What makes a Chelsea player? There is no right answer to that particular question. Each has their own unique journey, but the support of family and friends is universal. And in this series, our Blues speak candidly about the figures who shaped them…
For [Erin Cuthbert](/en/teams/profile/erin-cuthbert), two people stand out regarding the unwavering support she received on her football journey. Her father, Steve, and grandfather Henry, better known as Harry Rocks. A fitting name, she says, for the man he was.
Her dad took on the role of her coach for many years; her grandfather nurtured her off the pitch.
Harry Rocks is sadly no longer with us but our midfielder’s memories will last forever. A local star he may have been, but to Erin he was just her papa.
‘My earliest memory with my grandfather was him picking me up at school with the dog Benji,’ she says. ‘Me and the dog used to do headers back and forth with each other!
‘We used to head it back and forth taking the walk back from Irvine to Kilwinning. It was an hour’s walk, but my papa did it no problem. And if he did it no problem, I certainly couldn’t complain.
'He would watch me for hours playing football – and he was quite famous at Kilwinning Sports Club. Being called net man, he would go along hours before to set up the nets and make sure there were no holes. He was best in the business at it.’
While playing in Scotland with former clubs Rangers and Glasgow City, Erin’s papa would always be on the sidelines cheering her on. A fear of flying meant he never got to see her play for Chelsea in person, but his pride for his granddaughter was never in doubt. She felt it no matter where he was watching from.
‘He got to see me sign for Chelsea, albeit he never got down on a flight because he was terrified, so he never got down to London,’ Erin says. ‘He always used to watch the games on TV.
‘He was so proud when I signed for Chelsea, but he wasn’t even surprised. I was surprised but he wasn’t. He believed in me right from the very beginning. Even at times when I didn’t even believe in myself, he always had that. It was something special.’
Erin’s journey to Chelsea began after she was spotted knocking a ball around by a parent helper of a local team. She pleaded with her dad to take her along. The rest is history.
‘I went and begged my dad to go,’ she explains. ‘He wasn’t a coach then, but at that time he had decided to start doing his coaching licence and nurture me. It was a boys’ team as well so I think he wanted to be there for his little girl.’
The 26-year-old is no longer that little girl, but Erin insists she will never be too old to receive feedback or even some harsh truths from her dad.
‘Like when he was my coach, he’s still the same dad that used to get in the car and discuss football and my performances,' the midfielder adds. ‘He can still be sort of brutal with me. But, if I tell him to tone it down he’s still there to offer me a helping hand and just someone to talk to or even a shoulder to cry on.
‘I’ve kind of outgrown him in terms of being a coach, but his analysis is second to none. I respect everything he says because he is completely honest in what he says to me. He never beats around the bush.
‘That is what you need in your support network. You need somebody who will be honest with you about your performances.’
The constructive criticism she receives from her dad, the Scotland international says, comes from him understanding her potential – and his grounded approach is something she appreciates.
‘With my dad, he’s probably living his dream through me a little bit,’ Erin says. ‘He grew up playing for Northern Ireland schoolboys but never quite reached the next level. So, to see his daughter play professional football...he must be immensely proud.
‘He’s never too high or too low but I know he feels the same emotions as me. Before a game, he’s always quite nervous as well. He’s proud but just has a different way of showing it. My mum is a very emotional and affectionate type of person. So, it’s the perfect blend to have in my support network.’
Erin has come a long way from playing at that local boy's club she was desperate to join. An established force for club and country, there have been many moments to savour.
‘Being able to share moments like winning titles and FA Cups with my mum and dad,’ she answers when we ask what some of her career highlights have been.
‘They are there for me every single day. Nobody else truly gets it. Fans, players, staff, coaches, whatever it is – nobody else truly gets what Erin goes through day-to-day except my family.
‘I love that they are there for me throughout. We FaceTime every single day, so to then share special moments with them makes everything worth it.
‘When I think of my grandfather, it’s probably not specific to football. I think back to when I used to take him shopping every Saturday. He used to buy the same six meals. That was honestly the highlight of my week. Spending time with my papa...he was honestly my best friend.’