About Michael Mancienne

Not a great many people have heard of Michael Ian Mancienne but he has certainly raised some eyebrows as he is currently on loan from Chelsea and is plying his defensive trade at Wolverhampton Wanderers. He is 20 years of age (born 8 January 1988)

Mancienne is a versatile defender able to play right back as well as centre back. He has a regular place in the England under 21 team and recently got called up in the senior squad to play against Germany.

Career

Chelsea have had their profligate eye on him since long before they were profligate, spotting him as a 9 year old when he was playing for Kingstonian. He was a regular for the Chelsea reserves while still in school, and signed a contract with them in January of 2006.

He was choosen to be part of the Chelsea pre season tour to America in the summer of 2006 and was give a place on the bench during the 2006 community shield and also during games against Liverpool, Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers.

He eventually got a bit frustrated at the lack of playing time he was getting at Chelsea and so jumped at the chance to spend some time on loan at Queens Park Rangers. He played 28 games for them the majority of which were at right back. This is not his ideal position as he sees himself as a centre back nut he did have a couple of run-outs in this, his preferred position. At the end of the season the QPR fans subsequently voted him runner up young player of the year.

Since he has signed a new contract with Chelsea that keeps him at the club until 2010, while agreeing to spend the 2007-08 season at QPR.

More frustration ensued upon returning to Chelsea after this loan spell at QPR. He played an active part in the pre season build up but failed to make enough of an impact to break on through to the first team regular.

October 2008 saw him realise his opportunity to get valuable playing time under his belt when he signed on loan to Wolverhampton Wanderers until the end of 2008. he first played in the clubs 2-1 win over Swansea City. This appearance involved him coming on as a substitute and his first full start was against Cardiff where the club enjoyed another 2-1 victory. He also had the man of the match award.

Mancienne was actually given the offer to play for the national team of the Seychelles in 2006 but declined in favour of playing for England.

He was beside himself in November of 2008 when he was given a surprise call up for the England squad to play against Germany in Berlin.