For many players at Chelsea FC, earning a spot on the first team is a dream come true. While some go on to have illustrious careers, others find themselves with just a single appearance in the club’s colours. These players, often referred to as “one-game wonders,” have unique stories that capture the essence of their fleeting experiences.
The Athletic spoke with a number of these players, each sharing memories from their debut matches and reflecting on their journeys through the club’s ranks.
Joe Sheerin: A Childhood Dream at Selhurst Park
Joe Sheerin, now 48 and working in football coaching, made his debut on April 22, 1997, in a match against Wimbledon at Selhurst Park. Having been with Chelsea since the age of eight, Sheerin recalls the excitement and pressure of being called up to the first team while still in the youth training scheme.
“I remember Glenn Hoddle asking for two young lads to join the first team for training,” Sheerin said. “When I was told I was in the first-team squad that night, I was like, ‘What?!’ I was not prepared for that.”
His debut was a whirlwind experience. After a brief hotel stay, Sheerin found himself rooming with goalkeeper Craig Forrest, making frantic calls to family and friends to share the news. Despite being nervous, he received encouragement from teammates such as Jody Morris, who had played alongside him since childhood.
During the match, Chelsea secured a 1-0 victory, with Dan Petrescu scoring the only goal. Sheerin vividly remembers the moment he was called to enter the game. “I heard my name being called, and I was like ‘S***’, so I ran over there,” he recounted.
Despite a solid youth career, Sheerin’s time at Chelsea was cut short due to injuries. He reflects on his football journey with a mix of pride and regret, acknowledging that while he didn’t fulfill his potential at Chelsea, he later rediscovered his love for the game at AFC Wimbledon.
Anthony Grant: An Unforgettable Debut Against Manchester United
Anthony Grant, 38, who currently plays for AFC Whyteleafe, made his own mark on history by debuting against Manchester United on May 10, 2005. Grant joined Chelsea at the age of seven and experienced significant change within the club during his tenure, including the arrival of Jose Mourinho.
“I remember playing holding midfield, the same position as Claude Makelele,” Grant shared. His hard work paid off when he was named in the squad for the match against Manchester United, a game that featured stars like Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Mourinho had high hopes for Grant, telling him, “You’ll come on for me like 10 to 15 times throughout the season.” Unfortunately, during the match, Grant missed his chance to come on as he was warming up when fellow player Arjen Robben was called instead.
Despite the disappointment, Grant took pride in his debut, stating, “I don’t care; he could have brought me on for five seconds.” His experience highlighted the intense competition for places at Chelsea, especially during a period when the club was building a formidable squad.
Xavier Simons: A New Era at Chelsea
At just 22 years old, Xavier Simons represents the next generation of talent at Chelsea. He made his debut on December 22, 2021, in the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Brentford. Simons joined Chelsea’s academy at 14 after the closure of Brentford’s academy and quickly found himself training with some of the club’s biggest stars.
“I was fully involved in training the day before the game,” Simons recalled. When he learned he would start as a right wing-back, he described the moment as “amazing.” The young player felt supported by his teammates and manager Thomas Tuchel, who encouraged him to enjoy the experience without pressure.
Reflecting on his debut, Simons expressed pride in being part of the history of Chelsea FC. “To say I made an appearance for Chelsea is special,” he said. While he acknowledges the challenges of breaking into a competitive squad, he remains focused on his goal of playing at the highest level.
These stories from Sheerin, Grant, and Simons highlight the emotional journey of players who have donned the Chelsea jersey, even if only for a brief moment. Each experience serves as a reminder of the challenges and triumphs faced in the pursuit of a career in football.
