Chelsea icon, John Terry, is reportedly set to become the latest high-profile former footballer to step into club ownership, after agreeing a move to take over League Two side Colchester United as part of a consortium deal worth around £14million, according to The Sun.
The former England captain, 45, is expected to officially unveil the agreement soon, marking another example of ex-stars investing in lower-league football in a trend popularised by celebrity involvement at clubs such as Wrexham AFC, where Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds has played a leading ownership role, as well as public interest from figures like musician Snoop Dogg, who has been linked with Swansea City, and actor Will Ferrell, who has appeared around Leeds United.
An insider said, “JT is really excited for it to become official.”
The report adds that Terry is expected to hold “significant influence” over the football operations at the Essex-based club, where his 22-year-old nephew Frankie Terry is already part of the playing squad.
A source told The Sun, “This has been a long time in the making, and JT is really excited for it all to become official.
“He’s a hugely passionate advocate of lower league football, and helping clubs get the support and publicity they deserve.
“He’s already been down to the training ground a few times and got stuck in without any fanfare.
“He really believes in the boys and, for their part, the lads at Colchester are absolutely buzzing that he’s getting involved.
“He will bring a real stardust. Everyone involved with Colchester is excited, and the hope is this deal will really put them on the map as they push for promotion.”
Terry, who enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at Chelsea FC, remains one of the most decorated defenders of his generation and is widely celebrated at Stamford Bridge, where a banner honours him as “Captain, leader, legend”.
During his playing career, he won multiple honours including five Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League in 2012, famously joining Chelsea’s celebrations in full kit despite being suspended for the final.
