octville

] Shut up yourself.,,go and eat some spiders

Money aside, I think JT is right up there with the best, but not the best. He may not be the skilful overlapping full-back or the best defender in penalty taking, but he is like the Robert De Niro of football who under-acts in his work with brilliance. Statistics do not lie. Chelsea has the best premiership defence in years because JT is there. Whether it is with Carvalho or Alex, Jt does the job of as a great stopper and is a great rallying call to his comrades at the back. In fact, I think he is the best full-back in the Premiership at least. A great stopper is one whom you can rely on consistently without getting sent-off? How often have we seen heart-stopping, certain goal certainties eliminated by his sublime or blatant intervention? Mark Hughes is not stupid. Santa Cruz, Tevez, Adebayor and Robinho are players that can change a match in an instance but you don't win matches if you leak goals. JT will be an exclusive piece of the puzzle.

Do you honestly think that there should a wage cap somewhere sometime in the future? I do. It is totally irresponsible and unethical on the part of Real Madrid to break their bank on credit to land Kaka, Benzema and Ronaldo when you see job losses practically everywhere. Frankly, professional football is fast evolving into the bank executive pay policy - I, me and myself. Whatever you think of Mr Chelsea or Mr Liverpool, there will always be some sheiks out there dangling the money I paid for my petrol gas on these personas. I do hope that Platini act soon, like insisting having at least 5 players in the 1st 11 who are from that country and curbing club budget transfer kitty in proportion to their overall revenue. It may not level the playing field, but it does prevent poorer clubs from going broke and us from having to pay exorbitant season passes, cable TVs, tickets for cup finals and other memorabilia !

My sentiment exactly. I think this post is one of the longest - 37 pages long and has been stretching on for months. We moved from incredulous tabloid garbage, to doubt and now open confrontation on the part of JT. Players have every right despite their astronomical wages to make sure their interest is represented. Nevertheless, I am saddened that the old medieval romance of loyalty, gumption and sacrifice has been thrown out of the windows at the expense of a lot of quids. JT leaving Chelsea is carnal sin and unthinkable because he represented so much a part of the Chelsea family icon but I will accord him just a shade lower in terms of respect when compared to the loyalty of Gerrard at Liverpool should he chooses to take the money and go. Least we forget, Roman started all this money chasing in 2004 and now we are just a victim of a bigger shark in the ocean. This is a dog-eat-dog world and United also knew the futility of holding on to Ronaldo. If JT insists on moving, then he must have the integrity to put up the transfer request. If that happens, I say take that $40-50 mil quid whatever and move on. I know it is very hard even for me, but that's football. We could then launch a good bid for Sebastian Squillaci, former Lyon ace stopper and French international at Sevilla. He was instrumental in helping Sevilla to the 2nd spot behind Barcelona in terms of least goals conceded. At 1.84m and below 30 years of age, he will be a good replacement even though we can never replace someone fully like JT who nearly gave his life literally for the cause of Chelsea on the pitch a few season ago when he swallowed his tongue during a ball skirmish. I feel that we should never keep anyone whose heart is less than 100% for Chelsea and JT is never such a man. But who can really blame him when King Salomon's mine is opened to him? Would anyone logically in his last years of footballing career give up the chance of doubling his weekly wage save Zola? I appeal to JT to stay, for us, the fans,and Chelsea. But if you want to leave us, please tell us and put up your transfer request. We need to start preparing for mid-August start of the season which is only a month away. The least you can do for us is to avoid ambivalence and come clean.

I didn't EVEN read the article ! I mean.... who have we signed so far? I didn't even know Sturridge. I think the reason why we failed in getting the players we want so far is because we do not want to pay over the quid because we have learned from our extravagance in the past. Also, we need to have a gaffer stability. Changing your manager every half a season will not convince players looking for continuity.

That's what u are good at... bashing others.

Just what is it that makes established players unwilling to come to Chelsea? Kaka, Aguero, Villa,Johnson and now Tevez. The only transfer was the outflow of Ben Sahar on a modest fee and the link of Deco/carvalho with Mourinho. It's one snub after another (ouch!) Is it due to the instability of the Gaffer position? I thought Ancelotti is a popular man

We have been linked to the 23 year old VFL Wolfsburg striker who has also interested Ancelotti's former employer. http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id...343&cc=4716 The Bosnian international scored 26 goals with 6 assists in the Bundesliga in 32 games which included 2 predatory goals against Bayern. The second was a classic break from a lob from his keeper. He passed the ball, ran 3/4 of the pitch, received it and poked the ball past the opposition keeper. He is also young. I doubt Chelsea will be able to attract the likes of Villa or Sergei (what's his name) because there must be something spanish to convince the Spainiards to play in the Premiership. Torres has a Spanish boss and Villa was reportedly saying that he will only play for Liverpool. We are certainly in need of option upfront and I sense that Dzeko may fit into our playing pattern

