Jacob Melis

[Glasgow_Saint]

Jacob’s arrival at Chelsea in 2007 was another of those deals that attracted more media attention than your average academy signing. Because he’d already played for Sheffield United’s reserve team at the age of 15, and because the reported fee was in the region of £1.5m, all eyes were on him.

 

From the first time he appeared in a blue shirt, onlookers could see why Chelsea wanted to bring him to London. Born in Nottingham and coming through the same youth set-up as Jermaine Jenas, it’s no surprise that the Spurs and England midfielder is Jacob’s role model and idol. They even bear a physical resemblance.

 

His best position is the same attacking central midfield role, although he can also play on the right if needed, and over the course of his first year at Chelsea was also tried at centre-back, with surprising success.

 

In his first showing in blue against Malmo in pre-season he was breathtakingly good, and was also impressive against Swindon. He quickly became a regular in the line-up and whilst it took him a while to find the back of the net, over the middle period of the season he netted crucial goals in big games, and made a big impact on Chelsea’s run to the FA Youth Cup Final.

 

When he plays in attacking midfield he’s given the license to drive into the penalty area in much the same way as Frank Lampard does. Comfortable on either foot and with a decent shot, defenders have to account for him, but his vision and touch allows him to use other players from dangerous positions.

 

At centre-back, he’s clearly not at home but was trusted with the role in the second leg of the FA Youth Cup Semi Finals at Aston Villa, and did a good job. His ball-playing skills from such a deep role allow Chelsea to build moves from deep, and whilst it’s not ever going to be a permanent role, it’s a useful position to have on your CV.

 

Becoming a reserve regular in 2008/09, his season started with injury problems but finished with a flourish, with excellent performances for the second string, and regularly finding the back of the net. His improvements didn’t go unnoticed, and he was named as a Premier League substitute for Chelsea’s home game against Everton. As he continues to impress, professional football at some level must be the next step.

 

Sounds great!

[St.Patrik]

I still think there is another player signing today as well so they will do this pic with AP and the new guys holdin up the Saints shirts and saying what we want to hear - once Saints showed interest bla bla bla : )

[Mewsta]

Still nothing on the OS...........does this indicate he is training with the team this morning and the photos will be taken after.........or are they just slow ?

 

Could indicate that we possibly have another signing today also and that they will be reveiled at the same time?! I have no idea if we do.... just speculating

[Big John]

I always find it difficult to be too pleased with loan singings.

 

Me too Saint J, me too.

 

I really hoped that the days of having players not 100% Saints were behind us. Why have we not showed courage of our convictions here and put miney on the table?

 

This is not knocking the new regime, it is a serious question as to why we would not want to own the players contract.

[Thedelldays]

Me too Saint J, me too.

 

I really hoped that the days of having players not 100% Saints were behind us. Why have we not showed courage of our convictions here and put miney on the table?

 

This is not knocking the new regime, it is a serious question as to why we would not want to own the players contract.

i bet you wished we loaned Skacel first..

 

wasnt sagga at his best (and that was very good) when on loan..?

[John B]

i bet you wished we loaned Skacel first..

 

wasnt sagga at his best (and that was very good) when on loan..?

 

Andrew Davies and Jack Cork were good loanees

[thorpie the sinner]

Could indicate that we possibly have another signing today also and that they will be reveiled at the same time?! I have no idea if we do.... just speculating

 

It does seem like we may have someone else otherwise I think this would have been announced by now! Hoping anyway!

[eurosaint]

Me too Saint J, me too.

 

I really hoped that the days of having players not 100% Saints were behind us. Why have we not showed courage of our convictions here and put miney on the table?

 

This is not knocking the new regime, it is a serious question as to why we would not want to own the players contract.

 

In this case you may find that Chelski actually want to keep him ???

[Mewsta]

It does seem like we may have someone else otherwise I think this would have been announced by now! Hoping anyway!

 

Mine was written whilst clutching at straws! [-o

[shurlock]

Leicester relied a good number of loans last season, esp jack hobbs from liverpool. Guess scouting knowledge and networks are especially important with unproven youngsters- one reason why last year was such a farce.

