There are very few things that transcend following your club. There are even fewer that transcend following Chelsea. But when personal disaster strikes people, you have to take a step back and think; “Well, what can I do?” In time the full reasons for the terrible tragedy at Gleision Collery will become known. Hopefully then, if there are lessons to be learned, they will be made public in time to…
I’m prompted to write this little off-the-cuff rant as a result of (this morning) catching up reading some of the stuff (for “stuff” read “criticism of the team”) I’ve read on other websites. Usually I can ignore such criticism (even from Chelsea so-called “supporters” – who do nothing but criticise negatively and offer no constructive comment). Usually, it’s like water off a ducks back. When you lose, particularly to a…
An occasional series of open discussions with opposition fans. They can say what they like about Chelsea and I promise not to be rude back to them. Number 2: Joking with a Jack Introducing Noel “Once A Jack Always A Jack”, who has supported Swansea through thick and thin, man and boy for over forty years. He gives us his views on all things Swansea and Chelsea and also proves…
And we’re off! Boooo!! With the second game under our belt, it feels like the season really is underway. So it’s welcome back to Saturday afternoons following Chelsea through sun or rain – or even just in front of the pc or telly. Welcome back to the sea of blue along the Fulham Road. Welcome back to the excitement. To the emotion. To the ardent fans. And to a small…
at·ti·tude [at-i-tood, -tyood] Noun 1. A settled way of thinking or feeling, typically reflected in a person’s behaviour. (Dictionary.com) Like most people I was very disappointed to learn of Pastore signing for PSG. I had thought – I still think – he is the type of quality playmaker that would benefit the squad. Going to PSG (the Man City of French football, as Arsene Wenger apparently described them) to most observers is…
So, here we are at the season’s end, and I have a problem. So I thought I’d put quill to parchment to put a few words out there and see what you, the goodly lords and ladies who follow our fine club, think. My problem is that I appear to have a different perspective on things to the majority of observers I see who comment on these matters. Specifically; on…
It’s unspoken but it’s there, isn’t it? We are all thinking it, aren’t we? Come on, admit it. The win against the red half of Manchester, the stuttering return to team form, the increasing impact of Frank Lampard, the revelation that is David Luiz… Yuri back, Yossi getting closer. I could go on but I won’t… It all starts to point to one thing doesn’t it? But wait a minute….
Whatever happens on the pitch, experienced eyes have seen it all before. The wins, the trophies arriving with such monotony, you could even tire of it. Possibly. But sometimes it’s what happens off the pitch that can make those eyes widen in wonder and pride. Consider: supposing this run continues. Just supposing the concerns and frustrations of the past few weeks turns from a bad dream into a sour nightmare….
Following Chelsea has never been for the squeamish or faint-hearted. I remember (dimly, I wasn’t sure what was going on at the time) Tommy Docherty leaving the club. With many talented young players appearing as if from nowhere, his team was a blend of youth and more youth (remember that) which boded well for the future. His motivational skills were stunning and those players achieved performances that belied their age…
Part 1: Conflict. If you are of the persuasion that conflict and adversity brings out the best in an organisation, you may not be too upset by what is going on at Chelsea the moment. On the other hand, if you believe that collaboration is the way to achieve your aims, the events of the previous week may leave you with a sour taste. Conflict always exists within a football…