Former Chelsea captain John Terry is reportedly set to take over League Two side Colchester United, becoming the latest former Premier League star to buy a football club. The 45-year-old is to be named as part of a consortium planning a £14m takeover.
The Sun claims Terry will follow in the footsteps of Ryan Reynolds, Snoop Dogg and Will Ferrell to own a football club in England’s Pyramids. Terry is reported to have considerable influence at the League Two side, who currently sit 13th in the league under former Lincoln, Huddersfield and Portsmouth manager Danny Cowley.
Terry’s nephew, Frankie Terry, is also registered with Colchester, but has been on loan to National League side Braintree Town this season.
The Blues legend is understood to be “absolutely keen” to be involved with The U’s and is a strong believer in the staff and team at the Essex-based club.
His unexpected move to the club’s owners comes after former team-mates expressed interest in joining the League Two club. Terry’s former Chelsea teammate Alexandre Pato withdrew from negotiations in February.
The former Brazilian striker is in talks to buy the U’s and appeared in the game against Fleetwood Town as a guest of chairman and owner Robbie Cowling.
A joint statement from the two companies said: “Aspire Media Group has decided not to proceed with the proposed acquisition of Colchester United by Sport Alpha Capital (SAC), an investment consortium managed by Joan Xavier and including Alexandre Pato. Discussions have therefore come to an end.”
“The SAC will continue to explore its future possibilities in English football, while maintaining its enduring respect and love for Colchester United and its supporters.
“Colchester United remains focused on the remainder of the season and our continued ambition for progress and success.”
Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds and American singer Snoop Dogg are among the celebrities who have invested in EFL clubs in recent years.
Reynolds, along with fellow American Rob McElhenney, helped lead Wrexham from the National League to the brink of the Championship play-offs, while Snoop Dogg bought fellow second-tier club Swansea.
