Former Chelsea player’s son signs first professional contract, as his dad declares himself ‘really proud’ and John Terry sends congratulatory message

The son of a former Chelsea player has signed his first professional contract with League Two side AFC Wimbledon.

Teenager Harry Sidwell shared the news via Instagram on Saturday by posting four photos alongside the message: ‘Proud moment for me and my family to sign my first professional contract’.

One of the photos showed the young midfielder sat in the stands at Plough Lane alongside his mother and father.

That father is, of course Steve Sidwell, who made 25 Premier League appearances for Chelsea in the 2007-08 season after becoming one of Jose Mourinho’s most surprising signings.

Dad Steve – who also played in the Premier League for Reading, Aston Villa, Fulham and Stoke – took to Instagram on Saturday as well.

The young Wimbledon midfielder is not the first professional footballer in his family

He is the son of former Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell (pictured during the 2007-08 season)

Alongside a single picture of his son, he wrote: ‘First professional contract. Worked hard, dedicated and sacrificed for this one @harry.sidwell7, really proud of you. Keep it going!’

Ex-Chelsea captain John Terry responded with a short comment that read: ‘Congratulations mate’.

Meanwhile, current Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice replied with a heart emoji.

There were also messages of congratulations from ex-Brighton striker Bobby Zamora and former Derby defender Curtis Davies.

Wimbledon had published a club statement regarding young Sidwell’s new contract 24 hours earlier.

It began: ‘We are pleased to announce that promising youngsters Leo Young, Kai Jennings and Harry Sidwell have each signed two-year contracts with the Club, their first professional deals.’

New AFC Wimbledon pro Harry Sidwell pictured with his mother Krysy and dad Steve

Steve Sidwell played alongside John Terry (second left) during his brief Chelsea career

Terry responded to the Sidwell family’s happy news by sending a congratulatory message

Dons academy manager Michael Hamilton said within the club statement: ‘These are three really talented young boys who are deserving of the opportunity now to transition from the Academy to the first team.

‘Leo is a centre back, who supporters may have seen perform in last season’s FA Youth Cup run. He’s a really dominating defender who fans should be excited about.

‘Harry joined us at the age of fourteen. He’s more of a box-to-box midfielder, someone who will run all day and with the technical qualities to go and control a game.

‘Kai is also a midfielder, and another one who may have popped up on people’s radars last season with his Youth Cup performances – contributing a few goals and assists.

‘These are three boys that we know are going to run through brick walls for this Club and know what the Club is about.’