There could be a new start this season among the galaxy which already inhabits Stamford Bridge, young South African newcomer Derek’s Smethurst.

Smethurst sat on the substitutes bench during the Charity Shield match against Everton and didn’t get on the field. Obviously he will find it even harder to get a game when all Chelsea’s men are fit.

But manager Dave Sexton has been impressed by this young man’s shooting power. He expects the football public to hear a lot about him in time. And there is a body of opinion within the club that Smethurst has the hardest shot in football.

That could be quite a claim to live up to, especially when your clubmates include Peter Osgood, Ian Hutchinson and John Hollins. Chelsea have another young South African on their books, Richard Gomes, Anne Sexton expects him to go far. Another interesting addition is Peter Feeley, a strong fast centre forward signed from Enfield.