There has been a lot of speculation (mainly in the press, although it hasn’t been exclusively limited to them) about the future of Carlo Ancelotti, and whether he is likely to see out the remaining year of his contract at Chelsea. I’ll put my hands up here and say I’m ambivalent. One on the one hand, I like Carletto very much as a person. On the other hand, however, I…
The Loan Report: April 26-May 1
After a wildly successful week last time out, many of Chelsea’s loanees came down to earth with a bump this week, with many suffering the adversity brought upon by end of season tension. There was, however, another reason to celebrate, as one player scored his first professional goal, and we shall begin there. Gael Kakuta was handed just his second start during a loan spell at Fulham which could have…
And Now You’re Gunner Believe Us
Many said it couldn’t be done, the table now shows that it’s entirely possible. This has been the season of shocks, and none will be more so than if Chelsea take the charge and win the Premier League this season. Out of the blocks like a whippet, and striding into the lead until a November slump became a December disaster, and we were hoping, if not praying we could hold…
Settling In
How long was it before you started calling your mother in law by her nickname or mum? How long was it before your work colleagues found out about your personal life? How long before those plants in your garden were settled and flowering? How long before you could confidently use your mobile phone? I’m guessing that none of the answers to the above was within 734 minutes? That’s how long…
Reserves: Chelsea 2-1 Aston Villa
A bright opening spell from Chelsea’s Reserve team saw them score two goals which proved to be enough for a hard-fought three points against Aston Villa. The win puts the Blues into outright second place in the Southern league table and keeps them as favourites to claim top spot. An early own goal was followed by a fine strike by Adam Phillip, and whilst Samir Carruthers pulled one back, Chelsea…
The Loan Report: April 18-25
With five goals and a host of impressive performances, it’s been another strong week for a group of Chelsea loanees who have had a largely impressive season. Daniel Sturridge and Fabio Borini both found the back of the net again, but not many will have predicted Jeffrey Bruma scoring his first senior goal from 30 yards out, and even fewer will have called him following it up with another later…
Has Torres Scored For Chelsea?
Yes, yes he has. The Spaniard’s first goal in Chelsea blue kicked off wild celebrations at Stamford Bridge as it put the seal on three hard-earned points against West Ham in conditions which at times bordered on the absurd. Frank Lampard’s first half opener had given the Blues a deserved lead but the visitors proved tenacious and wouldn’t go down without a fight. Torres’ left-footed finish put daylight between the…
John Obi Mikel – Balancing The Chelsea Midfield
John Obi Mikel turns 24 today. In his five years at the club he has often divided opinion amongst fans, but there seems to be a slow realisation that Chelsea play better with Mikel in the side than without. In the holding role Mikel is peerless in our squad – and I include Michael Essien in that comparison. Much of the reason the Bison has struggled this season is purely…
The Right Time?
One of the hardest tasks for any manager is to decide when to assimilate young talent into their first team squad. Under enough pressure to succeed in the first place, they often face a clamour from supporters to bring through the next generation and ensure that those not performing to first-team standards are kept on their toes. Some clubs face the need to vindicate investment in their youth development programme,…
If Carlo Goes, Who Replaces Him?
As it looks as though Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure as Chelsea manager is coming to an end after our exit from the Champions League and failure to win any trophies there are a number of candidates that have already been tipped to take over from the Italian. It was recently reported that the players have asked Roman Abramovic for a “dream management team” of Jose Mourinho manager and Guus Hiddink as…