Wigan Athletic boss Gary Caldwell was more than an interested observer when Reggie Watson became Chelsea's fourth youngest ever player in midweek at the age of 16 years, seven months, 14 days.
Watson's dad Ben - a close friend of the Latics chief - was in the stands at Stamford Bridge as the teenager took to the field against Leeds United in the Carabao Cup.
Reggie Watson makes an early appearance as a mascot at Wigan during the 2013/14 seasonplaceholder image
Reggie Watson makes an early appearance as a mascot at Wigan during the 2013/14 season
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Reggie was born during Ben's memorable time at Wigan, and was naturally known to the players and staff - and Caldwell's own kids.
"It's an incredible story," acknowledged Caldwell. "My lad, Jayden (who plays in the Academy is Stockport County), is the same year as Reggie, and it's frightening how quickly they grow up.
"I texted Ben at half-time and told him I thought it was a little bit harsh to bring him off, because I thought he'd done okay in the first half.
"Then you see the four players coming on (Reece James, Pedro Neto, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer), and they're all decent, so I'll leave that decision to Xabi Alonso.
"But what an amazing achievement for Reggie, and great for Ben and Holly to see their son at that age playing for Chelsea, and it looks like he has an incredible career ahead of him."
Ironically, directly above Watson on the all-time Chelsea youngest player list is Reggie Walsh - at 16 years, six months, and 11 days - who is with Latics on a season-long loan.
But will the 'other' Reggie possibly make the same trip north for loan experience?
"Not if he keeps playing for the Chelsea first team, it won't," laughed Caldwell. "I think he might already have bypassed the Wigan loan stage!
"I'm always on the phone to Ben, so I'll look into possibility of getting another Watson in the Wigan team."
Chelsea boss Alonso has spoken glowingly about the latest product of the Blues production line.
“He’s one of those players that all the coaches like - responsible, very reliable, focused on the game.,” said the Spaniard “You see that he has a football background from family, so it’s a great day for him.
“I mentioned in the team talk that we have all been Reggie Watson one day, and hopefully he will enjoy it.”