How do Colchester United fans feel about a John Terry takeover?

Captain, leader, legend. Could John Terry be about to add football club owner to those titles?

Rumours swirling in the footballing world suggest the former Chelsea and England icon is closing in on a surprise £14m takeover of Colchester United.

A five-time Premier League winner, Terry is hailed for his performances on the pitch, but he has also been dogged by allegations made off it.

What do fans of the Essex side think life could look like with him in charge?

Glen Worrell, secretary of the Colchester United Supporters' Association, says he has mixed feelings about Terry getting involved.

He says some are "a bit wary" about the potential arrival, questioning "if there's another motive".

Pockets of fans have asked if Terry is plotting to thrust himself upon the footballing operation, rather than remaining in the boardroom.

"The club has two very capable coaches in place," he says of head coach Danny Cowley and his assistant, Nicky Cowley.

Worrell claims that without the "immense progress" made by the Cowley brothers, Colchester would be a non-league side.

"If [Terry] came over solely to take over as manager, that would probably upset a lot of supporters," he continues.

"But he's obviously got a lot of experience at a high playing level, as well as in coaching.

"His name and stature probably hold a bit of sway, and I hope that would aid the club in terms of recruitment and attracting investment."

Jay Matthams, 38, admits he feels "conflicted" about Terry getting involved.

He explains: "I'm excited about such a well-known and established person wanting to be involved in the club.

"But, from a moral viewpoint, Terry has a chequered past.

"I'm not entirely convinced I'd like someone like that in charge of, or involved with, the club."

Matthams is referring to several incidents involving Terry, including when he was found guilty by the Football Association of racially abusing then-QPR defender Anton Ferdinand, which he has always denied.

Terry was also stripped of the England captaincy following allegations he had an affair with a team-mate's partner.

Matthams is, however, optimistic about the standards the 2012 Champions League winner could set at the club.

"You can't underestimate the managers he's played under and the people he's played alongside," Matthams adds.

"No-one can argue with his CV, he played at the highest level and knows what it takes to be elite and win."

Jon Waldron, who covers the Us for the Colchester Gazette newspaper, insists the biggest feeling among most fans is excitement.

"They're really over the moon about the prospect of someone like John Terry coming into the club," he says.

"He's a legend due to what he's done on the pitch, but also he's got really good contacts and has been involved with the academy set-up at Chelsea, so hopefully that opens a few doors."

Colchester's owner, Robbie Cowling, put the club up for sale in 2025, stating he wanted to find "the right long-term steward" to take it forward.

He was pictured sitting near Terry, whose nephew, Frankie plays for the Us, during his side's 2-1 win over Accrington Stanley on Tuesday night.

Waldron says that Cowling, who has been in charge since 2006, wants the club to be left in good hands.

He notes concerns shared by some about Terry's character, but says they are outnumbered by those who believe he can be a positive influence in the boardroom.

"There, undoubtedly, have been question marks from some of the supporters, but I think the majority are very excited," the reporter adds.

Ian Hart, from Great Tey, believes the Terry takeover saga is a welcome shot in the arm for fans, having not made the League Two play-offs.

He also hopes Terry could inspire several key players with expiring contracts to stay.

"I feel we need some more belief in the club and this has come at just the right time," the 22-year-old says.

Asked if he has any reservations about a potential deal, he replies: "I'm fully up for it.

"Terry is very in the know when it comes to English football and it seems he's interested in all levels of it.

"If we can tap into his contacts at Chelsea and explore the loan market there then that would be huge."

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