BlueBeard

I just had a look at that site Backbiter mentioned, found out a few things... Joe Kirkup owned a sports shop, then opened his own newsagents before retiring to the south of France. Jim McCalliog became a journalist, then a publican. John Dempsey works at a special school for handicapped children. Chris Garland was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1998. Mike Brolly became a science teacher. Steve Finnieston became a postman, and later a sales rep with Travis Perkins - apparently he's now self-employed. Eamonn Bannon bought a guesthouse in Edinburgh in 1997 and is still there. Brian Bason managed a hotel in Truro. Steve Francis is now believed to be a postman. Craig Burley ran his own restaurant that went bust. Since then he's become a football pundit, and major c*nt of the highest order. Clive Wilson was a sales rep, and later worked at a school after achieving a sports science degree. Andy Townsend became a pundit and a first class tosser.

Good article, made interesting reading.

Sorry, but that's just bollocks. Chelsea spent years playing sh*te football and snatching the occasional win in both Divisions 1 & 2. Those of us that went to the games back then didn't expect a win, yet we still followed the club both home and away. It's called loyalty, and true fans will have that no matter how the results go. Have you ever considered why fans of teams like Rochdale, Bury, Stockport and the like keep supporting their sides week in week out? It's not because those teams are winning, is it? Calling people liars just because they don't agree with you isn't really a strong argument, in fact it's an insult to all true Chelsea fans - especially the ones who were there every week when we were sh*te.

Could be a tricky game, hope it goes ahead despite the weather. Rangers on a good run at the moment, don't want to lose momentum.

Cheers for that, MK, that one had me puzzled. The only footballing memory I've got of the power crisis/3 day week was when Tooting & Mitcham played Crystal Palace on a weekday afternoon. Took the day off work for that one, what a fine time was had by all - except for the Palarse fans

Don't panic, your memory isn't failing all that much mate. I've just consulted my Chelseasaurus, and there was just one home game where we had less than 10,000 during the 1970's... 1973/74 - 8,171 v Burnley (Div.1), 13/03/74, won 3-0 There were a few games that came close... 1974/75 - 11,048 v Coventry (Div.1), 13/11/74, drew 3-3 1975/76 - 10,254 v Hull City (Div.2), 18/02/76, drew 0-0 1978/79 - 10,682, v Derby (Div.1), 04/04/79, drew 1-1 I can't say for sure why those attendances were so low - maybe the weather was awful or maybe people couldn't afford it after a build up of fixtures in a short time - but it was most likely that Chelsea were so sh*te the fans couldn't bear to watch.

I haven't worn a replica shirt since the 1976/77 season when I was about 19 or 20. I'm 55 now, and wouldn't even contemplate wearing a Chelsea shirt for three main reasons - 1) I couldn't afford one - 2) it would need to be updated every year or two - 3) they probably don't sell replica shirts in a "large tent" or "small marquee" size Some people look ridiculous in replica shirts while others look good, and it's not always down to age and/or size. I've nothing against people who want to wear them though, no matter what they look like - if they're happy then that's fine with me.

I don't want Jose back, much as I love the guy. If we can't have RDM, then I'd go for JT as player/manager with Lamps as his #2

Great pics mate! I'm trying to remember a Chelsea v Leeds game that they didn't play in white, looks about 1971-ish.

The Spiders Web? Scamps? Boobs? Croydon Suite/Cinatra's? Purley Orchid?

Jody Morris is another one who could have had such a better career.

I used to wear a tartan scarf with a Rangers badge sewn on in the early 70's, still got it somewhere! Also had a silk Gers scarf to go with my Chelsea ones, not sure what happened to those - think I chucked 'em out when the colours faded to a rancid purple.

I remember him getting a serious injury just as he was starting to feature in the first team at Citeh, then didn't hear about him for ages. It looks as if the prolonged absence of playing football was too much for him - maybe having £40k a week turned him towards bad habits rather than motivating him towards his future fitness. Shame, he was a quality youngster.

It can only be the money, they're hardly signing for QPR because of the huge crowds they attract. The manager is decidedly dodgy, the fans are all wannabee hardmen who are about as tough as candy floss, and their ground is so sh*te it wouldn't look out of place in the Conference. I'll get the right hump if we loan Marin to that bunch of c*nts, the sooner they get relegated the better.

