'I feel I am ready' - John Terry reveals desire to follow Steven Gerrard & Frank Lampard into management but Chelsea legend admits he may have to give up on dream

The former England captain has held a number of coaching roles since he retired in 2018. Terry was number Dean Smith's number two at Aston Villa from after he hung up his boots, but left the role after his boss was fired in 2021. After a brief stint coaching with Chelsea, he again served as Smith's assistant during a short stint at Leicester during the 2022-23 season. The club was relegated to the Championship that year.

Terry currently works part-time at Chelsea's academy. Despite the lack of opportunity, he remains committed to his ultimate dream of becoming a manager. That aspiration appears unlikely to be met, as the Premier League legend has been told by lower league teams that he lacks experience. Despite the setbacks, Terry says he has a great balance in life, and is enjoying working with the young players at the Stamford Bridge club.

Terry said: "My passion has not diminished at all. Of course I want to be a manager. It’s time consuming, I’m watching games, re-watching games and I’m doing courses, I’m spending so much time waiting for this opportunity.

"The longer it goes on, the more likely I will just have to draw a line and say: ‘you know what? I’m going to focus on other things.’ I’ve captained Chelsea, I’ve captained my country and led those teams to many successes. I don’t why I’ve not had an opportunity, I really don’t.

“I don’t think English managers get the same opportunities. I think we get blown away by foreign managers that have dominated leagues which are not at the top level and yet still get the opportunities in the UK and the Premier League.

"I’ve interviewed for clubs in the lower league and the feedback has come back and they say I have no experience for a start and my three years at Villa kind of means nothing. I absolutely loved my time at Villa. I feel I am ready. I know I am ready. I’ve done all my badges and I’m watching so much football.

“I have a good balance of life, I’m in a happy place. I’m doing some work away, I’m spending a bit of time with the family and part time at Chelsea working with the kids so I’ve got a really nice balance in life.”

Terry's comments suggest he will continue to push for a chance in the hot seat, however, it's unclear where that first shot will come.