Antonio Conte’s transition to Premier League management will be easier if Chelsea retain John Terry, according to former Blues assistant Steve Clarke.
Italy head coach Conte will take the managerial reins at Stamford Bridge after Euro 2016, becoming the fifth Italian boss in Chelsea's history.
Terry, who has made more than 700 Chelsea appearances, is set to depart this summer but Clarke believes Conte would benefit from the club captain's presence for at least another season.
"I'm surprised and I have been quite vocal in my support of John Terry staying at Chelsea next season," Clarke told Sky Sports News HQ.
"John has been there so long. He understands the club and knows it inside out. He understands the passion of the supporters and it is just my personal opinion, but I think he would be a big help for the incoming manager.
"It's Conte's first season in the Premier League and he would have John's experience to call on when needed. He'd have John's ear, if you like.
"John is the club captain and a big personality in the dressing room and it just seems a little strange that they are going to let him go. It's not as though he is over the hill. You look at his performances this season when he's been fit, the team have done well so I think he has another season in him."
Ninth-placed Chelsea will not play European football next season and are yet to guarantee themselves a top-half Premier League finish, with just three games remaining.
Clarke believes that could hinder the club's ability to attract world-class players this summer but is convinced the 46-year-old Italian is the right man to revive Chelsea's fortunes.
"The elite players, the top, top players around the world want to play Champions League football so Chelsea will struggle to attract that type of player to the club," Clarke said.
"But I think Antonio Conte is a good appointment. His track record is good. People I have spoken to tell me he is quite intense, not too dissimilar to Jose Mourinho in that aspect.
"He's very demanding of his players and I think Chelsea have shown this season that they are a squad of players that need a manager who demands a lot of them and pushes them."