Oft-maligned, and for good reason, January transfer windows typically bring about much speculation and no shortage of hot air, but little by way of tangible product. The first business of 2011 has blown that out of the water. An unusually busy few weeks for Chelsea saw the club set a new British transfer record, acquire one of the world’s brightest young defensive talents, and allow a number of youngsters to…
Welcome To Chelsea, Fernando Torres
Chelsea have completed the signing of Fernando Torres from Liverpool for a UK record fee of £50million. Torres has reportedly signed a deal to stay at Stamford Bridge until 2016. Chelsea originally enquired about Torres in the summer, however despite the overtures from the club, the Spaniard elected to stay on Merseyside. However with their season collapsing, he submitted a transfer request in order to fulfil his quest for trophies….
The Loan Report: January 24-30
The past seven days have seen the number of Chelsea loanees increase to somewhere near what we would expect at this stage of the season, but circumstance has prevented a great deal of action. Let’s dive in. Gael Kakuta and Patrick van Aanholt embarked on new adventures for the remainder of the current campaign with moves to Fulham and Leicester City respectively, but neither has made an appearance in a…
Kalou Strikes To Force Replay
Chelsea had to come from behind to earn a replay in the 4th round of the FA Cup against Everton. Louis Saha gave Everton the lead early in the second half, but a Saloman Kalou goal fifteen minutes from time gave the FA Cup holders a draw, despite not being at their best. Carlo Ancelotti picked a full-strength starting line-up, some of this being owed to the fact that we…
Swedish Teen Claims Chelsea Move
In youth football, it’s currently the time of year when plans are being finalised for next season’s squads. This, in many cases, can mean securing overseas talent to supplement the home-grown academy products, and news from Sweden this weekend suggests Chelsea have made a deal. Sixteen year-old midfielder Anjur Osmanovic has claimed that he is now a Chelsea player, currently training with the Under-16s ahead of a scholarship in the…
Under-18s: Chelsea 1-0 Charlton Athletic
Football’s a funny old game. For much of the 2010-11 season, Chelsea’s Under-18s have played well, but struggled for luck and results. On a remarkably cold Saturday morning at home to Charlton, however, that took a swing in the opposite direction. Having been second best for much of the morning, a strong finish from the Blues saw a last-gasp Walter Figueira goal clinch three points which will bring much warmth….
That Was Then But This Is Now
Twenty or so years ago a former workmate would often wind me up about Chelsea, unfortunately, for him, he supported Tottenham. The best part for me about supporting Chelsea at that time was that we had such a great record against Spurs and as we know, this lasted for a lengthy period. The tough thing about supporting Chelsea back then was that we were very inconsistent. In fact, I’d tell…
A Week Is A Long Time In Football
What a difference a week makes in the world of football. Our captain, legend, leader now thinks we can win the title again – I was merry after our win on Monday but didn’t go that far, JT – Man Utd showed what would have been described ‘The Spirit of Istanbul’ had it happened 30 miles down the M62, and next year’s FIFA branded computer game will need a new…
Young Blues Duo Head Out On Loan
In moves which had been expected, Gael Kakuta and Patrick van Aanholt both secured loan deals on Wednesday for the remainder of the 2010/11 season. French forward Kakuta will be making the short trip to Fulham, where he will bolster an attack which has been hit by injuries for much of the season to date. Dutch full-back van Aanholt, meanwhile, will return to The Championship for a third time in…
Boys Will Be Boys, Girls Will Be….?
As TheChels’ token female features writer, I think it only right and proper that I should have my say on Linogate©. (I am claiming the copyright as I don’t think anyone else has used it yet). I’ll start by saying I liked the editor’s suggestion that Richard Keys should be waxed to death. That should inflict sufficient pain as to teach him a proper lesson. Now; ‘Banter’ – It’s a…