 

I wonder where we would play the lad. As cover? or to start? If so, in the middle instead of Wotton? Or on the right instead of James? Simply because pards is banging on about experience, I reckon the latter.

[thorpie the sinner]

Mine was written whilst clutching at straws! [-o

 

I am a firm believer in the straw clutching approach! :smt081

[once_bitterne]

Me too Saint J, me too.

 

I really hoped that the days of having players not 100% Saints were behind us. Why have we not showed courage of our convictions here and put miney on the table?

 

This is not knocking the new regime, it is a serious question as to why we would not want to own the players contract.

 

As far as modern players go I don't think them being on a contract or on loan makes even the slightest difference as to how 'committed' they are to the club.

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

http://www.theshedend.com/index.php?showtopic=12505

[Thedelldays]

Does this mean another story first on the echo..?

[thorpie the sinner]

Does this mean another story first on the echo..?

 

No, I think the webforum can clain this one :smt081

[Thedelldays]

No, I think the webforum can clain this one :smt081

not seen a story on here just a few lines

[Albie79]

Does this mean another story first on the echo..?

 

No, it broke on the Chelsea OS first.

[thorpie the sinner]

not seen a story on here just a few lines

 

those few lines mentioned the Chelsea link!! I just can't bring myself to give the Echo any credit at all lol!!

[Thedelldays]

those few lines mentioned the Chelsea link!! I just can't bring myself to give the Echo any credit at all lol!!

because you are a bitter bitter man

 

what else are they supposed to do when the club have not even announced it

[thorpie the sinner]

because you are a bitter bitter man

 

what else are they supposed to do when the club have not even announced it

 

I am not bitter lol! I am still clinging to the the double signing scenario which is why club haven't announce it....and I mean clinging!

[The9]

So pretty much anywhere except in goal and left back then?

 

Oi, you missed out me saying "I think he'll play in defensive midfield".

[LeBenali]

Squad for tomorrow: Saints: (from) Davis, Bialkowski, Thomas, Harding, Murty, Perry, Lancashire, James, Gobern, Schneiderlin, Thomson, Gillett, Wotton, McNish, Lallana, Paterson, Saganowski, Lambert, Rasiak.

 

No Mellis or possible 2nd signing...

[Thedelldays]

lambert, sagga and rasiak in the squad..

 

farking ridiculous really for a league 1 team...lol

[St.Patrik]

Still nothing on OS about this loan....

[Soggy Bottom]

Still nothing on OS about this loan....

 

 

Not in the squad for Huddersfield either, although that could change I guess

[revolution saint]

Still nothing on OS about this loan....

 

Yes, weird isn't it? You'd have thought they'd put something up. It's got to be another signing today!

[Smirking_Saint]

That is the small piece i am hoping on, that there may be another man in the shirt holding photo's

[SFKA South Woodford]

Don't think there will be a second signing and unveiling today, as Pardew and the team will have left St Mary's and be on their way up the M3/A34 on the coach by now. Let's hope that Monday brings an addition by five o'clock, who we will then see play at the County Ground on Tuesday evening.

 

I wonder what it is that's holding up all these deals that Pards and others keep telling us are almost done?

[Scudamore]

Don't think there will be a second signing and unveiling today, as Pardew and the team will have left St Mary's and be on their way up the M3/A34 on the coach by now. Let's hope that Monday brings an addition by five o'clock, who we will then see play at the County Ground on Tuesday evening.

 

I wonder what it is that's holding up all these deals that Pards and others keep telling us are almost done?

 

Not sure it's happening either. But pretty sure Pardew is capable of travelling up independently if there was a deal to be concluded...

[Andy_Porter]

lambert, sagga and rasiak in the squad..

 

farking ridiculous really for a league 1 team...lol

 

Lallana, Paterson, Saganowski, Lambert and Rasiak.

 

I'd say that's probably better than the majority of CCC attack forces. I can't see both the Poles going, at least one will stay because teams will refuse to pay their wages and they won't be happy to take a drop in pay.

[eurosaint]

This is a really strange one !

Not announced by OS, not in squad for tomorrow, yet reported by Chelski !

There's got to be something in the offing ????

[Tractor_Saint]

This is a really strange one !