I wish to say that I have spoken about Dembele before in this forum. The young lad played a critical during the Beijing Olympics when he scored 2 goals in the quarter finals against Italy before Belgium ended up as 4th. Despite his injuries over 3 months, he still managed 10 goals for the season. He is a real prospect and I hope that Chelsea will not make a mistake like we did with Glen Johnson. I was very disappointed when he was sold and now I have been proven correct as he is linked with a return to the bridge after a fantastic season. With the ever-pressure from UEFA to field local players, Glen could fill that gap. Dembele's wonder goal http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoLg-Uzio8o A great piece of exquisite skill And all the goals he scored last season

I was quite disappointed with the departure of Hiddink and to be frank, you have never been among my top choices as our manager. Nevertheless, I am not Mr Roman who has deep conviction in your ability despite not winning the Scudetto for the last 5 years. In fact, I am quite against your appointment as our manager. Despite having the likes of Ronaldinho, Kaka and Pirlo at your disposal, you ended the season 3rd best to our former gaffers - Mourinho and Raineri. ( And Raineri was sacked by Chelsea and Juventus). While it is unfair to make criticism since your job has not started yet, and you came with good recommendation with David Beckham, we will certainly give you a chance to make things happen. We hope that you can carry on the good work of Guus Hiddink and learn from Scolari's mistake. The first would be not signing players on the downhill. Deco was such a flop as Scolari's first signing, so we hope that you will not make the same mistake with Pirlo (at 30) or even Seedorf. In the words of Hiddink, which we all should agree, Chelsea needs a renewal of its squad. Hence, younger players such as Dembele, Zhirkov and even Lazio's Mauro Zarate should be considered. I am sure that you know better than I do because you are the manager and earns 20x-30x more than anyone of us can make, so you must be able to see above what every fan already sees and know. I wish you every success as Chelsea's new manager and may you bring us better performance than Manchester United in the coming season. Best wishes, Octville

Firstly, I would like to thank you for bringing us success since the day you bought the club. Chelsea fans have waited for decades to experience prolonged success at this elevated level, such that it is always a major disappointment now if we do not at least reach the quarter-finals of the Champion's league. To say that Chelsea is the best in Europe is sheer arrogance, but we have probably progressed to the echelon which traditionally belonged to the eminent few - Inter, Real, Barcelona, AC, Manu and Liverpool. These achievements cannot be under-emphasised. To be at least in the champion's league semis consecutively in the past few seasons speak volume of the quality of the team. The team ain't broken. It just played to a different philosophy of football from AC or Barcelona which Alex Ferguson emulated to his own success. While it was difficult to understand the dismissal of Mourinho for us, we accept the importance of keeping the club's good reputation with a manager who is not in the whirlpool of controversies every week and make you feel that it is him, not you, who own the club and inspired fan's loyalty to the Special One. The legacies of Mourinho were not easily forgotten though. He built an effective, tactical team known for being a miser in conceding goals that lasted even with Hiddink's arrival, where we ended the season with the best defence. When Avram Grant continued his legacy, Scolari flopped when he tried changing but Hiddink harnessed what he inherited to two great games against Barcelona and a Cup Final. We are grateful for Hiddink's appointment and it is a pity that such a great man cannot continue his Stamford Bridge legacy. However, I respectfully urge you to re-consider Ancelotti's appointment as the new manager. I fear that we may see another Scolari in the offing. While he is credited with winning the Champion's league twice in the last nine years, AC has also endured the ignominy of absence in the Champion's league this season because of their poor league standing last year and has not won the Scudetto in five seasons. I feel that Ancelotti is poor in renewal of his squad because of his affably good relationship with his squad. Hence, he may feel it difficult to release players who did well for him and who are starting to be past their prime. For example, it seems senseless to be linked to a 30 year old Pirlo when we had limited success with Deco, Ballack or Mineiro whom were signed past their best playing years. Alas, Chelsea is ageing, with Lampard, Anelka and Drogba in their 30s. I remembered the time when Mourinho brought Carvalho, Tiago, Ferreira and Drogba with great success. Any fans will be wary of the qualities of Ribery or Alonso but a good manager is one who finds an unknown at good price and make them into household name. Also, it may be disrespectful for someone to reveal the detail of your discussion with him even before he was even appointed. I fear that Ancelotti will not enjoy loyalty of many die-hards though we will try our best to give to the Chelsea's cause. The answer is even more difficult than the asking. Who else could fill the role? Marcello Lippi? Trapattoni? Speaking for myself, I will like Hiddink to return some day. Finally, please enjoy Wembley with us hopefully when we earn a farewell gift to Hiddink. The FA Cup is a special one because of its great tradition and sub-plots of David vs Goliath. We look forward eagerly to announcement soon and the transfer window with great expectation.

