Terry to take the managerial reins at Chelsea? Wilkins backs legend for role with Lampard

John Terry would be an ideal candidate to inherit the managerial reins at Chelsea in the near future, says Ray Wilkins.

The Blues have struggled for stability in the dugout over recent times, with Premier League and Champions League titles unable to deliver continuity at Stamford Bridge.

Further uncertainty has been sparked this season, with Antonio Conte being linked with a move elsewhere after less than two years in the hot-seat.

Wilkins believes Chelsea could solve their problems by turning to a familiar face, with former captain Terry – who is working towards his coaching badges while at Aston Villa – a logical choice to fill the role at some stage alongside Frank Lampard.

The former Blues player and coach told talkSPORT: "Why not? They took a chance with AVB all those years ago. Why not give it to them and let them have a bash at it?

"They know the club inside out, they are absolutely adored by everybody at the football club and it can only be a good thing that those two are given half an opportunity."

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Terry is yet to call time on his playing career, having left Stamford Bridge over the summer, but he has expressed a desire to get into management.

Wilkins feels he boasts the necessary leadership qualities to thrive in a high-profile post, with players of his calibre perfect for roles which require them to bring the best out of top talent.

He added: "When you have been a top, top footballer, you understand the mentality of the top, top player.

"I look at Roy Keane. I thought he would be a fantastic manager but when he went down the leagues, I would imagine that Roy couldn't accept the fact that someone couldn't pass the ball from here to the wall and he would get rather annoyed by it.

"The lower you go down, the more repetitive it becomes, so stay where you are used to and what you know because you know the mentality of the player you are dealing with.

"John should go in at a top, top Championship club or Premier League club."

Terry spent more than 20 years with Chelsea after graduating out of their academy system, winning just about every major honour with the Blues.

In total, he made 717 appearances for the club, while also earning 78 caps for England.