Keenan Signs New Contract

Last updated : 20 July 2002 By -

The 19 year old midfielder met with Trevor Birch at Stamford Bridge to put pen to paper with chief executive Trevor Birch. "I’m delighted," he exclaimed, "especially as I already had two years on my existing contract, so to get a new four year deal so soon, I’m really pleased."

Ranieri has already indicated that a number of his young stars may hold a key role in Chelsea's bid for glory next season and with the departure of Dalla Bona and Slavisa Jokanovic, it seems that Joe may get his "window of opportunity".

The signing does seem to confirm Chelsea’s intention to promote from the youth team and also augers well for the future development of the careers of Robert Huth and Carlton Cole.

Let’s hope that our young potential stars, seize their chance and show the level of quality needed to push for a permanent place in the first team squad. With Chelsea’s apparent lack of signings so far this summer, this really is an opportunity that Huth, Cole and Keenan cannot afford to squander.

stevefurlong@chelsea-mad.co.uk