Point taken but not agreed. :(

I think it is more or less confirmed that Ancelotti's appointment would be "sooner rather than later". http://www.tribalfootball.com/ancelotti-be...ger-week-245259 I have previously written a good article on the case against Ancelotti, so I am not going to repeat myself. But the emotional sent-off for Gus last night and his reciprocal bow is too much for me to bear. Why must Roman insist that we have to suffer another season of mediocrity again under someone who has been regressing a lower league finishing every year since 2003 until they fail to qualify for the CL this season? Someone who lack the temerity to blend the experience of an ageing squad with fresh infusion - the squad renewal which AC and Chelsea needs because of ageing players. He was well-known for spending like crazy in buying the likes of Ronaldinho who has descended from his best playing days in Barcelona. Roman's argument is that he wanted the CL trophy very badly and he would have gotten it if he did not ask Mourinho to leave. And I feel that Chelsea will be struggling for 3rd-4th position with Ancelotti at the helm. Unless he has great friendship with Roman, I think he will only last as long as the Brazilian. Chelsea should wait for Gus WC assignment with Russia to be over. As an interim stop-gap measure, I have suggested a triumvirate relationship of ex-players managing the club - Desailly, Dennis Wise & Gus Poyet. We may struggle with this interim measure but the return of Gus will be worth the wait if we are building for the long-term. Or let Advocaat manage the team on a 1-year contract . I have nothing against Ancelotti but I feel his appointment will see Chelsea going downhill from Gus' peak.

Lofty. I want a truce. You have attacked me on numerous occasion that I fear for your face. I might just decide to give you a nice mud pie face mask. But then again, since we are kindred spirit because we support the same team, all is forgiven :o

Really? I graduated from Cambridge, you know

I really LOVE you dkw. :o

Can I re-possess your house? You are pushing me to support other teams...hahahahaha

Really !! far far far far far........................

For those who call me names.... At least I know you are one of those muppet who made threats :D Rather, if this is the stuff that Chelsea fan is capable of, I am seriously thinking of coming back under a new identity and haunt you. f...k off !

As an honourable Blue fan, it pained me to see a repeat of the Anders Frisk saga in the Ovrebo's affair. We must always remain gracious in defeat even in the face of injustice. Soccer is, after all, a small part of our life that includes family time, work, worship and socialising. We must not go down the slippery road of making threats every time major decision fails to come our way. In short, we must remember what Chelsea stands - once a small club transformed into greatness by the grace of Roman's charity - and should extend this grace to the pitch. The public persona of our owner is a pleasure to behold. He always project calmness and an effervescent smile that disarm any form of alienation on the basis of his status as one of the wealthiest man on this planet. This should be an icon for all of us to emulate. Ovrebo - you messed up our hope for the final - but we forgive you. We have the next season's Champion's League to look forward to. But never officiate a Chelsea match again. With that, let's close this saga and move on. To those who make threats to his life and his children, you have overstepped the boundary. I appeal to your good sense and be gracious. Thank you.

Sorry. I think Slaven Billic will be another Scolari. Though only in his 40s, Billic does not have good credentials, like success in European club level. He has won nothing yet. As for the list of players... Jo ( Man City), Mauro Zarate (Lazio), Lopez and Gonzalez (Porto) , Yuri Zhirkov & Chris Kirkland ( as cech's deputy) And Pizarro's form in the Bundesliga means he should be given another chance in EPL. I think the following players should be released to pursue other endeavours : 1. Ballack 2. Ferreira 3. Kalou 4. Anelka We may fetch around 25-30 mil quids or more, since Anelka is the Premiership leading goal poacher. But Chelsea should invest if we are to compete. Benitez bought too many players in the past seasons to remember ( Torres, Agger, Voronin etc.) He is on the cusp of Premiership success if Manure slips in the next 3 games. But to finish above us, that is a credible achievement. We have been on the restraint due to our exorbitant ways of buying fringe players and letting them go, like Sidwell, Sheva etc. We need to be shrewd deal maker in the coming season to be successful. Follow my recommendation and I think we can get the league wrapped up by December.

