The Blues skipper admits he has stayed in touch with Hiddink since his four-month spell in charge in 2009 when he led the club to FA Cup glory.

Now Hiddink is being linked with a return to Stamford Bridge in place of Carlo Ancelotti - and he would have Terry's full backing.

England captain Terry, currently preparing for tomorrow's Euro 2012 qualifier with Switzerland at Wembley, said: "Listen, I was really sad to see Carlo go. I had two great years with him.

"I said last year, ideally, it would have been nice had Carlo stayed for three or four years and we could be settled around him.

"Maybe he feels a little bit hard done by. But that's football. He understands that.

"I have played under another good manager. Now I look forward to the next one."

As regards Hiddink, Terry said: "He brought a lot of stability last time. He was a no-nonsense manager. Even with the senior players, completely.

"I see with him players turning up late for meetings and then getting left out of the side, having been in the side previously, if they turn up five minutes late. No matter who it was.

"That was Guus, his type of character. He was very understandable and approachable as well, but, at the same time, he had that about him too where no one messed about with him.

"He was in there for a short space of time, so sometimes it can be easier, but at the same time he loves the day-to-day stuff.

"He'd come in and hit the ground running. He knows what the players are about, what our strengths and weaknesses are, the training schedules. He knows what the individuals are about.

"I would like to see him back. I've been in contact with him since he left as well.

"I know he's been involved with the club anyway, but I kept in contact on a personal level. That speaks volumes for him."

Terry admits himself and senior players have been consulted in the past about new managers at Stamford Bridge and that the same may happen again once the Switzerland game is over.

He said: "We have been in the past, for sure. We're not going to have the final say, there's no doubt about that, but we have been brought into the loop on certain things.

"As yet, myself and Frank (Lampard) have had no contact with the club - but we've got this game. Maybe after this game, they may make contact."

England top their Euro 2012 qualifying group and Terry believes encouraging progress has been made since the disappointing World Cup campaign 12 months ago.

He said: "I think we've moved on quite a bit. We've seen different formations, and different personnel coming into the squad as well.

"Players have come in who maybe just missed out on the World Cup, like Adam Johnson who has looked brilliant all week. He's really come on.

"The younger players are making a real difference and the atmosphere within the squad has been very good the last few times we've met up up.

"It took a few months, understandably, to move on from the World Cup given the disappointment, but we feel as if we have turned the corner."

Terry is looking forward to a rare month off this summer and admits it is no coincidence that players who did not go to South Africa, such as Scott Parker, have had fine seasons.

He said: "I can't remember the last time we've had a full month off in the summer. For the players, that kind of rest is something very rare.

"Maybe the lads who never went to South Africa have been fresher. Scotty and people like that have been different class.

"Even in the week here, he's looked an unbelievable player but still looks and feels fresh."