The Manchester City Project

Would John Terry really make the move to Manchester City from Chelsea? Chelsea fans put forward the argument that JT would not make the move to God’s own club because of his history, loyalty and standing at Chelsea FC. How true is this argument?

John Terry joined Chelsea’s youth system at 14, making his first team debut on 28 October 1998 against Aston Villa in the League Cup. Jose Mourinho made Terry club captain in the 2004-05 season and was subsequently voted Players Player Of The Year. Terry’s influence at Chelsea grew along with his consistent displays – culminating in reports of Terry influencing board decisions. For example Claude Makelele insinuated Terry was responsible for the sacking of Mourinho. Makelele wrote in his autobiography ‘Tout Simplement’:


"I thought Mourinho was practically untouchable, but a lot of players had complained about him, notably John Terry," The Times reported the book as revealing."When John Terry let his discontent be known to [Peter] Kenyon [the chief executive] and asked him for an immediate transfer, [Roman] Abramovich [the club's owner] reacted immediately: the departure of Terry was totally unimaginable, from the point of view of the supporters, the players or the club owners. Mourinho was asked to pack his bags."




In April 2009 the telegraph published an article quoting Terry wanting the board to do all they could to keep manager Gus Hiddink. Recently however Chelsea has appointed Ancelotti as their new manager, a move which could signal big changes in the mentality at Chelsea football club. On the 26th of May 2009 Carlo Ancelotti released his autobiography in which he quotes Roman Abramovich when he persuaded him to come to Chelsea. Ancelotti claimed that Abramovich has fallen out of love with his team because they did not “have personality”:

"He was and still is looking for a team with a precise identity.’Like Manchester United, Liverpool, Milan, certainly not like my Chelsea. 'We've just lost the Champions League final and the league, I certainly can't be satisfied. Chelsea don't have a personality. I have the ambition of winning every competition in which my team takes part but this is a team that, at the moment, I don't recognize.' "

Abramovich would therefore have to curb the influence of stalwart Terry in order to achieve his goals. Making Terry’s position and standing under threat. This coupled with Terry’s treatment by the club during his last contract negotiations would make a move away from the club not as inconceivable as it once was.

After 14 years service Terry may feel it is time for a change. However would he join the new City revolution? There maybe some truth to the rumours that City has knowledge that Terry would be interested in a move to the club through Mark Hughes’ connections at Chelsea, and through England Team mates currently at City. It has been rumored that when asked who will be the next Man City Captain Garth Barry replied it would be an England International, fueling speculation that Terry was in the frame.

Terry’s standing at Chelsea is not what it once was; a move away and change of club after 14 years may be very beneficial for his career. City are beginning to be taken seriously and if they succeed in landing Tevez, Eto’o & Lescott, Terry would be correct in thinking that his addition to the squad would propel City not just from europa challengers but champions league challengers. City have the right mind set, determination and structure to be premiership contenders within 2 seasons, Chelsea however are in a process of reassessment which could delay their progress by much longer than this.

City doesn’t have champion’s league football? With Terry they will next year, and will it be a detriment to not play so many more games in a world cup year for a player who needs to stay fit for England’s campaign?

Terry was supposed to be playing in a testimonial at Yeovil on the 4th of July however according to Yeovil Towns website he withdrew due to “unforeseen circumstances” – is it really impossible to believe he may have been sorting out his next career move?

John Terry could well be wearing the better shade of blue at the start of next season.