John Terry's impact on Aston Villa this season reaches much further than the football pitch, according to the club's Head of U.K. Recruitment Tony Coton.

It came as a surprise to most when Terry rejected overtures from the MLS and China to join Villa after his 17-year stint with Chelsea ended at the end of last season.

His time at Villa Park has been hugely successful, with a two month injury lay-off due to a broken metatarsal being the only reason he hasn't been on the pitch for Steve Bruce's side.

Bruce has spoke of Terry's impact off the pitch, helping guide and advise Villa's younger players. In particular, Jack Grealish, an undoubtedly talented footballer that has in recent years been dogged by his off-field behaviour. However, the 22-year-old has seen a marked improvement this term after Terry took him under his wing.

And speaking to Tribalfootball, Coton repeated similar sentiments when asked about Terry's influence in the Midlands.

"[He has been] massive," said the former Watford and Manchester City goalkeeper. "A great professional. He's brought a big professionalism to the club and to the changing room.

"He's got the changing room all together, not that it was splintered, but he's brought a winning mentality and a togetherness. It has been great to watch.

"I'm a lot older but I'm learning off him. I enjoying sitting down chatting with him, talking about his experiences of where he has been and what he's done with his career, which has been magnificent, how they implemented things at Chelsea, what they did certainly in recruitment because that's my area now.

"So he's been invaluable all around the club and his performances have been excellent as well."

It has been reported that Terry will consider playing on with Villa next season if they win promotion to the Premier League.

The Birmingham-based club are currently fourth on the Championship table, with play-offs looking the likely avenue for a return to the top-flight.