Ahead of our Under-21s departing for a training camp in Portugal, Harrison McMahon explains why he is eager to build on his progress to achieve new heights in the upcoming Premier League 2 campaign.

Since becoming a Blue at the beginning of his Under-15s season, McMahon has climbed the ladder of age groups from being a dependable member of the Under-18s to moving up to the Under-21s squad.

As the 2024/25 season approaches, the midfielder focuses on developing his endurance levels in hopes of building on his success from last season.

‘I’m happy to be back at Cobham,’ smiled the 18-year-old. ‘I like the intensity of pre-season and knowing we are working towards the new season ahead.

‘Pre-season is always tough – there is a lot of running! But I know how important it is to be in the best shape possible before competing in fixtures again. Having the break to completely relax and shut off was crucial, as I have returned with even more motivation and energy to get back onto the pitch.

‘My pre-season focus right now is to build on my strength and agility, plus continue to push my standards that I set last season.’

The midfielder began the last campaign playing in our Under-18s, which won the southern league title under the leadership of Hassan Sulaiman. However, after displaying consistent progress and improvement, he earned a spot in the Under-21s during the latter part of the season.

McMahon hopes to highlight his talent further, as he wants to maintain his momentum and improve aspects of his performance, to ensure he is flourishing on and off the pitch.

‘The previous season was a great milestone for me, I enjoyed that added responsibility. Stepping up to Under-21s football gave me a flavour of the game at a much higher and more intense level.

‘I enjoyed transitioning between teams as it’s that step closer to the men’s team, which is where I want to be.

‘It is vital to set goals and aspirations for yourself as it allows you to keep developing and striving for more.’

Back in May, McMahon and his Under-21s team-mates reached the semi-finals of the Premier League 2 play-offs against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. However, hopes of silverware were dashed as our run ended due to a stoppage-time winner by Spurs.

The youngster believes he has learned valuable lessons from that experience, though, fuelling his desire to secure titles in the future.

‘One of my aims this season is to win the PL2 title, especially as we reached the semi-finals last time out and were so close to lifting the trophy.

‘I am sure the team will use that emotion to push for more this season, to ensure we take home the silverware this time around.’

Recently, Chelsea welcomed Filipe Coelho as our new Under-21s head coach, and he has already made an impression on McMahon, who looks up to the Portuguese coach's previous experience and is looking forward to further developing their relationship.

‘It is obvious Filipe is a great coach, we could see that from his first training session,' added McMahon on the new man in the Under-21s dugout for 2024/25.

‘He is enthusiastic, energetic and holds endless amounts of experience within academy football. I am looking forward to developing and progressing as a player and a person under him.’