Maidstone United midfielder Tariq Uwakwe kept some great company as a young player at Chelsea.
Uwakwe was in the same youth team as the likes of current Premier League stars Marc Guehi, Reece James and Conor Gallagher during his formative years with the Blues.
Maidstone United midfielder Tariq Uwakwe brings the ball forward against Cray Wanderers. Picture: Helen CooperMaidstone United midfielder Tariq Uwakwe brings the ball forward against Cray Wanderers. Picture: Helen Cooper
Maidstone United midfielder Tariq Uwakwe brings the ball forward against Cray Wanderers. Picture: Helen Cooper
It was a special time for the player, who at one point felt he was close to a first-team debut himself when then-boss Frank Lampard turned to youngsters after finding his hands tied by a transfer embargo after taking charge at Stamford Bridge.
He ended up moving on to Crewe Alexandra, followed by a spell at Swindon Town before dropping into non-league football.
Uwakwe, 26, linked up with Maidstone in pre-season and his signing was confirmed after recovering from a hamstring injury.
He’ll never forget his time at Chelsea.
“I was there 19 or 20-odd years,” said Uwakwe. “I grew up there. That’s like my home. It was an amazing experience to grow up playing for Chelsea.
“That’s where I learned all the things that I can show on the pitch.
“Growing up there, I think, is one of the best experiences any young player could have in their life.
“I grew up with so many good players, especially around my team. I had Marc Guehi, Reece James, Conor Gallagher, Martel Taylor-Crossdale, Dujon Sterling, Rhian Brewster, George McEachran, Jamie Cumming.
“There were so many just within my group, not to mention the players above me and below me.
“A lot of them joined at the same time and you build relationships through life with them, more than just football.”
Tariq Uwakwe pops up on the right during Maidstone's FA Cup replay against Cray on Tuesday night. Picture: Helen Cooper
Tariq Uwakwe pops up on the right during Maidstone's FA Cup replay against Cray on Tuesday night. Picture: Helen Cooper
Uwakwe knew it would be difficult to force his way into the first-team picture but Lampard’s arrival from Derby, having previously worked with him in the under-18s, gave him hope, particularly with the Blues unable to spend their millions.
“When we were younger it was very tricky, I’m not going to say it wasn’t,” said Uwakwe.
“Wherever you are, it’s going to be tricky, but when you look at players who have maybe done more than you have at a certain level and they’re struggling to get in, you kind of think, is it going to happen for me?
“But then things change quickly in football, like when Frank Lampard came in and we had the transfer ban and a lot more young players started playing more games.
“He was with us at under-18s when we were with Jody Morris, so he knew a lot of us quite well, which worked for us, and you’d speak to him here and there.
“When the ban came in, he kind of needed to go into the youth team and there were a lot of young boys going over there training.
“It propelled a lot of the boys to show what they could do at first-team level.
“We were over there training with the first team a lot more then. I feel like I did come close to playing but when it didn’t happen, I needed to go in a different direction.
“Since then, I’ve just been trying to find somewhere I’d call home where I can settle in and keep pushing.”
Uwakwe impressed Maidstone manager Craig Fagan at the start of pre-season.
Maidstone United manager Craig Fagan likes Tariq Uwakwe’s versatility. Picture: Helen Cooper
Maidstone United manager Craig Fagan likes Tariq Uwakwe’s versatility. Picture: Helen Cooper
He featured in the opening friendly but suffered a hamstring strain in his next outing.
Fagan had seen enough to keep him around the place, however, and his signing was announced before United’s 1-0 win over Weston-super-Mare at the start of September.
He showed his versatility in the Football League, playing in multiple positions in his second season at Crewe, and that will be an asset for Maidstone given their small squad.
“I grew up as a midfielder, so I’ve always wanted to play there, but I’ve had stints at left-back, right-wing, left-wing, sometimes right-back,” said Uwakwe.
“Wherever I’m needed, I know I can give what the manager needs, so it’s just about performing whenever you come on the pitch.”
Knowing there would be opportunities to play, even more so because of his adaptability, played a big part in Uwakwe’s decision to join Maidstone.
“It was one of the main reasons that attracted me as well, because I’ve been out of the game for a little bit, so I wanted to come back and just play as many games as I can,” he said.
“But it’s a strong team as well, which is really good, because it helps me keep pushing and striving for more. I’m ready to go and help the team as much as I can. We’re flying in the league and we’ve just got to keep that going.”
Maidstone players had been looking forward to Uwakwe's return, with the midfielder fitting in well during pre-season.
“That time in pre-season helped, just getting to know the lads,” he added.
“They made me feel really welcome. When they get to see you play and show what you can do, they start to trust in you a bit more and the trust comes on and off the pitch. It’s good to keep building relationships.”
Maidstone host Truro at the Gallagher on Saturday (3pm).