John Terry won 78 caps for England from 2003-2012
Former Chelsea and England defender John Terry was present at Colchester United’s League Two match on Tuesday, amid reports linking him to a potential takeover of the club.
The Sun reported on Monday, external that a consortium involving Terry had submitted a £14m offer for the club, which was put on the market last year by chairman Robbie Cowling.
Terry was met by supporters upon his arrival at the Jobserve Community Stadium before watching Colchester secure a 2-1 victory over Accrington Stanley.
His nephew, Frankie Terry, also a defender, played the full 90 minutes for the U’s, contributing to the club’s third consecutive win, which propelled them to 12th place in the league standings.
Cowling has acknowledged that “detailed discussions” are currently underway, but refrained from commenting on specific individuals or companies involved.
Speaking after the game, manager Danny Cowley told BBC Essex: “It felt like a big night for the players, first and foremost, but also the club – I thought our supporters were incredible.
“I am really proud that in front of the eyes of many we are able to show a top version of what is a wonderful football club.
“We know this is a brilliant football club because we live it every day – there are some brilliant people at this club.
“We genuinely believe it has such high potential and we do need just a springboard to push on from and that is what we hope is on its way.
“I am so excited for our supporters. It is not easy supporting lower league clubs and Colchester United have not had it easy.
“Since Nicky [Cowley, brother] and I have been here we have been able to stabilise and find a good level of consistency but we all want more and I believe there are really exciting times ahead.”
When asked if he had met John Terry, Cowley added: “I will talk about Frankie, because he was great tonight and he would have done his family proud, that is for sure.”
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Danny Cowley ‘excited’ for the future
A prior takeover agreement with the US-based Lightwell Sports Group collapsed in June of the previous year. In January, Colchester engaged in discussions with the Sports Alpha Capital consortium, which included former AC Milan and Brazil forward Alexandre Pato.
They later withdrew their interest, stating: “SAC will continue to explore future opportunities within English football while maintaining a lasting respect and affection for Colchester United and its supporters.”
Terry amassed nearly 500 appearances and earned 78 international caps during his playing career, which concluded in 2018 following a season with Aston Villa.
He achieved considerable success with Chelsea, securing five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and the Champions League title 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 consecutive season in the fourth tier of English football, having previously reached the Championship as recently as 2008.
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