DAVID MOYES has revealed Sunderland were willing participants in the contrived incident that enabled John Terry to be substituted with a guard of honour on his final appearance as a Chelsea player.

Terry will leave Chelsea when his current contract expires in the summer, and his final appearance at Stamford Bridge came to an early end when he was substituted in the 26th minute to mark the number on the back of his shirt.

Jordan Pickford kicked the ball into touch, enabling Chelsea boss Antonio Conte to replace Terry with Gary Cahill. Terry shook the hands of each Chelsea player, before the home side trotted to the touchline to form a guard of honour for their captain, who was making his 717th senior appearance for the Blues.

The game was stopped for around two minutes, with most neutrals being surprised that Chelsea were allowed to break off from a competitive fixture to mark the departure of one of their players.

However, speaking after the final whistle, Moyes revealed that not only were Sunderland fully aware of Chelsea’s plans to celebrate Terry’s final game, they were also actively involved in ensuring the game was stopped in the 26th minute.

Diego Costa asked Pickford to put the ball out of play at the pre-arranged time, and Sunderland’s goalkeeper responded by finding touch.

“I think John Terry, in his own way, deserves a great send off,” said Moyes, who was presiding over his 26th league defeat of a thoroughly demoralising season. “He got that today.

“We knew it was coming, and we agreed to put the ball out. It was Diego Costa that actually asked Jordan to kick the ball out. We actually did it about 15 seconds too early, but we knew it was happening.”

Sunderland supporters immediately took to social media to criticise Moyes’ complicity in the stunt, which could yet be investigated by the Football Association as it may breach regulations relating to spot fixing.

An FA probe could be the least of Moyes’ worries this week, as the embattled boss faces a meeting with Sunderland owner Ellis Short that will go a long way towards determining his future at the Stadium of Light.

The Scotsman was reluctant to discuss his own position last night, although he is understood to be keen to continue in the Championship provided he is afforded what he regards as a realistic budget for the rebuilding of his squad.

Newcastle United spent around £50m in the wake of their relegation 12 months ago, and with eight players at the end of their contract, three loan players due to return to their parent club and Jermain Defoe sure to leave because of a relegation release clause in his deal, Moyes believes a similar sum will be required if Sunderland are to mount a viable promotion push next season.

He has been working with chief executive Martin Bain to identify potential targets, and has also decided which players he would like to keep from his current squad.

“We’ll (Moyes and Short) be meeting up some time this week,” said the Sunderland boss. “Hopefully, it’ll be in a few days’ time.

“We’re well underway with things. Behind the scenes, we’ve got a lot of things done. We’ve met the players’ agents, and Martin Bain has been told about the players that we’re keeping.

“Like every other club, I’m sure we’ll put a retained list out and we’ll put a released list out too. That’ll hopefully come in the next few days.”

As was the case at Arsenal on Tuesday night, Moyes did not go over to the Sunderland fans at the end of the game.

Having shaken Conte’s hand, he disappeared quickly down the tunnel, although he insists his pain at his side’s relegation should not be underestimated.

“I’m gutted we’ve been relegated, and really disappointed with the way the season’s gone,” said Moyes. “But what do you do? Football has winners and people who lose. Chelsea are winners today, and I hope at some point in the future we’re involved in something similar.”

The day ended with Chelsea lifting the Premier League trophy, before Terry completed his send off by addressing the home fans from the Stamford Bridge pitch.

“Today is one of the most difficult days of my life,” said the Chelsea skipper. “I’ve been very fortunate to work with some unbelievable players and managers throughout my career. I’m thankful to every single one of them.

“We all have to thank Roman Abramovich. I’d like to thank him and all the board. He’s the best owner in world football.

“You are the best supporters in the world, without a shadow of a doubt. You’ve given me everything. You picked me up when I was down, sung my name when I had a bad game and disappointed you. I’ll come back here one day, supporting the team for years to come.”