John Terry ‘buys League Two membership for £14m’ after ex-Chelsea team-mate snubs deal
Former Chelsea captain John Terry is reportedly set to be confirmed as part of a consortium taking over an EFL club, becoming the latest ex-Premier League star to do so
(Image: Corbis via Getty Images)
John Terry is reportedly poised to become the new owner of League Two outfit Colchester United.
The Chelsea and England legend, 45, is expected to be unveiled as part of a consortium orchestrating a £14million takeover at the mid-table team. The Sun reports the former defender will join the ranks of ex-Premier League stars purchasing football clubs.
And it’s said he will emulate Ryan Reynolds, Snoop Dogg, and Will Ferrell by owning a football club in the English pyramid, with an insider claiming the Blues icon was thrilled about the impending announcement of the deal. He would wield considerable influence at the League Two side, who sit in 13th place under manager Danny Cowley.
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Terry’s nephew Frankie Terry also features in the squad at Colchester United, although he has spent part of this season on loan at National League team Braintree Town, reports the Mirror.
The Blues legend is reported to be ‘absolutely buzzing’ to get involved with The U’s and holds great faith in the staff and squad at the Essex-based club.
His unexpected foray into club ownership follows a former teammate expressing an interest in acquiring the League Two club.
However, Terry’s former Chelsea team-mate Alexandre Pato pulled out of negotiations back in February. The ex-Brazilian forward had been in discussions to purchase the U’s and was present for their clash against Fleetwood Town as a guest of chairman-owner Robbie Cowling.
A joint statement from both parties said: “Aspire Media Group has decided not to proceed with the proposed acquisition of Colchester United by Sports Alpha Capital (SAC), the investment consortium managed by Joao Xavier and including Alexandre Pato. Accordingly, discussions have concluded.
“SAC will continue to explore future opportunities within English football while maintaining a lasting respect and affection for Colchester United and its supporters.
“Colchester United remains focused on the remainder of the season and its ongoing ambitions for progress and success.”
Hollywood A-lister Ryan Reynolds and American rapper Snoop Dogg are just two of the high-profile celebrities to back EFL clubs in recent years.
Reynolds, alongside fellow American Rob McElhenney, has helped steer Wrexham from the National League to the edge of the Championship play-offs, while Snoop Dogg has put money into fellow second-tier outfit Swansea City.
It’s an unexpected venture from Terry into club ownership, having been outspoken about his path into management, after being snubbed for the Chelsea interim position earlier this season.
