Hedman earns Chelsea chance
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Article summary
Chelsea FC have signed former Sweden goalkeeper Magnus Hedman, out of football since August 2005, until the end of the season after Petr Cěch's injury.
Article body
Chelsea FC have handed a contract until the end of the season to former Sweden goalkeeper Magnus Hedman, in the wake of Petr Cěch's head injury.
Terms agreed
The 33-year-old has been out of football since hanging up his gloves in 2005 following his departure from Scottish club Celtic FC. A Chelsea statement said: "Magnus Hedman has agreed terms with Chelsea Football Club until the end of the season. He will act as goalkeeper cover to Carlo Cudicini and Hilário." The former AIK Solna, Coventry City FC and Ancona Calcio shot-stopper represented his country on 58 occasions, including at the 2000 UEFA European Championship and 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Trial period
Hedman was on trial at Chelsea last week and did enough to impress. Referring to his long period away from the game, the Chelsea statement added: "He has remained fit because of his lifestyle which embraces martial arts, and says he feels ready to give it another go." Cěch is likely to miss the rest of the campaign after being seriously hurt in a collision during a Premiership match on 14 October. Established No2 Cudicini has only just returned to action after sustaining a knock in the same fixture, meaning a run of three games for Hilário.
