Image source, ShutterstockImage caption, John Terry won 78 caps for England from 2003-2012
ByPaul GrunillBBC Sport England- Published3 hours ago
- 45 Comments
Former Chelsea and England defender John Terry attended Colchester United's League Two fixture on Tuesday evening amid reports that he is part of a consortium looking to take over the club.
The Sun reported on Monday, external that the group had submitted a £14m offer for the club, which was put up for sale last year by chairman Robbie Cowling.
Terry was greeted by supporters when he arrived at the Jobserve Community Stadium before kick-off against Accrington Stanley.
His nephew Frankie Terry, also a defender, was named in Colchester's starting line-up by head coach Danny Cowley.
Cowling has confirmed that "detailed discussions" are ongoing but said he was "not in a position to comment on any specific individuals or companies involved".
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Image source, ShutterstockImage caption, John Terry has been coaching in Chelsea's academy
A deal with the US-based Lightwell Sports Group fell through in June last year and in January, Colchester were in talks with the Sports Alpha Capital consortium which included former AC Milan and Brazil forward Alexandre Pato.
They later withdrew their interest, saying: "SAC will continue to explore future opportunities within English football while maintaining a lasting respect and affection for Colchester United and its supporters."
Terry played almost 500 games, and won 78 international caps, during a playing career which ended in 2018 following a season at Aston Villa.
He won multiple trophies with Chelsea, including five Premier League titles and five FA Cups, plus the Champions League in 2012.
Speaking on Monday, Aaron Jay, who runs the Beyond the Barside podcast, external, told the BBC: "I think Colchester United fans have been really eager for this sort of takeover to be done for the past year or so.
"To be at a point where we're nearly there and there's nearly something happening is exciting for a lot of U's fans."
Colchester are competing in their 10th season in a row in the fourth tier of English football, having been as high as the Championship as recently in 2008.
