Sam Hutchinson and 25 Man Squad

[Superblue 6,370]

I believe we once again do not have sufficient numbers for the 8 homegrown player quota in our 25 man squad and will therefore once again be submitting a smaller squad to the Premier League today.

If my maths are correct we'll have six homegrown players eligible for the squad this season -

Terry

Lampard

A Cole

Turnbull

Sturridge

Bertrand

Therefore my main question was about Sam Hutchinson. Now obviously he announced his retirement approximately a year ago, but I know he has been training since pre season with the reserve team and also played a couple of reserve team matches (and looked commanding and assured at the back I might add). Is this a permanent thing and he believes he can still make a career for himself, or is it just part time as I know he had plans to go into coaching with Chelsea.

If it's likely he can continue his career surely he's worth a punt in our 25 man squad when we have spare homegrown capacity. I don't believe even before his injury he would have become a first team regular, but definately had the ability to develop into a solid and reliable squad player at both right and centre back. What do people think?

[BlueLion. 21,491]

I've heard he's only playing reserves football to gauge how much physical activity he can partake in, his first team career is moreorless over unfortunately.

Normally van Aanholt and Kakuta would have been part of the homegrown contingent but they've of course gone on loan.

I wouldn't worry though, as we have an unlimited amount of U21 players we can call up if needed.

[Drogba11CFC 108]

What about Josh?

[Superblue 6,370]

He's still young enough to not have to be included in the 25 man squad. You have to be included in the squad if you are over the age of 21, hence why Sturridge and Bertrand have to be in the squad this year as opposed to previous years.

The club can field unlimited amounts of under 21 players during the year and not include them in their 25 man squad, i.e. McEachran, Lukaku, Romeu, etc

[Peace. 4,352]

What about Josh?

He is U21, so he doesn't count.

Normally van Aanholt and Kakuta would have been part of the homegrown contingent but they've of course gone on loan.

No, they are U21.

[Tomo 21,733]

Eventully we will have our homegrown quota and more, with any luck Lukaku can qualify as home grown.

[magic weeds 446]

Sam gets squad number 27 and will play in the PL.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2079142/Sam-Hutchinson-makes-incredible-return-Chelsea.html

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Mwahaha, TalkChelsea broke this story.... my proudest moment

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Mwahaha, TalkChelsea broke this story.... my proudest moment

LMAO I remember the abuse the main story got on the TC website.. Suck it haters

[Spike 12,049]

Someone on the Daily Mail compared his current predicament to Ledley King's. Hell, if he has half of King's ability he should be a starter.

[ulsterchelsea 3,221]

Sam gets squad number 27 and will play in the PL.

http://www.dailymail...rn-Chelsea.html

[BlueLion. 21,491]

LMAO I remember the abuse the main story got on the TC website.. Suck it haters

Absolutely. It's a proud moment for the website but more importantly, for Sam.