My dad is Premier League cult hero who played for Arsenal – now I’m hoping to ruin Chelsea’s European dream
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Chelsea welcome Shamrock Rovers in the Conference League on Thursday, and fans may recognise one of the away side’s players.
It won’t be who they think of originally, though, but his son instead.
The son of former Arsenal, Sunderland and Derby goalkeeper Mart Poom is expected to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Markus Poom, born in Derby during his father’s spell at Pride Park in the 1990s, currently plays for Shamrock Rovers.
The 25-year-old is on loan from Flora and has been since January 2023.
He’s been a hit at the South Dublin club, making 69 appearances in midfield.
Poom has scored five goals and grabbed 11 assists in that time.
He’s played every game in the Conference League so far this season, starting five out of five matches.
The Irish side are currently unbeaten heading into the clash against Chelsea, winning three and drawing two of their third tier European games so far.
Rovers sit sixth in the Conference League, while their opponents sit top, four points ahead after five wins in five.
Asked about the game, Poom Jr said: "It's something to look forward to. When the draw was happening, you want that game and you do kind of want it at Stamford Bridge.
"But we're not going to go there to just play the game.
"We'll have a plan for it and hopefully get points."
He added: "Chelsea are probably the biggest team in the competition.
"With their new manager, it's an exciting time to play them."
Fans at the Bridge who followed early 2000s English football will likely recognise his surname on Thursday night.
Former goalkeeper Mart Poom, born in Estonia, came to England in 1994 when he signed for Portsmouth.
He then went on loan to his son’s current parent club Flora, before making a permanent move to Derby in 1997.
Poom was named Rams Player of The Year for the 1999/2000 season.
A loan spell at Sunderland in 2002 followed, before he permanently signed for the Black Cats in 2003.
He famously scored a 90th minute equaliser against Derby with a header, earning applause from both sets of fans.
In 2005, he joined Arsenal as cover for Jens Lehmann and Manuel Almunia, before signing permanently in January 2006.
He didn’t make an appearance for the entire season, but did earn a Champions League runners up medal for Arsenal’s final defeat to Barcelona after being included in the Gunners’ 25-man squad.
His Arsenal debut came the following season in a League Cup against Everton when he replaced Almunia at half time following his injury.
His first and only appearance for Arsenal in the Premier League came on the last day of the 2006/07 season against his former club Portsmouth in a 0–0 draw.
Poom’s playing career ended at Watford, signing after their Premier League relegation in 2007. He was released in 2009.
Now, 15 years later, his son will be taking to the pitch at a Premier League club just like he did.
