TEENAGE RAMPAGE
Lampard, Terry and Drogba made James want to be a winner
WHEN Reece James was a young Chelsea fan living in Essex he used to idolise the man who is now his manager – Frank Lampard.
But not just Lampard. James, picked up by the Blues at the age of six, also looked up to Stamford Bridge legends like Didier Drogba and John Terry.
The backbone, in other words, of the Chelsea side that Jose Mourinho led to the club’s first top-flight title in 50 years in 2005, and which became a trophy-winning machine over the next decade and more.
All three were winners to the core. And that is what 19-year-old James aims to be as well.
The powerful teenager finally made his debut on Wednesday – after a frustrating wait trying to shrug off an ankle injury picked up during the summer – creating two goals and scoring one as Chelsea demolished League Two Grimsby 7-1 in the Carabao Cup.
He said: “When I was young I supported the club, and still do now.
“I looked up to Drogba, Terry, Lampard. They were the main three leaders. They helped drive the team back then.”
Lampard vowed to give youth a chance after taking over in the summer and he has been as good as his word.
He ended up with six teenagers on the pitch in the victory against Grimsby – but it was James who made the biggest impact.
The right-back spent a season on loan at Wigan last term and was named in the Championship Team of the Year.
He said: “I’d played in front of a few crowds before but nothing like Stamford Bridge full.
“To score is a dream come true. It’s always what I wanted and I’m glad I’m getting my chance.
“I’m not sure what’s going to happen in the weeks ahead. I have to take it as it comes. If I’m involved then I’ll be happy.”