The Loan Report: September 27 – October 3

October 3, 2010

In this week’s instalment of the Loan Report, a ten-goal thriller at Chesterfield for Rhys Taylor takes centre stage as we check up on Chelsea’s young loanees. Crewe’s Welsh goalkeeper has been in fine form so far this season and has been one of the reasons for the club’s impressive unbeaten run, which continued on Saturday despite dropping a three-goal lead to end up drawing 5-5 in what was an…

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Under-18s: Ipswich Town 0-0 Chelsea

October 2, 2010

Outings in previous seasons away to Ipswich meant those expecting an entertaining morning’s academy action were left disappointed. Dermot Drummy’s boys secured a third clean sheet of the season in a goalless draw which was unremarkable for almost the entireity of the match. Anton Rodgers’ second half dismissal was a rare talking point, and a disappointing one to boot. Chelsea started with Jamal Blackman in goal behind a backline of…

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The Loan Report: September 20-26

September 26, 2010

As we reach the closing days of September, Chelsea’s loanees will be settled in at their homes for the 2010/11 season, and are preparing for the long winter stretch. Many are firmly established in the starting line-up, but for others, the challenge remains to work their way into regular consideration. Michael Mancienne is facing exactly that after a week in which he failed to appear in Wolverhampton old gold and…

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Under-18s: Chelsea 2-4 Southampton

September 25, 2010

Sometimes you just need to hold your hands up and accept that you’re second best. That will certainly be the case for Chelsea this afternoon after Southampton came away from Cobham with a 4-2 victory achieved with a first class performance in which they dominated every aspect of the game. The Blues improved in the second half and a brace from Bobby Devyne threatened to give them hope, but in…

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Opportunity Knocks

September 22, 2010

For many, myself included, tonight’s Carling Cup game will be one of the most anticipated Chelsea matches in some time. For whilst it’s not a title six-pointer, or a European knockout tie, it may represent the future of the club. 2010-11 is the season where the Blues will apparently use the Carling Cup to showcase some of the younger talents at Stamford Bridge. Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Jeffrey Bruma, Gael…

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Catching Up With The Youngsters

September 20, 2010

For one reason or another, it’s been a little while without a youth team match report, so let’s have a catch-up. The academy fixture list presented three away games in the last four, and with the home date against Cardiff clashing with first team commitments at Upton Park, the opportunity to see the Under-18s first hand hasn’t quite been there. That doesn’t mean the interest wanes however, far from it….

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The Loan Report: September 5-13

September 19, 2010

Whilst Chelsea’s loanees haven’t been remarkable yet, and another week has passed without any standout performers, it’s always good to catch up. We’ll start, as usual, with Michael Mancienne at Wolves. The England Under-21 captain lined up in midfield for the trip to Tottenham and had what was generally an impressive match. Mick McCarthy’s men held a 1-0 lead until late in the game, when they wilted under pressure, eventually…

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Reserves: Newcastle United 2-3 Chelsea

September 16, 2010

Chelsea’s return to reserve team football after three weeks away lacked nothing in an evening of ups and downs at St. James’ Park. Having trailed early in the game, a brace from Milan Lalkovic had given the Blues the lead, but a second half goal from Haris Vuckic appeared to have ensured a share of the spoils, until Adam Phillip, returning from a year out through injury, won and converted…

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The Loan Report: September 5-12

September 12, 2010

After an international break, the domestic football scene returned with a vengeance this week, and as Chelsea’s loan ranks swelled to near double figures over the transfer deadline, there’s a lot to take in. Michael Mancienne remained the club’s only Premier League loanee and started his first match in his third spell at Wolves in defensive midfield away to Fulham. It appears he struggled for the first hour of their…

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New Deal Close For Kakuta?

September 9, 2010

It’s been a subject of some consternation for Chelsea fans in the last few months. Gael Kakuta’s contract with Chelsea, as far as any media source reveals, is due to expire next summer. The club have certainly never revealed an extension to the deal he signed when joining the club, and FA registration documents over the last twelve months have not mentioned his name. The wait and uncertainty may be…

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