John Terry gives up dream career switch as Chelsea legend left 'baffled'

John Terry has revealed that he is no longer pursuing a managerial career, having given up on his dream of earning a top job. The former Chelsea defender has moved into coaching since hanging up his boots in 2018. He was initially Dean Smith's assistant manager at Aston Villa, helping them gain promotion to the Premier League in 2019.

Terry was later interviewed by Newcastle as well as some League One clubs, but was never handed the reins. His last senior coaching role was at Leicester City, where he linked up with Smith during his spell in charge at the King Power Stadium. The former England captain now works with the Chelsea academy and has given up on his ambition of becoming a first-team manager.

He aired his grievances in a recent interview with The Sun, admitting that he has been left 'baffled' at some coaches who have been handed jobs ahead of him.

"I absolutely wanted it," said Terry. "When I went into Villa I got great experience under Dean Smith and we got promotion, which was incredible.

"As an assistant coach in the Premier League and the experience I've had as a player and an individual captain in both Chelsea and England, I thought that would be enough to get me a job.

"I'm not saying a job in the Premier League or the Championship, but a job at League One level. I didn't even get a sniff. I had interviews and it was just: 'You have no experience'.

"When I see some people managing today, it baffles me, it really does. In terms of: 'Am I frustrated?', yes, absolutely because I have a lot of good attributes to be a really good coach or a really good manager but, unfortunately, that's not happened."

Terry added that he is no longer seeking a career in management, having decided to keep working at Chelsea and enjoying the free time he is afforded.

"I'm done in terms of coaching," said Terry. "I'm enjoying my life, I'm working in the Chelsea academy. My role's a part-time role, I love working with the kids, I love passing on my knowledge and experience to those boys.

"I don't really coach at the moment, I'm a mentor, ambassador. I went for a couple of jobs and those days are gone for me. I'm enjoying my life a little bit.

"I've got my time to myself, I play a bit of golf. I'm in the academy and I have some family time as well. It's a really good balance for me."