Cheltenham Town have today completed the loan signing of England Under-20 international Jacob Maddox from Chelsea.
Attacking midfielder Maddox, 19, joins the Robins with immediate effect and could now feature in the club’s final pre-season game with Walsall on Saturday.
Manager Gary Johnson said: “Jacob is a real talent so we are excited that he is joining us ahead of the new season.
“His family live in Bristol so I became aware of him through that and have watched his development ever since.
“We had a conversation with Chelsea and I’m pleased that they have allowed Jacob to come here on loan until January, with the aim for him to stay the whole season.
“He is a quality attacking midfielder who can open up defences with his passing and running prowess.
“Jacob has won all there is to win with Chelsea at youth level and even trained with the first team last year. We’re pleased to now give him his first opportunity in the Football League.”
Maddox joined Chelsea from Bristol City as a 14-year-old and has enjoyed an eye-catching development in London.
The Bristol-born midfielder has been a key figure in Chelsea’s Academy set-up and is a multi-trophy winner with the Blues youth team.
Maddox helped Chelsea win the FA Youth Cup for two years in a row, clinching the UEFA Youth League and was a member of the Under-18s squad that clinched the treble.
He has also shone on the international stage at youth age as well and has represented England up until Under-20s, including being part of the squad that won the U19 European Championships.
The talented young midfielder signed a new contract with Chelsea in August 2017, committing himself to the club until the end of the 2020/21 season.