Former Chelsea academy starlet Josh McEachran has warned Chelsea’s latest batch of academy wonder kids that the road ahead is only going to get harder. The midfielder insists he has no hard feelings towards the club who made his debut at only 17 years of age, although one could be forgiven for expecting bitterness after going from being the clubs most promising youngster to finding himself on the unwanted list.
Now 22-years old, McEachran has found a home in Brentford and hopes to get regular football and build himself something of a successful career. Once tipped as the future of English football, he spent numerous seasons on loan, only to lack game time or disappoint. The journey for him went downhill from there, various injuries and expensive signings only blocking his path, after 15 seasons in West London, McEachran has finally moved on, but not without a parting shot at his boyhood club.
Adrian Kajumba of The Mirror quotes that McEachran said:
“No, they didn’t try and keep me, they just let me go (when asked if Chelsea offered him a new contract). I had been in and around the first team since I was 17 and seen a lot of managers come and go and world class players in training so I can only say positive things about the club.”
“They helped me a lot. I would not say I should have got more chances at Chelsea. I am not going to point the finger at anyone and say it is their fault. At Chelsea, it is always going to happen (new signings coming in).”
“They want to win the Premier League, the Champions League, every year. So they are not just going to settle with what they’ve got. They always want the best, so I wasn’t disappointed (when new players arrived).”
With Chelsea boasting one of the most promising academy’s in the world right now, many people believe that it’s not a matter of if, but when the next player will breakthrough into the first team. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is well on the fringes and looks closest to do so, with Dominic Solanke, Andreas Christensen, Nathan Ake all getting a taste of senior football last season.
The midfielder continued: “It is a lot harder to break through than a few years ago with all the money involved, but it is definitely possible. If you are good enough you will have to play and you need a manager to trust and rely on you.”
“The advice I would give is: You haven’t done anything until you’re at JT’s level, with all the trophies, caps for England and everything. So if you are a 17-year-old lad going on (a) pre-season (tour) you haven’t really done anything.”
When asked why he left Chelsea he added: “It was time to get out. I wanted a fresh start. I am excited to be here at Brentford and looking forward to playing football week in week out.”
