Wilkins: Conte should keep Terry at Chelsea to 'pick his brains'

Former Chelsea midfielder Ray Wilkins believes incoming manager Antonio Conte would benefit from retaining the services of veteran John Terry.

Wilkins worked with the Blues' skipper over two spells as an assistant to various managers at Stamford Bridge, and says the 35-year-old Terry has enough to offer in the dressing room and on the pitch to merit a contract extension beyond this summer.

"John Terry is an exceptional player and he will be for a couple of years, whether he is at Chelsea or elsewhere," Wilkins said. "Antonio will want his experience and will want to pick his brains about what he is coming into."

Since exiting west London in 2010, Wilkins took on coaching stints at Fulham and Aston Villa and assumed control of the Jordanian national side between 2014 and 2015. He has kept a close eye on matters across the football world in that time and had his say on Conte, who will take the Blues' helm in the summer.

"He's done exceptionally well at Juventus so there is no reason to suggest he won't do well at Chelsea," Wilkins added. "He's a youthful, energetic character and there is no reason to suggest he won't do a good job.

"This year Chelsea have had a torrid time and it's not been pleasant to watch at times but Antonio comes in with a clean sheet."

Related: Chelsea appoints Antonio Conte as manager, will take over after Euro 2016

Reigining champion Chelsea currently sits in 10th, and continues its bid to finish in a more respectable position in the Premier League at Swansea City next Saturday.