Kids show first team how to behave

Last updated : 11 February 2011 By Paul Lagan

Watching the way the Chelsea youth team players interact with their crowd is something the first team players should take note of.

Chelsea's kids defeated Barnsley tonight  by two goals to one - having to come from a one-goal deficit after just eight seconds.

However inspired by 17-year-old Josh McEachran, the FA Youth cup holders responded in style and won the game with a goal, from firstly McEachran and then centre-back Nathaniel Chalobah.

Straight after the game, McEachran was interviewd on Chelsea's in-house TV show, but afterwards went straight to his adoring fans.

They shouted his name during the interview and he responded by signing autographs and having his picture taken with the young fans, and some of who were even older than the 17-year-old.

Later on he was seen outside the East Stand - continuing in the same vein.

It's a testement to his maturity and the way Chelsea communications team look after their young players that stars like McEachran can effortlessly respond to the demands asked by the Blues faifhful.

One has only to compare the kids' attitude, and McEachran was not the only one to that of some first-team players who more often than not don't come into contact with their fans who wait patiently after games for even a fleeting glimpse of their heroes.

Long may it continue that this crop of players appreciate their fans and not feel the need to hide behind tinted -glass in their massive cars.

Chelsea's academy is producing fantastically talented players, but the club is also turning them into well-rounded young men.

Long may it continue.

The youth team will play at home against Watford in the 6th Round of the FA Youth Cup.