My dad is a Premier League cult hero and joined Chelsea for a record fee – now I’m making my own way in the Championship

THIS footballer’s dad is a Premier League cult hero who once starred at Chelsea.

But he’s now making his own way in the Championship after stepping out of his father’s shadow.

Darnell Furlong, 27, has been a key player for West Brom ever since joining them in 2019.

The ex-QPR youngster has played 161 times for the Baggies, including 35 times in the Premier League.

But early in his career, Furlong was simply seen as the son of former top flight star Paul Furlong.

The ex-striker, 55, was Chelsea’s record signing at £2.3million when he joined from Watford in 1994.

Furlong netted 18 goals in 85 games during a two-year spell before he was ousted by the arrivals of Ruud Gullit, Mark Hughes and Gianluca Vialli.

Furlong went on to enjoy a six-year spell with Birmingham before spending a further five years at QPR.

He ended his career in 2012 with St Albans City, and is currently back at QPR with their academy.

However, his son Darnell is now the star of the show at West Brom.

FREE BETS - BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS

He’s helped the Midlands side to fifth in the Championship.

And speaking to , Furlong revealed he was proud to be following in his dad’s footsteps.

He said: "People used to ask me what it was like having a dad who played football. ‘Does he do this? Does he do that?’ But I didn't know any different. 

“It was just a case of Dad going to work, me going to school, and then coming home. It was definitely a massive privilege - I don't take it for granted - but it was something that was normal to me.

"I had a passion for it from a very young age, but I grew up knowing that it was entirely up to me what I wanted to do.

"My dad used to say to me that if I didn't want to play football, it wasn't for everyone. He was very, very hands-off and I think that helped me.

"He was relaxed about it all and there wasn't any pressure for me to do well for him or anything. It was all about myself and what I wanted to do.

"He helps me out with little things and talks to me about my games when he manages to watch them.

“But it's never a case of putting me under too much scrutiny or doing analysis. It's more of a general chat over the dinner table, which is a nice way of having things."