Former Aston Villa Star John Terry Reportedly Set for Club Ownership Move
Former Aston Villa player and coach John Terry is reportedly poised to become part of a consortium behind a £14 million takeover of League Two club Colchester United. This move places the 45-year-old football icon among a growing list of ex-Premier League stars venturing into club ownership.
Details of the Takeover Deal
According to reports from The Sun, Terry is expected to be unveiled shortly as a key figure in the consortium plotting the acquisition of the mid-table Essex club. Sources indicate that the former Chelsea defender is "absolutely buzzing" about the opportunity and has expressed strong confidence in both the coaching staff and playing squad at Colchester United.
The club currently sits 13th in League Two under manager Danny Cowley, who previously led Lincoln City, Huddersfield Town, and Portsmouth. Terry is understood to be taking on a substantial role in the club's operations following the takeover.
Terry's Football Career and Connection to Colchester
John Terry enjoyed a glittering playing career that included:
- Winning four Premier League titles with Chelsea
- Lifting the Champions League trophy
- Securing numerous FA Cup honours
After concluding his playing career, Terry made his first foray into coaching as Dean Smith's assistant at Aston Villa, serving from 2018 to 2021 before departing the club.
Interestingly, Terry already has a family connection to Colchester United - his nephew Frankie Terry is registered with the club, though he's currently gaining experience on loan at National League outfit Braintree Town.
Following Celebrity Ownership Trends
Terry's move into club ownership follows a trend established by other high-profile figures in English football. Recent examples include:
- Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's successful investment in Wrexham
- Snoop Dogg's financial involvement with Swansea City
- Will Ferrell's stake in English football clubs
This represents an unexpected development for Terry, who has previously been vocal about his management aspirations, particularly after being passed over for the Chelsea interim position earlier this season.
Previous Ownership Interest
The Colchester United takeover comes after previous interest from another football figure. Terry's former Chelsea teammate Alexandre Pato had been in discussions to purchase the League Two side earlier this year, attending their fixture against Fleetwood Town as a guest of chairman-owner Robbie Cowling.
However, negotiations concluded in February when Pato's investment consortium decided not to proceed with the acquisition. A joint statement at the time indicated that both parties maintained "lasting respect and affection for Colchester United and its supporters."
The club has remained focused on its ongoing ambitions for progress and success throughout the season, with this new consortium now poised to take the helm through their £14 million investment.
