Chelsea sacked Jacob Mellis yesterday after his involvement in setting off a smoke bomb at the team’s training ground. Who is he?
1) Mellis has been a part of the set up at Stamford Bridge since 2009 after signing from Sheffield United in a deal worth £1 million. He first played for the Blades Reserves aged just 15.
2) He is now 21, and may have been unlikely to make it at Chelsea. Now he is unattached it may be easier for him to find a new club and start afresh, but he will have to convince future employers that he is not a disruptive personality.
3) Mellis plays in central midfield, but can also perform at full-back and centre-back.
4) He is an England youth international, playing at under-16, under-17, and under-19 level, making his last appearance for the under-19s in 2010, scoring four goals in 12 games.
5) Mellis made one substitute appearance for Chelsea, but gained regular football on loan with Southampton where he played 12 games, and at Barnsley last year, where he scored twice in 15 matches.
Watch a video of him in action here.
There has been a lot of anger about Mellis’ sacking, with many pointing out that Ashley Cole escaped disclipline after he was accused of shooting a work experience kid with an air rifle. Were Chelsea too harsh on Mellis or could the sacking be good for his career, giving him a moment in the limelight to restart his career?
Should Chelsea have taken a tougher stance on Ashley Cole? Let us know your views.
image: © expertinfantry
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