Fans react after a planned takeover of Colchester United by a consortium with John Terry collapses, according to the League Two club.
In April, it was reported that John Terry was to splashes millions alongside a consortium who were ‘about to take over’ the League Two club.
The 45 year old former footballer had been set to announce a £14million deal, with the move marking a new chapter after stepping away from his dreams of coaching.
John’s planned move into club ownership comes after a former team-mate of his in Alexandre Pato is said to have expressed an interest in acquiring the club, only to have then pulled out of negotiations back in February.
Terry was seen greeting and having selfies with fans outside of the ground, and was in attendance to watch Colchester beat Accrington 2-1.
📰 CLUB STATEMENT
Colchester United Football Club can confirm that discussions regarding the potential acquisition of the Club have concluded, and the parties will not be proceeding with the transaction.
Read more: https://t.co/7OLCf7zkxH#ColU pic.twitter.com/cTvZwKTYFb
— Colchester United FC (@ColU_Official) June 11, 2026
A statement read: “Colchester United Football Club can confirm that discussions regarding the potential acquisition of the Club have concluded, and the parties will not be proceeding with the transaction.
“Both parties invested considerable time and effort into exploring the opportunity and would like to thank everyone involved for their professionalism and cooperation throughout the process.
“Following an extended period of due diligence and discussions, the parties have agreed not to proceed with the transaction. The decision has been reached amicably and with mutual respect.
“Colchester United remains focused on preparations for the forthcoming season and on continuing the positive progress that has been made both on and off the pitch.
Robbie Cowling commented: “I would like to thank everyone involved for the time, effort and courtesy shown throughout the process. Whilst we have ultimately decided not to proceed together, I wish all concerned every success in the future.”
No further comment will be made at this time.
John Terry himself took to social media, saying: “It’s with great disappointment that the Colchester deal has fallen through. Wishing everyone at the club all the very best for the future.”
Fans react after a planned takeover of Colchester United by a consortium with John Terry collapses, according to the League Two club.
@Jamie_Hudson_: He will never actually sell up will he. Another fucking season of a poor budget and having to listen to the same shit. So fucking bored of it.
@harrysquires1_: refund my ST, absolute disgrace. This clown is never going anywhere, a greedy control freak who will never let go. Another mid table / relegation fight coming after the cowleys resign
@JIPC76: Lightwell Group, Pato and now the Terry consortium. 20 years without a promotion. Such a depressing club #colu
@cmetcalfe35: Another season of misery incoming
@Ollman221: give some fucking answers cowling
@aharty89: Surely now the Cowley’s are putting the feelers out for a proper job.
@Jack_Routley2: Another depressing day for the club. Cowley’s won’t stick around much longer and who can blame them… 👎
@aharty89: Anyone want my season ticket?
@shaunmartin1979: Stuck with Cowling to ruin the club even further. Wouldn’t be surprised to see the Cowleys leave either. Sick of this!
@sarboy22: Now watch all the players offered deals turn them down and get better offers elsewhere, all players worth anything sold off and another season fighting relegation, with the Cowley brothers poached by another team mid-season. Cowling has been the killing of this club.
@EagleEyedColU: I understand the difficulties of a takeover, but that’s now 3 that have collapsed in 11 months. I think us fans now deserve the best communication possible. Is Cowling too concerned about finding the “perfect” owner? How do we move forward with a limited budget AGAIN? #ColU
@WillTaylorr0: Cowling will never sell the club will he 🙄 obviously we don’t know what caused the talks to break down it is seeming more and more plausible that he won’t sell to anyone unless they promise to run the club exactly how he wants #colu
@adamwalkercufc: Certainly won’t be renewing my ST now not with this clown still in charge nothing will ever change until Robbie goes #cowlingout #colu
@Oiiimush: Those ‘brighter times ahead’ DC spoke so enthusiastically about seem so far away now. Another mediocre season incoming, if we’re lucky. Not sure Cowling understands how toxic the place will become if he forces the Cowley’s out, no-one would blame them for leaving. #ColU
@colufangeorge: This club is CURSED. 3 failed takeovers in 11 months. 20 years without a promotion – longest of any EFL side. 1 of 4 clubs not to visit the new Wembley. A reduced budget and limited funds for a second season in a row. #colu
@ThxmasRxss: Boycott the games. What a pointless, pointless club we actually are as currently constructed. Built for the national league. Losing doesn’t bother me, but accepting a shoestring budget, and the plausible mediocrity that comes with it is tiresome.
@Tyler7Smith: Probably legalities he cant talk about, but this statement just doesnt cut it for me. This is the 2nd bid thats been in advanced discussions, that has fell seemingly at the exact same hurdle. Is it Cowling? Money? Debt? Fans deserve an explanation. Other clubs sold easy🤷♂️ #colu
@ArchiveColu:
20 years of decline 😡 Let it go Robbie
❌ September 2006 – Championship club
❌ Brief glimmers of ambition in L1
❌ A delusional vision with internal appointments and a failed model.
❌ We should be non-league – you can thank the Cowleys for avoiding that.
#colu
@mattyhudson: Really concerning news. RC isn’t in a position to fully finance the best managers in 20 years and three consortiums of varying wealth have now been unable to get past the (same?) stumbling blocks to get the deal done. What next? #ColU
