The players got together on Sunday evening in a hotel in Cobham and underwent medical and physical tests yesterday before Chelsea youth coach Brendan Rodgers gave them their first training session.
It is a long time since Chelsea has brought in so many 16 year olds in one year, but there is a determination to strengthen the youth set up - many of whom deputise for the Reserves team.
The new players are:
DEFENDERS
Ryan Bertrand: The left-back has been signed from Gillingham. Academy manager Neil Bath says: “He’s a fast, attacking Ashley Cole type, very strong in the tackle.”
Jack Cork: Academy graduate. Neil says: “He’s been here since the age of nine and is very versatile. Recently he played for England Under 16s. He’ll probably start the season as a centre-half.”
Sam Hutchinson: A right-back and another Academy graduate. Neil says: “Sam’s another player who’s been here since he was nine.”
Harry Worley: Centre-back signed from Stockport. Neil says: “He’s six feet three inches, courageous and comfortable on the ball.”
MIDFIELDERS
Liam Bridcutt: Academy graduate, a holding midfielder. Neil says: “He lives in the Reading area, is strong in the tackle and keeps possession well.”
Ricardo Fernandes: Attacking midfielder signed from Sporting Lisbon. Chief scout Gwyn Williams says: “He gets up and down, has good ability and scores goals. Frank Lampard is his idol.”
Hamzi Ismail: Academy graduate who can play in several positions. Neil says: “A late comer to the Academy, he started at 14 or 15. A South London Streatham based boy, six feet tall with good feet. He’s good technically for his size.”
FORWARDS
Shaun Cummings: Academy graduate. Neil says: “He’s been with us since the Under 12s. Very fast, good size.”
Fabio Ferreira: Signed from Sporting Lisbon. Gwyn says: “He’s really a wide player but can play anywhere in the front three including down the middle. Good pace, goes past people.”
Tomi Saarlema Wide left player signed from Finland. Neil says: “Technically very good, he’s got a trick to beat a player and so catches the eye.”
Scott Sinclair: Signed from Bristol Rovers. Neil says: “Good pace, scores goals.”
by Neil Barnett
With thanks to the official Chelsea FC website.