Chelsea’s academy has produced so many exciting young talents in the 21st century. Of course, plenty of them have eventually had to leave Stamford Bridge and make their way elsewhere.
Grimsby Town star George McEachran, 24, is someone whose education was in the Chelsea academy.
The English midfielder was with the Blues from the age of nine until he eventually left in 2022. Even though he never made a first-team appearance in Chelsea colours, he was actually named on the bench during the 2019 Europa League final when Maurizio Sarri’s side thrashed Arsenal 4-1.
McEachran eventually joined League Two club Grimsby in 2024, where he’s emerged as a key figure in the centre of the park.
Even though we want all of Chelsea’s talented youngsters to make it with the club, not everyone can emulate the likes of Reece James and Levi Colwill. The reality is there is life after Chelsea for plenty of young talented footballers that slip through the net.
Former Blues youngster Jude Soonsup-Bell joined Grimsby this summer, so he’s now sharing a dressing room with McEachran.
George McEachran of Grimsby Town battling against Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United in a Carabao Cup match.
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
George McEachran stars as Grimsby Town shock Manchester United
On Wednesday night, Grimsby caused a huge shock to dump Premier League giants Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup in the second round.
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After an enthralling 90 minutes that finished 2-2, where Grimsby actually gave up a two-goal advantage, the League Two outfit eventually won a crazy penalty shootout to progress in the domestic cup.
Former Chelsea prospect McEachran was off the pitch by the time the penalties started, but he was very impressive during the memorable cup tie. The central midfielder certainly didn’t look out of place mixing it up against Man Utd stars Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte.
Minutes played Accurate passes Total shots Blocked shots Clearances Interceptions Recoveries Match rating
73 18/22 (88%) 1 1 4 3 4 6.8
Josh McEachran statistics during Grimsby Town vs Manchester United via FOTMOB
Incidentally, Grimsby will travel to Championship side Sheffield Wednesday in the third round of the Carabao Cup. As for Chelsea, they travel to League One team Lincoln City as they enter the competition in the third round.
Chelsea fans during the pre-season friendly against AC Milan at Stamford Bridge.
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea fans applaud George McEachran display vs Manchester United
Chelsea supporters on X were left full of praise for McEachran after seeing their former youngster shine on the big stage against Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd.
One fan wrote: “George McEachran in the Grimsby Town team beating Manchester United tonight. The lad seems to be bossing the midfield.”
“George McEachran has been outstanding for Grimsby tonight. Made in Cobham, of course,” another commented.
One supporter posted: “Shoutout former blue George McEachran putting in an absolute shift defensively.”
“George McEachran standing ovation. We don’t forget,” another said.
There are plenty of former Chelsea youngsters doing well up and down the divisions in England.
If you look at Chelsea’s academy scholars for the 2025/26 season, we’re sure that some will go on and have successful careers in the Football League in the future.