Sports / Soccer |
Chelsea's billions boost silverware, hamper youngsters(Reuters)Updated: 2007-01-08 09:51 SINGAPORE, Jan 7 - Roman Abramovich's billions have brought glory and silverware to English champions Chelsea, but they have done little to enhance the prospects of teenage hopefuls at the London club. Filipino midfielder James Younghusband was released from Chelsea last year after 10 years at Stamford Bridge and says it is harder than ever to make the grade at the Russian oligarch's club. "Before Roman Abramovich's time, out of about 100 youths, seven or eight would make it," said Younghusband, who is in Singapore to represent the Philippines in a friendly international against the hosts. "Now, with increased competition from other European youth players -- and more finances -- only three or four succeed." The 20-year-old has moved to semi-professional side AFC Wimbledon and is rapidly coming to terms with the realities of life outside the top flight, while younger brother Philip remains at Chelsea. "Leaving Chelsea was the lowest point of my football career, a big setback," he told Singapore's Sunday Times. "It's more physical in the lower leagues, not pretty football. "You face bigger-sized players, the ball's in the air more," said the midfielder who played for Chelsea from the Under-10s to the U-19s levels, and made 30 appearances for the reserves in the two seasons before being let go. While James will take part in this month's Asean soccer championships, staged in Singapore and Thailand, his brother has ruled himself out. "Unfortunately, I won't be going. I have spoken with Chelsea and they feel it is best I stay here at such an important time during the football season," he told Filipino media. "This is the period where decisions will be made about my future." The Asean soccer tournament - formerly the Tiger Cup - is a biennial tournament featuring national sides from South-East Asia and takes place this year from January 12-February 4. The Filipinos have been grouped with three-time winners Thailand, Myanmar and Malaysia, while the Singapore group features Vietnam, Indonesia and Laos, the top team in the qualifying stage.
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