When Jeffrey Bruma returns from his holidays later next week, he will complete the formalities in a deal to join German outfit Hamburg on a two-year loan. The reaction to the news has been mixed amongst Chelsea supporters, with some suggesting that the young Dutch defender will never be capable of holding down a regular place in the Blues’ lineup, whilst others have vented their anger at Frank Arnesen for…
My End Of Season Awards
Well, we’ve now long past the end of a season which, although rich in promise at the outset has ended as a damp squib, particularly with Carlo’s departure, which although not unexpected was shocking in its suddenness. I strongly suspect that the most disappointed amongst our fan base will be those under 25, who have grown up seeing Chelsea as an established Premier League force and for whom a season…
No, Boys. There’s Two U’s In Guus
In case you don’t recognize the quote, it’s from one of the best films to come out of the 1980’s: Top Gun. I did change the spelling from “Goose” to “Guus,” for many Chelsea supporters’ favorite Dutch manager: Guus Hiddink. Right about now, the speculation is swirling that Guus will be the new Chelsea manager. News has even come out from the Turkish FA that they are powerless to stop…
Internationals – A Look Back
International fixtures and friendlies especially, in most people’s eyes, are normally seen as a disruption to the ever growing number of games that players have to play in a calendar season. However, as one season comes to an end and preparation for the next season begins, for Chelsea, it could turn out to be a very important week. Daniel Sturridge scored after 9 minutes for England’s under 21’s in this…
Töre Joins Hamburg Exodus
After Michael Mancienne and Jacopo Sala, Turkish winger Gökhan Töre has become the third Chelsea player to join German club Hamburger SV, signing a three-year deal this evening. The 19 year-old returned from international duty, where he had been with the senior Turkish squad under Guus Hiddink, to his native Germany in Cologne before travelling to Hamburg for a medical examination today. Chelsea are believed to have received in the…
Youth & Reserve Year in Review – Part Six: Best Of 2010-11
To finish the review of the season at youth and reserve level, we’ll hand out a few recognitions and ‘best ofs’. Rather than simply nominate individuals, multiple players will get mentions, which is the right way to do things, particularly at this level where everyone is developing and striving to better themselves each and every week. Youth Team: Todd Kane was voted the club’s Scholar of the Season and deservedly…
Jacopo Sala Joins Hamburg On Three Year Deal
Hot on the heels of Michael Mancienne joining Hamburg earlier this week, news is breaking this afternoon that Italian midfielder Jacopo Sala has also been snared by Frank Arnesen and has signed a three-year deal with the German club. The Italian, who has represented his country at all junior levels up to Under-21, was not expected to move, with a year remaining on his contract, but has this afternoon been…
Youth & Reserve Year in Review – Part Five: Internationals
In 2010-11, Chelsea had more players represent England than any other club in the world. It’s a statistic which goes some way to countering the myth that the club imports the best talent from around the world at the expense of home-grown youngsters, particularly as many of them have been outstanding performers for the Three Lions. At the top, John Terry regained the captaincy, whilst Stuart Pearce’s Under-21 team has…
Youth & Reserve Year in Review – Part Four: The Youth Team
With almost half of all players used this season still at school, Chelsea are looking to the future like never before. No fewer than nineteen Under-16s or Under-15s appeared for Dermot Drummy this season as players pushed on through the ranks. The Blues may have finished a lowly ninth in Premier Academy League Group A, but followers would be wise to heed Drummy’s words and explanations as to the aims…
Youth & Reserve Year in Review – Part Three: The Reserves
The season started and finished at Stamford Bridge, but the fact that only three players started both matches speaks volumes not only about the depth of quality in the ranks at this level, but the work done by Steve Holland and his coaching staff in juggling players on a game by game basis. A total of forty players turned out for the so-called ‘second string’, including no fewer than three…