Carl initially thought that his future might not lay in football after he was rejected by Leeds United after years of playing with the Yorkshire club on schoolboy terms where he played alongside current Chelsea team mates, Michael Woods and Tim Taiwo.

“I have been in bad situations before because at the time I was released by Leeds, I thought I was doing really well and again the coaches were saying you are progressing well and that you should have a good future at the club. 

"But then a few months later, I was told I was being released. That experience told me that it can go wrong. It doesn't matter how good you think you are doing, it is down to somebody else's opinion at the end of the day."

However in 2006, Carl entered the second series of the Sky One talent search,  Football Icon organised by Chelsea and competing against many other youngsters, he went on to win the competition.

Judges Neil Bath, Eddie Newton and Jamie Redknapp all commented on Carl’s determination and desire to win.

'The fact that it was televised; it has been a good chance for me to show the country that I have always been capable of playing at that level. 

'When Leeds told me that I wasn't good enough, that drove me on because I knew I was. It was the perfect opportunity to prove a point to Leeds and prove that I can play at the top.' 

Carl continued to impress at the heart of the Chelsea youth team defence and was given an extended pro-contract in the summer of 2007.  Even Jose Mourinho was impressed and decided to let the youngster train with the first team and join them for the pre-season tour in Los Angeles where he got on particularly well with our first team captain, John Terry. 

"Although we have been to Los Angeles, the main thing that sticks out in my mind is when I first met John Terry, because I am a centre-half and I have always looked up to him."

"To meet him, that was it for me, that topped everything off, and he turned out to be a cracking bloke."

"I have bumped into him a few times at the training ground and he has been brilliant with me." 

Carl receives the best coaching in the world and is keen to take on board any advice he receives to improve his game. 

"As a centre-half, I've been told to learn to move my feet quicker. At Chelsea you have young wingers who are all internationals and they are all quick and very nimble on their feet. It is a good test to bring out that side of my game."

"Moving my feet quicker is what I have been, and will be working on. The signs are looking good."

"I have had plenty of experience training with the reserves. That is encouraging. But I must keep progressing and improving.' 

By all accounts, the Yorkshire youngster is impressing all the right people so far – let’s hope he makes a point to his former club Leeds United by becoming the next John Terry! 

VIDEO OF CARL IN ACTION (against Arsenal Reserves)

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=fcM3b2sKSCk

The Future is Bright – The Future is Chelsea!

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