Colchester United fans excited by possible John Terry takeover

Fans have reacted with cautious optimism about the potential takeover of their football club by former Chelsea and England captain John Terry.

Colchester United confirmed they are in "detailed discussions" with a consortium regarding a proposed sale of the club, but have not confirmed the identity of any individuals.

Further details would only be shared "once a transaction has been fully completed and all formalities have been concluded," said club chairman and owner Robbie Cowling.

Podcaster Aaron Jay said the prospect of Terry coming to the club was "really exciting", but there was "trepidation" regarding the impact it could have on the club's management.

The League Two side was put up for sale by Cowling last year, but a deal with the US-based Lightwell Sports Group fell through in June.

In January, they were in talks with Sports Alpha Capital, a consortium whose members included ex-AC Milan and Brazil forward Alexandre Pato, but that fell through the following month.

A report in Monday's edition of The Sun newspaper claimed a £14m takeover by Terry and a consortium was virtually complete.

"I think Colchester United fans have been really eager for this sort of takeover to be done for the past year or so," said Jay, who runs the Beyond The Barside podcast.

"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."

Fellow podcaster David Clayton said having Terry on board "would certainly put eyes on the club" and potentially attract new players, but it was more important in the short-term to get several existing players - who are out of contract in the summer - to sign new deals.

Si Collinson said it was "exciting and interesting" news, but he remained "a bit reserved", especially regarding the role Terry could play if he became involved at the club.

Terry - who won five Premier Leagues, five FA Cups and a Champions League, as well as playing nearly 80 times for England - has made no secret of his managerial ambitions, but has not secured a head coach role so far.

The U's are managed by brothers Danny and Nicky Cowley, who have two years to run on their contracts as head coach and assistant head coach respectively.

"I think it would be one of the worst things that could happen for the club if [Terry] decided 'right, I'll do the back door into management, I'll buy a club and then stick myself in the dugout'," Collinson told the BBC.

"Danny and Nicky have done amazing here, they're loved by the fans - for John Terry, it would be 'how to lose a club in one day', really."

"A promotion and a trip to the new Wembley - if John Terry can organise that, we'll be more than happy," he said.

Cowling added in his statement that his focus remained on "ensuring that any decision regarding the future ownership of the club is the right one for Colchester United, its supporters, and its long-term success".

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