Foggy

I've been on here for a few months and never introduced myself. Instead of saying hello, this little post is rather to say goodbye. I'm sure this will come as a devestating bit of news to all who visit this forum but you will no longer see any posts accompanied by the happy pic of Drogba and a (Suspiciously pot bellied) Crespo. Just like to say this place is quite a pleasant forum thanks to you guys (and girls) being on the whole a very nice bunch. On a more serious note, my sincere apologies for some of my posts being on the bad tempered side - I know they would have annoyed one or two, including Bluehatter, who I'm sure is a top bloke. Again, sorry for causing any annoyance, however small. Good bye all, take care and God bless.

You have to think, there hasn't been anything meaningful coming from the club to highlight their desire to keep him. If he is deemed an important part of the future (as we all hope he will be), wouldn't their be some sort of emphatic statement. I don't like the thought of it, but I can quite easily see Mourinho moving Lukaku on with Mandzukic being available. Would Mourinho prefer Costa and Lukaku or Costa and Mandzukic? We've bee waiting for Lukaku to lead the line for so long, waiting for him to develop, prove himself etc, so if the club sell him, it would be such a waste and probably a deterrant a to the best young talent coming to Chelsea over rival clubs. Would Mourinho really care about all this? He has the pressure to deliver trophies, and even with all the talk of long term implementation of a new 'philosophy', if Roman doesn't see the trophies as well as the change in style (as has been the case this season), how long will it be before Mourinho is in real danger of losing his job? From his point of view, the best players and the finished articles are what will make his job the easiest. If he had managed to win something this season, there would have been some more leeway for him to look at younger signings and use the young talent. I can see him leaning towards Filipe Luis over Shaw/Rodrigues, Mandzukic over Lukaku type decisions, like I said, quite easily, even though it won't sit well with a lot of fans.

Cole was 22 turning 23 when Mourinho got hold of him. Robben, 20-21. Salomon Kalou was very highly rated by Mourinho. He was 20 when he arrived and featured quite a bit. Let's not forget also that Jose's pot of gold John Obi Mikel was very young (18 ?)when he bought him. Essien was 22, another Jose buy. Mohammed Salah this season - 21. Schurrle 22. I think it is somewhat unfair to say Mourinho doesn't favour young players. I will say though that his signings for Chelsea the first time around were very hit and miss.

Nor were they mid-twenties when they came. Lamps was 22, bought Pre Roman by Ranieri as his first big buy if I'm not mistaken (12m?). Cole was one of the first Ranieri Roman era buys (6m) and Robben was also a Ranieri buy but he never got to use him. I'm sure both were 22 or below as well.

This thread wasn't completely serious when I started it, but I've got to admit, the venom in some of the posts has taken me by surprise. Of course, I don't think he'll be willing to be a back-up striker/winger in any case, but as as far as squad players go, he did a very good job imho.

sorry. shameful effort I know - couldn't resist though.

Well, I suppose you can never really be sure with Mourinho and his slippery ways, but the more I think about it, the more I think Fabregas at 26m would be the ideal buy and an absolute steal.

what would be the point in hanging about? Unless Mourinho believes someone big, black and stripy is a viable target.

Mutu is only coming if you bring in Koke.

A bit of experience is needed with some of the senior players gone. Just turned 27 so his age is perfect. In his prime with bags of experience and a style that isn't heavily reliant on athleticism and pace. 5 good seasons at least, i'd say.

Actually Fernando, there's no need for Fabregas to get to the next level. That would be easily achievable if you just moved along. Fabregas could take us a step further after that hough.

It is strange, but combined with Mata's best efforts at defending, he always tries to get into space and away from markers, so I guess he's usually on the move in some capacity.

hmmm... so who would have been your targets, just out of curiosity? Mandzukic? Pogba? Shaw?

Request for some info, here. Will be battling family and friends in a World Cup Dream Team. Wondering what you think will be Belgium's first team. Specifically, who to pick out of Vertonghen, Vermaelan and Van Buyten?

If there was a bit of loose change lying around (50-60million or so), I'd rather get me a Pogba, tbh.

I don't think Mourinho will be in the mood to blood youngsters this season, otherwise, Ake or Chalobah would be perfect. A sandro and Matic combo certainly won't be shoved around. Physicality is underrated imo. Combining that bullying power with pace and technique and you have a team that anyone will fear. I think last season, quite a few times the team was outmuscled and physically overpowered by the opposition. David Luiz at least gave a bit of that last season, won't be here this time around of course. What I loved about the previous Chelsea was that combination, although during Ancelotti's final season it had become an ageing side with no pace and width.

Willian and Hazard = too much ball hogging. If Schurrle can improve his dribbling and stop trying to literally walk through oppising defenders, he's going to be a lethal player with that two-footed finishing he's shown.

With Filipe Luis (looking likeliest), Fabregas and Costa, plus and Courtois and Lukaku back, that would be five top quality additions to the team. Having Lukaku and Courtois back would be like 2 new summer signings. Exciting stuff.

On the cole parallel, only difference would be Fabregas was captain of the club and has been quite vocal in his dislike of Mourinho. Still want this to be done though. If it's €33m (£26m) it's a steal. If he does go soft against Arsenal, it'll probably only be for one game at the Emirates before all the sentimentality is cleared out the system and normal service resumes.

Agree about not caring much who comes in now. Azpi playing right back is good enough for me. As long as the guy has a left foot and isn't a CB who's impersonating a left back.

http://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/chelsea/chelsea-eye-shock-move-for-tottenham-star Dodgy source, but Sandro is a player I like. He's overpowered our midfield often enough. Though I don't dislike Mikel, I'd take Sandro over him.

Barry has had a good season. He is probably the best option for protecting the back four of all the England midfielders.

Don't think this has been posted before... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KAMxP6f7hw&feature=youtube_gdata_player

I can't agree with that in all honesty. Yes, they'll be here for the money (that goes for every player) but to say 'nothing more' is unfair, I feel. Do you not think that playing for one of the top clubs in one of the top leagues, playing in the Champions' League, having a chance to win a medal or two won't mean anything? Look at Mark Schwarzer? The position is different, but the type of player we're discussing here would be in a similar situation to him.

I don't believe I mentioned anything about wanting 35-37 year olds to replace Eto'o. Eto'o would be perfect as the veteran back-up striker, but his contract is up, and the relationship with Chelsea and Mourinho has soured already - not to mention he'd not be happy doing the 'Ba role'. You'd have to have a player of a certain mindset if he is to be happy playing a bit part role, and obviously, someone nearing the end of their career is more likely to have that then someone in their prime. Raul and Klose are 36-37, which is pushing it a bit. You'd think 32-34 would probably be the more suitable age bracket...