Maidstone United midfielder Tariq Uwakwe reflects on his time at Chelsea, playing with the likes of Marc Guehi, Reece James and Conor Gallagher, and discusses his move to the Stones

Maidstone United midfielder Tariq Uwakwe kept some great company as a young player at Chelsea.

Uwakwe was in the same youth team as the likes of current Premier League stars Marc Guehi, Reece James and Conor Gallagher during his formative years with the Blues.

It was a special time for the player, who at one point felt he was close to a first-team debut himself when then-boss Frank Lampard turned to youngsters after finding his hands tied by a transfer embargo after taking charge at Stamford Bridge.

He ended up moving on to Crewe Alexandra, followed by a spell at Swindon Town before dropping into non-league football.

Uwakwe, 26, linked up with Maidstone in pre-season and his signing was confirmed after recovering from a hamstring injury.

He’ll never forget his time at Chelsea.

“I was there 19 or 20-odd years,” said Uwakwe. “I grew up there. That’s like my home. It was an amazing experience to grow up playing for Chelsea.

“That’s where I learned all the things that I can show on the pitch.

“Growing up there, I think, is one of the best experiences any young player could have in their life.

“I grew up with so many good players, especially around my team. I had Marc Guehi, Reece James, Conor Gallagher, Martel Taylor-Crossdale, Dujon Sterling, Rhian Brewster, George McEachran, Jamie Cumming.

“There were so many just within my group, not to mention the players above me and below me.

“A lot of them joined at the same time and you build relationships through life with them, more than just football.”

Uwakwe knew it would be difficult to force his way into the first-team picture but Lampard’s arrival from Derby, having previously worked with him in the under-18s, gave him hope, particularly with the Blues unable to spend their