Chelsea and Arsenal stars who battled it out on the pitch could come up against each other in the running for a managerial role
They were once foes on the pitch, and now Arsenal and Chelsea legends Patrick Vieira and John Terry could be competing against each other off it.
They’ve both been credited with an interest in the vacant Bournemouth job, as the Cherries look to replace sacked manager Jason Tindall.
A recent 2-1 defeat against Sheffield Wednesday Tindall’s last game in charge, with former Leeds, Middlesbrough and Real Madrid defender Jonathan Woodgate stepping in on an interim basis.
He’s got off to a strong start with victories over Birmingham and Burnley, but it’s unlikely that he’ll be given the job permanently.
Speaking on talkSPORT, journalist Alex Crook said: “Well the interview process is now getting underway.
“I’m not sure they’re going to make an appointment before this weekend. I think the fact that Jonathan Woodgate’s come in and won both of his games, and won very well at Burnley last night – it was a good performance from Bournemouth albeit against a very poor Burnley side – they’re happy to keep him in charge until Saturday if need be.
“I think that probably will be the case now. They’re not looking to appoint a manager who’s been on the merry-go-round.
“I think they want someone fresh, someone relatively young, someone with new ideas.
“That would appear to count out people like Tony Pulis and Nigel Pearson, both of whom have shown an interest.
“Paul Cook I know as well would be very keen to take the job, but again, I don’t think he’s under consideration.
“I mentioned John Terry this time last week. He remains really keen. I think what counts against him at this moment in time is his lack of frontline managerial experience.
“They took a gamble with Jason Tindall. Simon (Jordan) will say that didn’t work out so maybe they need someone who’s been there and seen it a little bit more in the dugout than John Terry has.
“One name that is being mentioned to me – and this might be a bit of a curveball, but it makes someone sense as well – Patrick Vieira, the Arsenal legend, certainly has shown some interest in this job.
“He’s managed at Nice, he’s managed in the MLS, he was in charge of Manchester City’s under-21 side.
“He’s got connections and he’s got a bit more experience than John Terry, and crucially, he’s also a former team-mate of Richard Hughes from his days at Arsenal.
“Richard Hughes didn’t play a lot for Arsenal, he was a young kid there, but there is a relationship and he fits the profile.
“He fits the big name that they want to bring in.
“I mean that would be a fascinating appointment.”
After retiring in 2018, Terry became assistant manager at Aston Villa and remains in the role to this day.
Vieira went on to manage New York City FC and Ligue 1 team Nice.
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