Jack Cork signs with Southampton, reflects upon Chelsea’s youth system

By: Jamie | July 8th, 2011

Jack Cork, a part of the Chelsea academy since he was nine, follows in the footsteps of several of our older youth squad members in departing the Blues. He has signed a four-year deal with newly-promoted Championship side Southampton after spending last season on loan at Burnley. He also delivered a little parting comment about Chelsea’s youth system on his Twitter account (which was promptly deleted).

The alleged tweet: “Thanks for all the messages everyone. And thanks to all the support from burnley fans. More of a home club than Chelsea has ever been to me.”

Ouch. Been here for thirteen years and that’s his parting shot. Thirteen years and he never managed to make a senior appearance for the club. What does that say about the way our academy works?

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Category: Chelsea Team News, Transfer News

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Montecristosaint

A great signing for Saints you can hear the determination in his voice he will drive the whole team forward. They will go up this season.
Sir Cecil

Chelsea has developed plenty of fine youth players. But whereas other sides would be more than happy with them (as would Chelsea of previous generations), the club has higher standards than most. Robert Huth and Carlton Cole are of Premiership standard. Sinclair will be in the Premiership next season. One youth player went on to play for Portsmouth, Arsenal and is currently at Real Madrid! Kakuta is wanted by Premierhip Fulham and Mancienne has done fine at Wolves before going to Hamburg. There are MANY more and the output is as good as any club. But Chelsea is NOT "any club" and demands more.
Dd2090x2

completely agree. though we haven't produced any star players recently, there certainly have been a number of premiership quality players, unfortunately that just doesnt cut it at chelsea especially when you're trying to go for every trophy. but hopefully AVB finds away of letting the youth have a chance while at the same time maintaining the challenge on all fronts.
JM

Poor Jack Cork, not allowed to be good enough by the Chelsea Academy and coaching staff.... Then again, when was the last time Chelsea Academy produced a big player? (Don't even think about JT, he's from the other side of towm).......
Yoshi

I just hope Josh Mceachran's growth isn't impeded by an overcrowded midfield. The lad's a talent and Chelsea should take great care handling him. Mceachran could be a Blue player for the rest of his career.
Sharinganfx

In other news, Essien has injured his knee again.
zach

shattering news, this could well be his career over :(