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Terry hopeful of succeeding Villas-Boas as Blues boss

John Terry feels emboldened by the club's policy of appointing former players and staff © Getty Images

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• Profile: John Terry

John Terry is confident of being appointed Chelsea manager once his playing career comes to an end, hoping the club will give him the chance to succeed present incumbent Andre Villas-Boas.

The central defender, who has three years remaining on his current contract, is delighted with the recent appointment of Villas-Boas, who previously spent time as a member of Jose Mourinho's backroom staff at Stamford Bridge before making a name for himself as a manager in his own right at Porto.

Terry believes the arrival of the 33-year-old demonstrates that the club are willing to give young managers a chance - especially if they have a prior history at the club - and as a result the captain is hopeful that he will be given the chance to manage the Blues when he hangs up his boots.

"Obviously my overall aim is to become manager," Terry told the Daily Mirror. "And looking at this [Villas-Boas' appointment] as well as Roberto Di Matteo being brought in as coach, it's great for current players as well.

"They are giving chances to people who have been around the club and who know the club inside out as well. So that tells the players inside the club - myself, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, and Peter Cech - who have all been here a long time, that if we do our coaching badges then there will be roles here in the future.

"Whether that's with the first team or reserves, the club are encouraging that which is good."

Terry couldn't help but note that at the end of his current playing deal he will be the same age (33) as Villas-Boas was when he was appointed, although he stressed that he is hopeful the Portuguese tactician will be a great success in the Premier League and stay at the helm for many years to come.

"What Andre's achieved is incredible," he noted. "You do set yourself targets. I have got three years left on my deal and I will be 33 then, but I'm certainly envisaging Andre being in charge here for a long time.

"He fully deserves this chance. Not enough chances are given to young managers, and how do we expect them to get the experience if not given the chance?

"Thankfully our owner, Roman Abramovich, has given him this chance."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.