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 Archange Nkumu.
Club(s): Yeovil Town, Colchester United
Appearances: Yeovil 1, Colchester 0
The Story
Heading into the season about to turn 19 and in the last year of his contract, Nkumu was a prime candidate to head out on loan, if merely by age and not necessarily development. A move arrived perhaps earlier than envisioned when he joined up with noted Chelsea academy fan Gary Johnson at Yeovil Town, signing as cover for the injured Rohan Ince, who was also on loan from Stamford Bridge.
He made his senior professional debut as a late substitute in a Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie against Leyton Orient but was unable to work his way into a regular squad place and returned to Cobham.
He then had a second bite at the League One cherry by moving up to Colchester for a short spell, but the situation didn’t improve at all. He was consigned to playing for the U’s’ Under-21 team and whilst he made the first team bench on occasion, he didn’t get any time on the pitch.
The Future
Archange’s Chelsea contract expires in the summer and he will depart as a free agent. He has thus far had trial spells at Granada in Spain and at Norwich City, and should be able to find a decent club at which to take the next step.