AROUND THE GROUNDS: Home Grown

NAME

Glen Johnson

CLUB

Chelsea

AGE

Born 23rd August 1984

HOMETOWN

London

POSITION

Right-sided defender

SQUAD NUMBER

2

SIGNED FOR CLUB

16th July 2003

HEIGHT

178cm

DEBUT

Glen Johnson was developed by Chelsea's London rivals West Ham United. However, his first appearances in professional football were during a loan spell at Milwall in October 2002. He later returned to help West Ham's struggle against relegation at the end of last season. Johnson quickly emerged as a bright prospect, and first appeared for Chelsea at the start of the 2003/2004 season.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Glen was first Chelsea's first major signing after Roman Abramovich took over. The club paid £6 million for his services, so he must have some really special talent in his football boots!

So far he has made a successful start in the Chelsea side and begun to confirm himself as the first-choice right back. He has also featured in Chelsea's Champion's League matches against sides like Lazio of Italy and shown himself to be a skilful attacking player as well as a good defender.

He now forms one part of a defence that often includes England internationals John Terry and Wayne Bridge. Glen is a regular member of the England under-21 side and has been hotly tipped to play for the senior side soon.