Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea youth debuts: Where are they now?
By George Perry
Lenny Pidgeley
Chelsea appearances: 2 (2003-2006)
Current club: Forest Green Rovers
Lenny Pidgeley had one of the least desirable roles in all of global soccer: the backup to Carlo Cudicini and Petr Cech. Both of Pidgeley’s appearances for the Blues came on the final day of the season, in 2005 as a substitute and in 2006 after Cudicini injured himself during pre-match warmups.
Pidgeley earned consistent playing time at Milwall from 2006-08 and at Newport County from 2012-15. At Newport County, Pidgeley was part of the club’s progression back into League football, earning a promotion to League Two in 2013.
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After being released by Newport County, Pidgeley dropped back into non-league football to Forest Green Rovers. Forest Green and Pidgeley reached another Wembley match with restoration on the line, but fell to Grimsby Town.