Jody Morris proves the perfect fit as Chelsea kids claim fourth FA Youth Cup in a row

Victory: Jody Morris celebrates with Chelsea's Under-18s after they beat Manchester City
Steve Bardens/Getty Images
Simon Johnson27 April 2017

Of all the former players Chelsea could have picked to teach their talented Under-18s the realities of professional football, Jody Morris is the perfect man for the job.

It is not just because he added the FA Youth Cup — secured in emphatic fashion in front of owner Roman Abramovich, coach Antonio Conte, technical director Michael Emenalo, captain John Terry and all-time top scorer Frank Lampard — to the championship already won this season, but because Morris is a rare product of the club’s academy to become a first-team regular.

But Morris, who started the role last summer, is a rare product of the club's academy that became a regular in the first team between 1996-2003.

He made 174 appearances in midfield for the Blues, including playing at the Camp Nou in a Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona and an FA Cup Final win over Aston Villa.

Amid the highs, there were plenty of lows, too. The former England Under-21 international’s true potential was never reached as the trappings of fame took their toll. Morris became the subject of many negative headlines for his behaviour off the pitch, but now he has the chance to guide the next generation — and he is clearly loving the responsibility.

He told Standard Sport: "I feel I can help them as far as knowing what it is to be a young player trying to break through into the first team.

"I know what it takes to be in the first team at a big club. I also know some of the things you need to steer away from as well.

"Not only do I want to help improve the players and develop, I want to be a mentor to them. You want to be their mate at times and there are periods you have to be a bit nasty to them as well."

No doubt Conte, who gave a speech in the dressing room to the victorious squad after goals from Trevoh Chalobah, Ike Ugbo, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Dujon Sterling and Cole DaSilva thrilled Stamford Bridge, would approve.

Clearly, Conte is someone Morris respects and the 38-year-old is enjoying the opportunity to see how the Italian operates.

“I like to go and watch his sessions as much as I can,” Morris added. “I did the same when Jose Mourinho and Guus Hiddink were here. Any manager in charge of Chelsea’s first team is going to be top drawer. I want to learn.

“I’ve had text messages off him congratulating me and the boys during the season. He is a really good guy.”

In Pictures | FA Youth Cup Final | 26/04/2017

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This was Chelsea’s fourth successive FA Youth Cup victory and the squad is undoubtedly blessed with a lot of talent, yet Morris has a warning for his scholars.

"Whether you’re a young lad or John Terry, it is tough to get into any successful first team,” he said.

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