Jack Butland reveals why he rejected Chelsea FC (and probably saved his career)
Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland turned down an offer from Chelsea FC early in his career. He has now revealed why he rejected the chance to join the Blues.
In what may eventually turn out to be the smartest decision in his footballing life, Stoke City number one Jack Butland turned down an opportunity to join Chelsea FC as a youngster. He has now revealed the reasons behind the rejection.
Speaking on Sky Sports football show Goals On Sunday, the Englishman stated that a fear he would be lost in Chelsea’s system was the driving factor behind his decision not to join.
"I just felt at the time that I didn’t want to get bogged down at a big club. I’d always backed myself to try and do well but I didn’t want to get bogged down and just be another number. – via Daily Mail"
Butland was a highly rated talent at Birmingham City and, as was expected by those who knew of him, the big clubs came calling. Apparently, the Blues (under the management of Rafa Benitez) made an offer for then 19-year-old. However, the approach was batted back.
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The Englishman would soon sign for Stoke City, where he is now their undisputed first-choice goalkeeper. Butland had made 31 Premier League appearances this campaign before suffering a season-ending injury on England duty at the end of March.
With Chelsea’s notorious record of failing to integrate youth players, Butland must be relishing his decision with each passing day. He feared becoming ‘another number’ and you would be hard-pressed to find a Blues fan who would disagree. The club have an uncanny inability to properly exploit the wealth of potential that they have locked up in their academy and Butland would have, in all probability, seen his career stall.
This sentiment is further strengthened by the fact that Thibaut Courtois was already on Chelsea’s books and had already been anointed as Petr Cech’s successor. Butland stood no chance.
Fortunately, a combination of his own sense and that of those advising him prevented him from making the switch. Even though he did not immediately slot into Stoke’s first-team plans (he was sent out on loan twice), the light at the end of the tunnel was always shining brightly.
Now, he has developed into one of the Premier League’s finest shot-stoppers. England supporters have even been arguing the case for starting him over Joe Hart at EURO 2016. His fractured ankle has since ruled such debate invalid, but the fact that it existed says a lot.
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In a modern footballing world in which youngsters are often blinded by bright lights, it is refreshing to see someone who had enough foresight to make that tough decision that would be beneficial in the long run.