Former Premier League manager Stuart Pearce has suggested that John Terry should be installed as Antonio Conte's new assistant manager at Chelsea next season.

The manager is on the hunt for a new right-hand man following the news that Steve Holland is leaving at the end of the campaign to take up a permanent role with England.

Earlier this week, former Chelsea coach Ray Wilkins told talkSPORT that Conte wants Italy legend Andrea Pirlo to take the position.

The pair are no strangers having worked together at Juventus, with Conte coaching the midfield maestro.

There has been no official word as yet with regards to an appointment, but Pearce believes that Terry should be considered as an option.

The defender has not yet hung up his boots, but he has struggled for game time this season, making just five Premier League appearances.

Injury problems have also hampered his campaign, suggesting that perhaps the 36-year-old will consider retirement at the end of the season.

Pearce thinks that it would be a wise choice to bring Terry into the coaching fold, but insists that the decision is ultimately Conte's.

The ex-Manchester City boss told talkSPORT:

“I think it’s pretty good they’ve had Steve Holland there with a couple managers. It’s nice to have that English presence there, and if John Terry is going to go into coaching, the natural progression might even be John Terry stepping into that role.

“Conte will want someone he’s comfortable with and he might have someone he’s closer to already in mind, but for a club the size of Chelsea, there’s no reason why he can’t have both."

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