Former Chelsea academy scout Chris Robinson had a really interesting interview on the “rising ballers” Youtube page today, featuring plenty of fascinating stories about his years at Cobham.
One particularly interesting element was his story about scouting Even Ferguson, who has gone on to be a huge hit with Brighton. Robinson saw him young – but wasn’t keen on taking a punt and bringing the teenager to Chelsea at the time.
“He actually played against Chelsea, he came off the bench when he was about 14, in a preseason game in Ireland. A big strong boy. And he came over to Brighton at 16 or something. He only ever played for U21, so I never saw him in the 18s and I think I must have watched him six or seven times. I never saw him score a goal,” Robinson explained.
“So when people said to me, what do you think of this Irish lad? I’m like, ‘nah not for me’. No, he’s big strong boy, but he’s not quick enough. He’s not gonna play in the Premier League. And then he goes in and does so well. Every credit to him and to Brighton.”
It’s the kind of admission you can only make when you’ve got a brilliant hit rate like Robinson. We’re still being linked regularly with bids for Ferguson, who looks like he has the potential to go on to be one of the league’s most fearsome numbers 9s.
We wonder what Robinson would say about that now? Would he back a £100m bid? Or does he still have doubts about the Irishman’s ability at the very highest level.
