Chelsea legend is surprise contender for Middlesbrough job

John Terry Middlesbrough

The 38-year-old took his first steps in coaching this season as Dean Smith’s assistant, following the ex-Brentford chief's appointment as Aston Villa manager.

Together they have led the Birmingham club to the Championship play-off final, where they will face Derby County at Wembley on Monday.

talkSPORT has reported that Terry has opened talks with the Riverside hierarchy over succeeding Tony Pulis, who left Boro at the end of his contract last week.

Other candidates for the role include Jonathan Woodgate, Chris Hughton and Gabriel Batistuta, but Terry is also in the frame despite not being considered a favourite by the bookies.

During a 19-year spell at Stamford Bridge as a player, Terry won 15 major trophies to become Chelsea’s most decorated captain.

 

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Alasdair Mackenzie is a freelance journalist based in Rome, and a FourFourTwo contributor since 2015. When not pulling on the FFT shirt, he can be found at Reuters, The Times and the i. An Italophile since growing up on a diet of Football Italia on Channel 4, he now counts himself among thousands of fans sharing a passion for Ross County and Lazio.