesbrough.

Frank Lampard, his former Chelsea team-mate, enjoyed a strong first year in charge of Derby, who were beaten by Villa at Wembley in Monday’s play-off final.

But Terry has indicated he will stay at Villa, believing he still has plenty to learn.

“In the long term, obviously (management) is my ambition but I’m not thinking about that,” he said. “As a player I got to the heights I wanted to get to but, and I firmly believe this, as a coach I’m a YTS again.

“I’m starting right from the very bottom and I’m not afraid to say that. I’m not afraid to do all the dirty work – picking up the cones, the balls and the bibs; all of that stuff is part of my education.

"I’ve got a great teacher in Dean, and Richard (O’Kelly) as well, to bounce things off. I’m very fortunate to be able to sit there and learn from them, because they are superb.”

Terry was part of the Villa team which lost last year's play-off final to Fulham, in what turned out to be his final game as a player.

"Last year’s defeat probably served us well a little bit," he said. "That disappointment and experience of going through that, playing at a big stadium and the atmosphere, probably 90 per cent of the group went through the emotion of that last year.

"It’s great to be on the winning side and back in the Premier League."

Terry continued: "It's great (the buzz), but I don’t think nothing ever compares to playing.

"It's down to the lads once they’re out there, you’re a small part of that. As a player you feel you can impact it and change it.

"I don’t think those emotions of winning trophies as a player will ever be replaced but this is a very close second."