With his contract set to expire this summer, former Chelsea star and assistant Steve Clarke believes that Antonio Conte must keep John Terry at the club.
The former England international’s future will become a more prominent issue this summer, as there has been no progress in talks over an extension.
Given his continued important contribution to the club, it remains to be seen whether or not the situation changes in the coming months, but Clarke is in no doubt over what the reigning Premier League champions should do.
“I think he should keep John, even if it’s just to help him to settle into the club because John is probably the last survivor of the old group,” he told Goals on Sunday.
“He may not be able to play every game, but when he does play and he is fit, he’s a key member of the team.
“Through the summer I think they’ve got a lot of work to do there.”
Conte will be under pressure to deliver immediate success next season, and Clarke’s suggestion might be a wise one as the Italian will need a core of players that he can rely on to help ensure that there is a smooth transitional period.
While the former Juventus boss will likely be active in the summer transfer market in strengthening the squad, players such as Terry, Eden Hazard and Diego Costa would certainly be a welcome boost for him if they are able to rediscover their best form to start the new campaign.
Much will depend on what the 46-year-old wants to do in terms of if he prefers to stamp his own mark on the club and bring in individuals better suited to his philosophies and style of play.
However, it is difficult to deny that Terry’s experience and ability to lead the defence would be helpful during Conte’s introduction to English football.