Liam Bridcutt reveals a side of Chelsea Football Club we very often hear about.

"“I was at Crystal Palace for a few weeks and was messed around a bit there, because they were in administration. It was a similar story at Wycombe. They had spent the budget and couldn’t really offer me anything.

I have still been training for three weeks back at Chelsea. They were happy to have me back to keep fit. They really helped me a lot, allowed me to go in and train so that when I got an opportunity I am fit and ready to go. Gus (Poyet) would probably not have looked at me otherwise, because he needs players that can come in straight away and do a job.

Chelsea were really good to me throughout my time there, from the age of eight. They have helped me all the way, even though they let me go in the summer. They are really nice and genuine people there who want to help so I am grateful to them.

At any big club these days it’s always hard for youngsters breaking through. I think it’s a lot harder for the English lads now because the clubs are looking abroad to buy people. We get overlooked a little bit but at Chelsea they have got some English players coming through. Even if they don’t develop them for the first team they develop them to get out and do a job elsewhere.

I’ve been in and around the first team, training with them quite a bit, and in the reserves some of the big names that don’t play are often involved. That is a massive confidence boost and they were always there to help you and encourage you to push on.

The captain, John Terry, is a massive influence on the young players. He is a great leader and if you ever needed someone to talk to he was always there. As a youngster I was a Chelsea fan. My dad was and still is. It is still a team I really love. I was disappointed to leave but I need to get out and progress my career. It’s a big step coming here. Hopefully I can do well and impress a few people.”"