FRANKIE Terry has grown up in a family steeped in football talent.
And the young Colchester United defender is now making his own strides in the professional game.
Terry’s dad, Paul Terry, played hundreds of games in the Football League for the likes of Leyton Orient and Yeovil Town, while his uncles John Terry and Paul Konchesky need no introduction, having both enjoyed stellar careers in the Premier League and at international level for England.
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So, does being part of such an illustrious football family bring any extra pressure?
“I used to feel a bit of pressure but as I’ve got older, I’ve felt I’ve got to here by myself and I take each game as it comes,” said Terry, who made his first EFL start for Colchester against Accrington Stanley, earlier this month.
“My uncles and dad have helped me along the way and any time I ever need anything, they’re always there for me so I’m grateful.”
Terry made his first league start for Colchester at left-back and came on in that position as a half-time substitute in their EFL Trophy defeat at Cheltenham Town, on Tuesday night following an injury to Ellis Iandolo.
The 20-year-old revealed that his uncle Paul, who was an outstanding left-back for the likes of West Ham United and Liverpool, has been providing a helping hand with tips on playing in the position.
He said: “When I first started playing left-back a couple of years ago, we went through a few different little bits on positioning and it’s really helped.
“He’s given me some tips from when he watched me play at left-back a couple of weeks ago (against Accrington), so he’s always helping and I’m always learning off them both so I’m grateful.
“I’m comfortable playing both centre-back and left-back – I think it’s a good thing for me to play both.
“It’s two different positions that I could potentially play in.
“I played at both left-back and right-back while I was on loan at Braintree, so it’s good to be versatile these days.”
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It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for Terry.
At the start of the year, he was playing on loan at Braintree Town in the National League.
He was then recalled by Colchester, made his first-ever EFL start against Accrington and this week, was thrust into the action at Cheltenham Town.
“To come back and get my first league start and then 45 minutes in the EFL Trophy, I’m buzzing,” said Terry, who made his professional debut for Colchester in October, 2023.
“To play with players like Teddy Bishop, Lyle Taylor and Jack Payne helps so much to settle into the game.
“All of the boys have given me advice whenever I need it, so hats off to them.
“The gaffer plays a lot of young players and if you’re good enough, you’re old enough I guess.
“I’ve been around it for a good few years now.
“I’m thankful to Danny and Nicky for trusting me in the league.
“I’ve learnt a lot from them and also from Hayden Mullins, Ben Garner, Wayne Brown.”
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Terry says he enjoyed his loan spell at Braintree, where he played alongside former Colchester players John Akinde, Marley Marshall Miranda, Chay Cooper and Ryan Clampin.
“It was a good experience at Braintree,” said Terry, who turns 21 later this month.
“I think I really needed it.
“It’s one step below League Two and it really helped my game.
“As a young defender, to get out and play men’s football helps so much when you’re really starting to break through into the league.
“They have a good side at Braintree.
“The boys are unreal there – they’re a good group and I definitely think they’ll stay up.
“The ex-Colchester players there all helped me settle in at Braintree, so I’m grateful to them.”
Terry is hoping to get some more match action under his belt for Colchester tomorrow when they travel to play Bromley in League Two aiming to get back to winning ways, after three straight defeats.
He added: “We’d have liked to have gone through at Cheltenham but mistakes happen and we’re focused on Saturday now.
“The boys had a really good unbeaten run recently and if we can just get back on track and get back to something like that, I think we’ll do well.
“The boys are all focused – Bromley are doing well this season but everyone’s switched on and ready to go.”
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