These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

James’ fight to end food poverty

Reece James has continued the fight to eradicate food poverty for the disadvantaged. The England right-back donated £10,000 to the Felix Project and assisted the Evening Standard in giving out meals for their Food For London project.

James, who has had a wonderful start to the season and has been pivotal for Frank Lampard’s side, spoke about the inspiration behind why he began to take this initiative on wholeheartedly.

‘When I grew up, I was around a few of my friends who didn’t have the privilege of having food all the time,’ James said to the Standard.

‘I saw what it can do and how it can change people’s lives, so I wanted to come and help. You can’t do anything if you don’t have food in your body, so it starts with that – it makes you feel normal.’

The right-back joined volunteers at the Greenhouse sports centre in Marylebone to give out the hot meals.

James thinks he must use his platform and status to bring good for the disadvantaged.

‘When you have a bigger profile, you’ve got a bigger voice, and it’s easier to get the message across.’

Lampard congratulates Barkley

According to reports on Eurosport, Frank Lampard has called Ross Barkley to congratulate him on his form at the start of the season at Aston Villa.

Villa now sit sixth in the Premier League table after big victories against Arsenal and Liverpool.

Barkley joined Villa on a season-long loan and has scored two goals in five games for Dean Smith’s men.

It is understood that Lampard has been impressed with the 26-year-old’s performances and called to praise him.

Barkley will use this loan to also try and get back into Gareth Southgate’s thinking for the Euros in the summer.

The last time the former Everton midfielder played for England was more than a year ago when he scored twice against Bulgaria.

Villa coach Smith has also been pleased Barkley’s performances so far this season.

‘He couldn’t have started better. Being a Blue, getting that win and scoring against the Reds (in the 7-2 win over Liverpool before the international break) and then getting that (goal) in the 91st minute couldn’t have been a better start for him or us.’

Hasselbaink suggests two more Blues signings

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has suggested two signings to increase the squad depth of the Blues. Hasselbaink believes if Frank Lampard can add another defender and midfielder, his side can challenge for the Premier League title this season.

The signing of Thiago Silva for free from Paris Saint-Germain has provided a lot of defensive stability and has got the best out of young players in the back line like Reece James and Kurt Zouma.

However, Hasselbaink believes adding a defender like the Turkish international Caglar Soyuncu could also be beneficiary.

‘A lot of people are talking about Kalidou Koulibaly but he is 29 years old and would be very expensive,’ Hasselbaink told Ladbrokes.

‘I quite like the Leicester defender, Soyuncu. I think he’d be very good at Chelsea.’

With all of the attacking options at Lampard’s disposal this season, the former Chelsea striker believes the Blues should add one more midfielder too.

‘I would also like to see another creative midfielder. You want healthy, quality competition in that area. I don’t think Chelsea are far off from a title challenge at all.’