Wearing blue since joining our development centre, Harrison Murray-Campbell is grateful to Chelsea for shaping him into the player and person he is today, as he continues to excel in the Blues' defence.
With joining the club at our pre-academy, Murray-Campbell has steadily progressed through the ranks, now featuring for the Under-21s under Filipe Coelho. Over the years, he has not only developed as a footballer but also grown as a person, evolving from a young boy starting his journey to an 18-year-old who now leads by example.
This season has already been a standout for the defender, with 24 appearances across all competitions and the honour of captaining his team three times. But how does he feel about his performances in the 2024/25 campaign ahead of Friday night's Premier League Cup game with Ipswich Town?
'I've really enjoyed every step of the journey so far,' he reflects. 'There have been plenty of ups and downs, but those moments shape you as a player, both on and off the pitch. It’s about learning from each experience and using those lessons to improve.
'Having been at Chelsea since the beginning, I don’t know anything different. Cobham is my second home and that’s something I wouldn’t want to change. It means more to me than just a football club, it’s my life here.
'I always strive to get better and I follow a routine, where after games I focus on recovery even when I’m away from the training ground. I also watch my matches back to analyse what I did well and where I can improve and of course I give everything in training.
'So far this season, I think I’ve performed well although there have been games where I could have stepped up more. At the same time, I’m proud of some of my performances. As a player, it’s important to be honest with yourself, learning from each match to keep progressing.
'I always look forward to playing, proving what I can do and helping the team progress. That’s why I’m excited for Friday’s knockout game. It’s another opportunity to step up.'
Having grown up at Cobham from a young age, Murray-Campbell has seen older players follow the same path and make the short journey across the road at our training ground to establish successful professional careers. Figures like Chelsea captain Reece James and defender Levi Colwill have been important influences. Watching their journeys unfold so close has only fuelled his own ambition. However, one person in particular has had a major impact on his growth.
'I’ve seen players come through the ranks and follow the same path as me, and that’s a huge for motivation,' he explained. 'Knowing that I could, and hopefully will, achieve that too pushes me every day.
'But growing up, the player I always looked up to was John Terry. The way he led on and off the pitch, combined with his quality as a top defender, really inspired me.
'Now, I’m fortunate to have a close relationship with him. He gives me advice, mentors me and has played a big role in my development as both a player and a person. We watch clips back together and he tells me what I’ve done well and where I can improve. That kind of insight has definitely helped me grow.
'I feel lucky to have these experiences and the support of so many people at Chelsea. It’s one of the best, if not the best, place to develop as a player. The coaching staff, analysts and medical team all play a huge role in pushing us to be our best, always being there to support us.'
Thursday 19 December was a landmark moment for Murray-Campbell as he made his senior debut for his boyhood club under Enzo Maresca. Stepping onto the Stamford Bridge pitch in the 59th minute against Shamrock Rovers, he played his part in Chelsea’s commanding 5-1 victory in the UEFA Conference League.
'Making my debut was a dream come true,' the 18-year-old said with a smile. 'As a young boy, I used to watch games from the stands, so to actually step onto the pitch and play was an unbelievable feeling. It’s incredible. I can’t even describe it.
'My family was so happy for me because they know how much I’ve wanted this. Everything I do is for them, to make them proud, so it was a huge moment for all of us.
'The support from the fans was amazing - before, during and after the game. It doesn’t go unnoticed. I just want to say thank you to the coaches and staff for trusting me and giving me that opportunity.
'I learned a lot that I can bring back to the Under-21s, but the biggest lesson was the importance of leadership. Everything you do has to be for the team, not just for individual growth. That’s what makes a team stronger and more successful.'
Our Under-21s now shift focus to the upcoming Premier League Cup knockout fixture against Ipswich this Friday night at Kingsmeadow. Having topped the group with victories over Brentford, Bournemouth and Derby County, we have reached the last-16 of the competition. A win this week will secure the Blues a spot in the quarter-finals.
'I love these big knockout games,' Murray-Campbell concluded. 'The added pressure is something I enjoy, knowing there’s so much on the line. We have to give everything in this game.
'As a group, we’ve been growing in a positive direction. We’re closer than ever, both on and off the pitch, and that bond is only getting stronger. It makes a big difference because we want to fight for each other.
'I’m really looking forward to Friday. The goal is to get the job done and hopefully come away with a clean sheet and the win.'
Join us under the lights
Tickets are still available for our Premier League Cup last-16 tie against Ipswich Town at Kingsmeadow on Friday 7 March, with kick-off at 7pm.
With our updated Academy ticket pricing, Chelsea season ticket holders (for both men's and women's teams), members and under-20s are eligible for a free ticket. General sale tickets are priced at £4.
If you can’t make it to the stadium, you can watch the match live for free on the official Chelsea website and app. Simply visit the Chelsea Under-21s vs Ipswich Town Under-21s match centre or the homepage shortly before kick-off. Make sure you are logged into your members' account to access the live stream.