Former Arsenal star, 31, released by Colchester with John Terry on brink of takeover

COLCHESTER UNITED have announced their retained list of players as John Terry closes in on buying the club.

The England and Chelsea icon’s interest in buying the League Two club was first revealed by The Sun in April.

Former Arsenal star Matt Macey has been released by League Two side Colchester United Credit: Alamy
John Terry at Colchester Utd
Chelsea icon John Terry is close to announcing a deal to buy the club Credit: Louis Wood

He is set to announce a £14million deal to buy the club as part of a consortium.

However, before the 45-year-old’s bid is completed, the U’s have revealed who will be part of the club from the start of next season.

A statement released on their website has seen a total of 14 players released, including four first-team players, three Under 21 stars and seven scholars.

The first team contingent, who helped Danny Cowley’s side to a 12th-place finish this season, consists of Dom Gape, Jack Baldwin, John-Kymani Gordon and Matt Macey.

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Macey, 31, is a former Arsenal academy star.

The goalkeeper originally joined Colchester from Portsmouth in 2024, and played 45 of their 46 games last season.

He was released by Arsenal in 2021, having been signed by them in 2013 following a successful trial.

Macey ultimately only played twice for the Gunners’ first team, with his debut coming in the League Cup against Norwich in October 2017.

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The club said in its statement: “We thank all the departing players and those that have been on loan with us throughout the 2025/26 season, and wish them all well in their future careers.”

They added that while a contract had not been offered to defender Tom Flanagan, who originally joined the club in 2024, the club would be “supporting him throughout his rehabilitation journey back to full fitness”.

Negotiations remain ongoing with seven first-team players, with a further four from the U21s and three development contracts also being offered.

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