Bernard Lambourde

Faced with fierce competition for a place at Chelsea, Bernard failed to make the first team at the beginning of the 2000-01 campaign and in September he joined Portsmouth on loan. Deputising for Shaun Derry in defence he showed some neat touches for Pompey but was sent back when Steve Claridge took over as manager in mid-October. On his return to Stamford Bridge he eventually received the briefest of opportunities at senior level, making a two-minute appearance as a substitute against Manchester United in February. A valued utility member of Chelsea's squad since his signing, he is a good all-round footballer who is equally at home in central defence, at full back or in the midfield 'holding' role.