One of the common perceptions I’ve noticed whilst policing the article comments relates to Jose Mourinho never giving youth a chance.
Now this wasn’t always the case.
I can distinctly remember Jose championing the case of one of our promising youngsters and giving him his opportunity to sparkle.
The youngster in question was a certain Scott Sinclair.
Sinclair made more than the odd appearance for Jose and was doing remarkably well until, against Manchester United, the boot of a certain Wes Brown put Scott out of action with a broken foot.
Since then it’s been a baffling experience for Sinclair. Instead of flourishing he’s been shunted out on loan spell after loan spell and frustrated manager after manager.
Last season it was Roberto Martinez, at Wigan, who had Sinclair under his tutorship and once again Scott couldn’t force hi sway into the Wigan team on a permanent basis. Scott was largely used as an impact player coming off the bench although impact could well be the wrong word.
Back at Chelsea now, Scott was brought on as a substitute at Selhurst Park and one mazy run; seconds after being brought on should have resulted in a penalty. For a few seconds there memories of the youngster; who had shown he could run the length of the pitch and score, came flooding back.
Sadly, given time to show what he could do in the Amsterdam Arena on Friday evening, Scott just didn’t get involved enough and was virtually anonymous at a time when he probably needed a decent performance.
Now, as then new season approaches, I can’t help thinking that the gulf between truly promising youngster and seasoned first team professional is one that Scott is struggling to breach.
I hate to say it, especially after being one of those who truly believed he’d make it, that his time at our club is probably up!
Now this wasn’t always the case.
I can distinctly remember Jose championing the case of one of our promising youngsters and giving him his opportunity to sparkle.
The youngster in question was a certain Scott Sinclair.
Sinclair made more than the odd appearance for Jose and was doing remarkably well until, against Manchester United, the boot of a certain Wes Brown put Scott out of action with a broken foot.
Since then it’s been a baffling experience for Sinclair. Instead of flourishing he’s been shunted out on loan spell after loan spell and frustrated manager after manager.
Last season it was Roberto Martinez, at Wigan, who had Sinclair under his tutorship and once again Scott couldn’t force hi sway into the Wigan team on a permanent basis. Scott was largely used as an impact player coming off the bench although impact could well be the wrong word.
Back at Chelsea now, Scott was brought on as a substitute at Selhurst Park and one mazy run; seconds after being brought on should have resulted in a penalty. For a few seconds there memories of the youngster; who had shown he could run the length of the pitch and score, came flooding back.
Sadly, given time to show what he could do in the Amsterdam Arena on Friday evening, Scott just didn’t get involved enough and was virtually anonymous at a time when he probably needed a decent performance.
Now, as then new season approaches, I can’t help thinking that the gulf between truly promising youngster and seasoned first team professional is one that Scott is struggling to breach.
I hate to say it, especially after being one of those who truly believed he’d make it, that his time at our club is probably up!
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