Former Chelsea reserve team coach criticises Blues' 'messy' youth system - Buying power papers over problems

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Sam Long6 October 2016

Former Chelsea reserve coach Dermot Drummy has questioned the Blues' current youth system and believes there is "no real link" to Antonio Conte's first team.

Chelsea have sent a total of 38 players out on loan this season, many of whom are thriving away from Stamford Bridge.

Tammy Abraham is perhaps the most noticeable loanee, having fired himself to the top of the Championship goalscoring charts.

However, despite proving his worth away from west London, the teenager faces a battle to secure regular game time at his parent club.

John Terry represents the last youth player to establish himself as a regular in Chelsea's senior side and Drummy, who is now manager of Crawley Town, believes it is a problem that so many fail to make the final step up.

"Chelsea have produced plenty of players up to about the Under-20 level, but then what happens? They go out on loan."

"It's messy. There is no real link to the first team," he told the Express.

Drummy is adamant the issues stem from Chelsea's high turnover of managers, with every new first-team manager expected to succeed immediately after taking charge.

The club's philosophy is constantly on the move as a result, which means youngsters can struggle to make their mark on an ever-changing landscape.

"I don't think Chelsea's managers know enough about these young players. Antonio Conte or any manager that comes in has to hit the ground running fast.

"You lose a game and it is alarm bells. Their remit is to keep their jobs, be successful with the first team.

"The philosophy changes all the time. It will be whatever Conte's is, whatever Jose's [Mourinho] is. The instability is very tough on young players.

"But then again, do Chelsea need that, with the buying power they have? No. The buying power can paper over these things," he added.

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