Robinson succeeded Andy Myers in the summer, while our development squad have been in great form this season as back-to-back losses in August were met with an impressive 11-game unbeaten run. This stretch included wins in both Premier League 2 and the Papa Johns Trophy, the latter against Football League opposition.

In addition, with development at the core of the Academy, the inclusion of a number of players in men's first team training as well as matchday squads highlights the quality that has been on display from our boys.

‘The level of maturity that the players have shown has been so pleasing,' Robinson tells the official Chelsea website.

'They have been open to taking on new ideas and they have taken this into all the matches they have played in.

‘The Papa Johns Trophy is a perfect example of this as we lost our first game against Sutton United despite deserving so much more but we did not let that derail us and we ended up having a very good tournament.

‘With the level that they are playing at, nothing has surprised me but I am more than pleased with their ownership and how each player has responded to the coaching.

‘In addition, the standard of the goals has been equally as impressive as the application and it is important that as we go into the new year, we continue to show the confidence and positivity that has run through the squad.’

The positive start to the season and the development seen in a number of players has not just been attached to the coaching staff. Robinson explains that the support network starting at the top is what allows Cobham to be a breeding ground for top talents.

‘It is not just the coaching staff that have been supportive,' he continued. 'Our medical team and all the other departments have been instrumental with our shared growth mindset. We are able to be much closer as a team.

‘With support at the top from Neil Bath, it is clear why there has been so much positivity in and around the training ground. We have a challenge culture which gives everyone a platform to contribute and provide ideas and solutions.’

Robinson now set his sights on the second half of the campaign, with the development squad head coach having stressed in his mid-season player reviews the importance of where each individual sees themselves from a pathway point of view.

‘We have talked about how our players continue their individual progression and how, wherever they find themselves, they still have the personality to drive their individual progression.

‘As a development squad, we work on a match-by-match basis where the culture is about coming into work determined to be the best version of yourself. As role models and professionals, there is an expectation of how they should be as players and with this mindset, it prepares our boys for any future challenge they may be tasked with.’

Lewis Hall and Omari Hutchinson have both been included in men's matchday squads in recent weeks, while many others have trained frequently with Graham Potter's side, though Robinson insists that this is just the start.

‘As long as the players don't rest on their laurels, I am very sure they will get more opportunities to succeed at the top level,' he added. 'Whether it's with the first team or on loan, a continued desire and ethos to improve will only help in their development.'

Our development squad return to action in 2023 with a PL2 away fixture against Leicester City on Monday 9 January, kick-off 7pm. The next Chelsea Academy match at Kingsmeadow is our FA Youth Cup third round tie against Bradford City on Saturday 7 January and tickets are still available to purchase online now priced from just £3.