The Loan Report: April 10-15

April 16, 2012

It’s an all-action end to the season on the loan front as a busy Easter period led straight into another packed schedule of action for Chelsea’s young professionals. Games are increasing in importance and it’s always interesting to see how players handle the increase in pressure when the stakes are high. Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, for example is excelling just when his team need him the most. With Genk…

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FA Youth Cup: Chelsea 1-1 Manchester United (Chelsea win 3-2 on aggregate)

April 13, 2012

Chelsea will play in their second FA Youth Cup Final in three seasons after besting Manchester United 3-2 on aggregate over two keenly-fought Semi Final contests. A second half strike from Brazilian forward Lucas Piazon earned the Blues a draw on the night after Jack Barmby’s first half opener and ensured that Adi Viveash’s boys progressed to the Final against Blackburn. United came with the intention to leave everything they…

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FA Youth Cup Semi Final Second Leg Preview

April 13, 2012

Twenty-eight days after their first meeting, Chelsea and Manchester United renew acquaintances this Friday evening in the second leg of their FA Youth Cup Semi Final. At Old Trafford on March 16th, goals from Amin Affane and Islam Feruz gave the Blues a slender 2-1 advantage to return south with, one which makes them slight favourites to progress to the Final, but it’s a close call. At the same stage…

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The Loan Report: April 2-9

April 10, 2012

A busy Easter weekend across Europe has seen plenty of action on the loan front as Chelsea’s young professionals approach the end of their temporary spells elsewhere. The landscape is well known now, of course, with some players very much first choice at their respective clubs, and others struggling for consistent playing time. Neil Bath, academy manager, spoke this week about important decisions which will be made over the summer…

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The Loan Report: March 26 – April 1

April 1, 2012

It’s the turn of the goalkeepers to take centre stage in the latest edition of the Loan Report after an interesting week for Chelsea’s quartet of stoppers. Giving credit where it’s due, it’s also appropriate to begin with Yeovil Town’s Sam Walker, who had one of his finest days as a professional on Saturday with an inspired, man of the match performance away to Bournemouth. Earlier in the week, Glovers…

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Under-18s: Chelsea 0-0 Aston Villa

March 31, 2012

Chelsea’s Under-18 team rounded out their home campaign for 2011-12 with a second consecutive goalless draw against Aston Villa.  In a match of few real chances and little incident, a point apiece was a fair result and both sides were able to offer further opportunities to younger players.  Under-16s Mitchell Beeney and Dion Conroy started for the hosts whilst Adi Viveash was able to welcome back Archange Nkumu from injury….

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Reserves: Swansea City 2-2 Chelsea

March 28, 2012

Chelsea’s Reserve team earned a deserved point in South Wales on Tuesday evening as they drew 2-2 agaisnt Swansea at the Parc y Scarlets. Dermot Drummy’s young side twice fell behind in the second half but Patrick Bamford and Lucas Piazon hauled the Blues back on terms on each occasion, with the Brazilian striking in timely fashion with just moments remaining. It was a just result and an impressive one…

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The Loan Report: March 19-25

March 25, 2012

It’s been a rather action-packed seven days on the loan front with a number of teams and players in action twice. For the first time as a Chelsea player, Kevin de Bruyne is this week’s headline act. The Belgian international turned in a performance of the highest order when his team needed it most, scoring one and creating the other two goals as Genk beat Gent 3-1 in midweek to…

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Youths & Reserves Win As Mellis Departs

March 21, 2012

Chelsea’s Reserve team continued a fine week across all levels for the Blues with a 4-2 win away to Newcastle on Monday night. A brace from Romelu Lukaku – taking the Belgian to seven goals in as many games – and one apiece from Nathaniel Chalobah and Billy Clifford secured an impressive three points for Dermot Drummy’s men. They won’t be successfully defending their national title from last May but…

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The Loan Report: March 12-18

March 18, 2012

It’s been another successful week for Chelsea’s young loan stars, and we’ll turn the headlines over to one who has today picked up his first winner’s medal in professional football. Ben Gordon was part of the Kilmarnock side which pulled off an improbable upset in the Scottish League Cup Final, defeating Celtic 1-0 courtesy of Dieter van Tornhout’s 83rd minute winner to secure the trophy for the first time. Gordon…

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