I remember that one being sung back in the day, but sadly I can't remember the words either. Getting old is a b*stard! We're the mental, we're the mental, we're off our f*ckin' heads!

The last line is wrong on that last one, should be... All the y*ds, you should have seen 'em runnin', Runnin' down the Fulham Road just 'cos the Chelsea's comin', Sammy Skyes and all the y*ds you should have seen their faces, Running from the Chelsea boooyyysss, all wearing boots and braces Senile dementia is setting in fast!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BF2FWhq2haQ

^ that brings back some memories ^ One day I went to Upton Park, Singing, singing, Chelsea are the champions, Singing, singing, Chelsea are the kings, I saw Ron Greenwood standing there, all alone, all alone, I said to him what's up my friend, He said the Mile End's run again, Singing, singing, Chelsea are the champions, Singing, singing, Chelsea are the kings This song was also sung about Arsenal and Spurs, with Ron Greenwood & West Ham dropped for Bertie Mee & The North Bank and Bill Nicholson and The Park Lane. Bit of a laugh really, wasn't often we had the Mile End on the run. One of my favourites of that time (late 60's / early 70's), to the tune of 'Montego Bay'... Five hundred Tottenham lying dead, Just 'cos they tried to take the Chelsea Shed, Come in the morning or come at night, Don't come at all if you cannot fight, Sing up, woh-oh-oh-woh-oh-oh the Chelsea Shed, Woh-oh-oh-woh-oh-oh the Chelsea Shed Also loved our version of Blaydon Races, but can never remember the right words - it goes something like... All the y*ds, you should have seen 'em runnin', Runnin' down the Fulham Road just 'cos the Chelsea's comin', Sammy Skyes and all the y*ds you should have seen their faces, Running down the Fulham Rooaaad, all wearing boots and braces

This is for all you Queen fans out there - this has got to be listened to right to the end in order to be believed... Bet you all appreciate the Rolf Harris cover now, eh?

I don't buy this crap that the fans are to blame for giving stick to El Bloato. I reckon it's more to do with the fact opposition teams come to the Bridge with a plan to shut us down completely, park the bus, and hit us on the break, while when they're at home they have to open up more to attack. Also, El Bloato's tactics (if he has any) are probably different for home games and away games.

Mainly Wandsworth and Battersea lads, great times!

Much as I've admired Frank over the years, I think it's time for him to play a lesser role if he remains - I've actually thought that for the last couple of years. Ideally I'd like him to be given a position as player/coach at Chelsea, but just playing occasionally. Like others, if and when he leaves I wish him well, so long as he doesn't stay in the Premiership.

Also interesting that they blame Liverpool's lower attendances on the size of their stadium - surely the same applies to us?

Wouldn't exactly be new - a few Scottish clubs have played in the English FA Cup albeit a long time ago. Not the same as the league, I know, but worth mentioning. Queens Park were in the FA Cup for 11 seasons, the first time being in 1871/72 when they drew with Wanderers in the semi-final then withdrew rather than play a replay. In 1883/84 Queens Park got to the FA Cup Final, where they were beaten by Blackburn. On the way, they beat Crewe Alexandra 10-0 and Manchester City 15-0! They also got to the final the following season, but were beaten by Blackburn again. Rangers appeared in the competition twice, the first time being in 1885/86. The following season Rangers were beaten by Aston Villa in the semi-final. Other Scots clubs that appeared in the English FA Cup...Third Lanark (2), Partick Thistle (2), Hearts (2), Cowlairs (1), and Renton (1), who defeated holders Blackburn in the 2nd Round. Gretna are the most recent Scottish side to appear in the FA Cup proper, playing in the 1st Round in 1993/94. On the other side of the coin, Berwick Rangers have played in Scottish football since 1905, though they are in England. Derry City are a Northern Irish side, but have played in the Republic since 1985/86. Apart from Cardiff and Swansea who were mentioned by blizeH, Wrexham and Newport County also played in the English League. There are numerous cases around the world of teams playing countries other than their own. Sorry, just some more boring info for those of you who may be interested - yes, both of you!

If you want to appreciate what people went through during the 2nd World War, get the box set of "The World At War" - absolutely superb, and a true depiction of what really happened rather than the usual crap - i.e. the Yanks winning everything single-handedly.