To round up the 2012-13 youth football season at Chelsea, we’re reviewing every single one of the Chelsea youngsters currently on the books who have spent time out on loan during the campaign. Here, we focus on George Saville.
Club: Millwall
Appearances: 3
The Story
It’s a shame that things didn’t really work out for George this season, because he put himself in as good a position as possible only to be let down by decisions outside of his control.
A stand-out performer in the Under-21s, the next logical step was for him to find a loan move. Having made the first team bench on occasion, a debut failed to materialise despite ample opportunity to give him a cameo. He even travelled to Japan with the Club World Championship squad, but no playing time was forthcoming.
Neither was a loan deal, with Championship clubs turning down his services. That was, at least, until Millwall came along in January. Kenny Jackett took the defensive midfielder to The Den until the end of the season but despite a congested fixture list and a faltering team, Saville was afforded just two starts and three appearances in a wholly underwhelming stay in South London.
The Future
Chelsea must do better by George next season and find him a home – ideally in the Championship – where he’ll be able to play, and play regularly. He’s good enough to help out a number of second tier teams, and with a lot longer to strike a deal over the summer transfer window, hopefully good things will start to happen.