Not announced by OS

 

They've caught up

 

http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10280~1754661,00.html

[niceandfriendly]

And he is in the squad for tomorrow.

[Bearsy]

I only endorse loan signings if they're with a view to purchase.

 

Is there any suggestion this might be?

[S-Clarke]

I only endorse loan signings if they're with a view to purchase.

 

Is there any suggestion this might be?

 

Expires in January with a view to extend for the rest of the season.

 

We'd have no chance to get him for a fee - he's one of their best prospects.

[madruss]

I only endorse loan signings if they're with a view to purchase.

 

Is there any suggestion this might be?

 

So you wouldn't have endorsed Guthrie then? (who incidentally was key in our making the playoffs)

[niceandfriendly]

It says on the OS that the club have just received confirmation from the League that Mellis can play tomorrow, so that's probably the reason for the delay in putting the story up, rather than it being another potential signing being close.

[shurlock]

Presumably wasnt announced until now because we were still seeking confirmation from the league that Mellis would be eligible for tomorrow's game.

[opthomps]

I only endorse loan signings if they're with a view to purchase.

 

Is there any suggestion this might be?

 

why a problem with loan players?

surely it's good for the boy, Chelsea and Saints. Lets hope he does well with Spiderman in centre mid, although it creates an extremely young midfield.

[shurlock]

It says on the OS that the club have just received confirmation from the League that Mellis can play tomorrow, so that's probably the reason for the delay in putting the story up, rather than it being another potential signing being close.

 

snap:)

[Scudamore]

I only endorse loan signings if they make our team win more games.

 

Is there any suggestion this might happen?

[Bearsy]

why a problem with loan players?

surely it's good for the boy, Chelsea and Saints. Lets hope he does well with Spiderman in centre mid, although it creates an extremely young midfield.

 

If I wanted to support Chelsea players, I'd support Chelsea.

 

I know most people say, "if they're wearing Saints shirts, they're Saints," but not for me. Can't help it.

[Bearsy]

I only endorse loan signings if they make our team win more games.

 

Is there any suggestion this might happen?

 

Touche!

[niceandfriendly]

If I wanted to support Chelsea players, I'd support Chelsea.

 

I know most people say, "if they're wearing Saints shirts, they're Saints," but not for me. Can't help it.

 

That is odd. So will you not be supporting Mellis then? If yes does that mean you'll boo him or will you just refuse to cheer? Sorry for the confusion.

[Colinjb]

An attacking midfielder then. But he can play at centre back.....

 

Hmmmmm. Well, just so long he's good.

[Scudamore]

Touche!

 

Here's hoping it happens eh?!

[Rod Le Shearer]

he looks a promising prospect,and I hope he does well.

however,I`m a little surprised that we went for him. we already have many of our own youngsters covering/competing for the midfield positions,and I dont want such a young lad in defence.

seems to be a bit pointless signing to me.

Also,I`m sick and tired of all these loanees.I know they are a big part of the game at this level-but still: I would much,MUCH rather we got someone (more experienced/proven) on a permanent contract.

 

besides,some shivers remain from last seasons total failure with playing the youth..*brrrr*

I prefer experienced heads in defence and CM every day of the week !

[Thedelldays]

he looks a promising prospect,and I hope he does well.

however,I`m a little surprised that we went for him. we already have many of our own youngsters covering/competing for the midfield positions,and I dont want such a young lad in defence.

seems to be a bit pointless signing to me.

Also,I`m sick and tired of all these loanees.I know they are a big part of the game at this level-but still: I would much,MUCH rather we got someone (more experienced/proven) on a permanent contract.

 

besides,some shivers remain from last seasons total failure with playing the youth..*brrrr*

I prefer experienced heads in defence and CM every day of the week !

 

 

maybe...just maybe he is better than what we have in the middle of the park after morgan...?????

[NickG]

if we can get better players we should.

 

several teams have got into the prem recently with significant numbers of loanees

[Katalinic]

maybe...just maybe he is better than what we have in the middle of the park after morgan...?????

 

Exactly, seems he is "Lampard" type of player in that he arrives late into the box to score - we haven't got any of those type of players - Spiderman is a Euro style ball player, Gillett a terrier, Lallana skillful but wide drifter and Wotton is errr, agricultural.