As the culmination of the current season reaches anti-climax with our undeserved exit from the Champion's league, it is time for reflection, re-organisation and re-committment. Like a Bridge Too Far, we have reached at least the semis in the past 5 seasons of the Champion's league but failing at the last hurdle. In my mind, we are already a winner because we have not lost to Manchester United or Barcelona in regulation time although the away goal rule hurts. Being rueful will not help but we must indulge in our sorrows if but for the next few days because we feel tremendously for the club. In retrospect, we have won everything except the CL since Roman's arrival but three consecutive seasons of Red's stranglehood on the Premiership crown is too over-bearing. Mourinho dropped it, Grant almost got it but Scolari lost it. Our silverware has also been few over the last 3 seasons by our standard. Other than the League Cup 2 seasons ago, we were 2nd in everything last year ( which means nothing) and now only has the prospect of the FA Cup medal to look forward to. In light of these issues, let me indulge on what needs to be done next season, although much of these issues have been discussed and I am merely summarising. 1. Retain Hiddink. - This man is incredible. We only lost once to Spurs and drew in another game. We have not lost in the CL since his arrival. He injects belief into our players. I mentioned that he is virtually irreplaceable unless Mourinho makes a shocking return. And 99% of the fans would like to see him sealed in a permanent deal. There's no other way. I think any other appointment unless it is Trappattoni or Marcello Lippi will be a step backward. We know that Ancelotti or Frank Rijkaard will not make the grade but perhaps fans could make an interim compromise with Ruud Gullit or Marco van Basten. 2. Squad renewal 11 members of the regular 16 ( first 11 plus subs) are above or approaching 30 - Hilario, Belletti, Ferreira, Carvalho, Deco, Lampard, Drogba, Malouda, Anelka, Ashley Cole and Ballack. Other than Lampard, JT, Cole, Carvalho and Drogba,I strongly sense that some will be released from contract or sold. Ivanovic and Mikel are for the future but Santos, fabio Paim and Gokham Torre are unknown qualities yet and I am unsure if they will come good. I predict that Chelsea will be the busiest during the transfer window. After all, Russian stock market has advanced 44% this year ;) Among the rumor is some grain of truth - Malouda may be sold because his value has increased after recent performance. Anelka could be heading to a new club, improving his record once again as the world's most transferred and expensive player. Therefore, the identification of new members will be critical to our success. I predict that if Hiddink stays, we will win the CL league within the next 3 years. 3. Expectation I doubt that the expectation to succeed will dwindle due to our relatively success in the past half-decade. The desire to win is still as strong as ever and the fan's suppport are growing. With Benitez's ever improving project at Anfield making rare headway at all level of competition, Alex's eventual retirement will transpire into a healthy two-way rivalry between Chelsea and Liverpool in the next few years. I see Manu at the peak of their success while the other two are on the ascendancy yet. Arsenal's woeful fortune caused by a shoestring budget means that their recent decline will accelerate with the departure of Fabregas, Adebayor and Van Persie. I expect Arsenal to be competing for honours with the likes of Aston Villa and Everton. So let's cheer up and go for the FA Cup run-in. I think the league should be stopped as soon as the top 2 placing is confirmed. Arsenal, Blackburn and Sunderland games are redundant and we should use the reserves for the last 2 games. CHELSKI..I MEAN ...CHELSEA FOREVER

Good luck... I will be rooting for you as I am Chairman of anti-Manu association and membership is free ;)

I was unwillingly correct on the score, correct on scoring first but didn't see the inept referee coming. UEFA owes us a replay this saturdat. Scrap the Arsenal game.

You guys know that I have been one of the most vocal critic in recent times, to the point of receiving ridicule, brickbats and ban. Yet I can sympathize with Drogba. The bloody referee must be on Manure's take. We have at least 4 legitimate penalties, excluding the one that Malouda was brought down but only a free-kick was awarded. You are playing against the best attacking team in the world and what do you do? I bet bloody freaking manure would do the same in the final ( And I hate seeing that in the final again!) Credits to the team. They stood to their task. You cannot compare Chelsea with Barcelona. We are an attractive, technical team with a physical robustness to our game while Barca is a master of passing, flowing football. I think we are the rightful champion. We have remained undefeated while bloody Manure got through on glad tidings. Screw the Champion's league. They always favour the traditional teams in decision-making and that does not include us. The immediate task is to win the FA Cup. Can we do it? yeap. Then we talk about Hiddink...about bringing in fresh blood. Now is the time to stand up and applaud the team for a great recovery since the timw we fell into the Scolari fiasco. What a great journey. Don't be a whimper. And to Manure - I HATE YOU !!!!