Chelsea legend John Terry is reportedly part of a consortium in talks to buy League Two club Colchester United from owner and chairman Robbie Cowling.
John Terry is part of a consortium in talks to take over Colchester United (Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Colchester United owner Robbie Cowling confirmed he was in “detailed discussions” with a consortium over the takeover, but refused to confirm whether John Terry was involved in the process. On Monday morning, it was reported that the Chelsea legend is part of a consortium aiming to agree a takeover deal for the League Two club.
Mr Cowling has been owner and chairman of Colchester for nearly 20 years and had been looking for a buyer for some time. Back in February, it was announced that the Sport Alpha Capital (SAC) consortium, which included former Brazilian national team star Alexandre Pato, had withdrawn from negotiations.
Then, in June 2025, a bid from American businessman Tim Foley’s Lightwell Sports Group also fell through. However, The Sun has now reported that Terry is part of a new consortium planning to buy the U’s for £14m.
Cowling has now released a statement explaining the situation. The club’s owner and chairman is taking a cautious stance after two previous takeovers collapsed.
Join us on Facebook! For the latest news, analysis and more on our Mirror Football Facebook page
read more: Arsenal send reality check against Man City as title rivals prepare to lock hornsread more: Gary Neville names Arsenal star and tells him to come forward immediately
He said: “Colchester United is currently in detailed discussions with a consortium regarding the proposed sale of the club. At this stage we are not in a position to comment on the specific individuals or companies involved.”
“Further details will only be shared once the transaction is fully completed and all formalities have been completed. In the meantime, my focus remains on ensuring that any decisions regarding the future ownership of the club are the right ones for Colchester United, its supporters and its long-term success.”
Terry, 45, previously coached at Aston Villa and Leicester City, before joining Chelsea’s academy as a coach and mentor in 2023. He has links with Colchester United as his nephew Frankie plays for them, who are 13th in League Two.
John Terry’s nephew Frankie plays for Colchester United (Image: Simon Galloway/Getty Images)
The former centre-back retired in 2018 after winning five Premier League titles, five FA Cups and the Champions League with Chelsea. He has expressed frustration with the lack of opportunities to become a head coach. But now he seems ready to take a different direction in football.
It remains to be seen whether the latest takeover of Colchester United will go further than the previous two. Cowling said last year. “As I’ve said before, I want my final decision at the club to be the absolute best decision for me, and it’s up to whom I entrust it to.
“I think it’s going to take some time. We’ve got to make sure we find the right people to take this football club and take it to the next level.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
World Cup Legends – Special Edition now on sale
Nothing creates legends like the World Cup. This new special edition publication celebrates the heroes of Earth’s greatest sporting event.
Buy now here or from participating supermarkets, high street retailers and independent newsagents from Wednesday 25 March 2026. Online orders will be shipped starting Wednesday, March 25th, with shipping and packaging charges applicable.
