Star

Haven’t posted on this site for years, just wanted to predict these two will become Chelsea greats, amongst the recent gloom these two kids have shone like a beacon. The future is bright, the future is blue, in Conte we trust, in Roman we hope. KTBFFH

We have to be realistic here, Barcelona with Suarez, Messi and Neymar along with Real Madrid, Bayern and possibly PSG if you consider the two games they played against us last season, look too good for us at the moment. The Premiership is another story, Manchester City are an ageing outfit, Man Utd continue to re-build, Liverpool had there chance last season and flatter to deceive, in fact Arsenal are our only danger as a couple of signings in the right department will see them title possibilities. I was at a recent soccer school and came across Glen Hoddle, he talked at length about Chelsea and Europe.and felt in the same way as me, we need a Gareth Bale, he likes Pogba too, but I am not sure. We need to think as a Club do we splash out on players now, players that will get in a Barcelona or a Real Madrid side, or do we wait for the likes of Ruben Loftus Cheek, Dominic Solanke, Tammy Abraham, Izzy Brown, Jay Dasilva to form a core of our side like the 60's or the Man Utd side that dominated the 90's ?

I feel the signing of Gareth Bale could be the catalyst to Premiership domination to the scale of Manchester United under the Fergie years. I feel we have been 'burnt' by the purchase of Torres and despite the 'genius' of Mourinho in bringing in Matic, Fabregas and Costa to turn us into Champions in just two seasons of his return I feel we have to move for one more time for 'that' player to make a huge difference away from the 25-35 million bracket. Arsenal have done it, maybe Sanchez was one that got away but it is funny they now need the type of signings Jose made and we need somebody that is even more outstanding than we have. I would make Bale along with a back up keeper the priority this summer as I honestly feel we have enough everywhere else to withstand a challenge on all fronts in the future. For me, Remy and Bamford should be back up's to Costa with Solanke drafted into the odd first team squad. Cuadrado, the jury is out for me, Cech and Salah are destined to go. I have heard Cech will head for France to team up with Luiz but Chelsea are keen to liase with Real Madrid over player exchanges. I cannot see Oscar going, unless we are truly after Bale, Willian can then settle into the so called NO10 role. With Fabregas and Ruben Loftus Cheek and the possible free transfer of Khedria other squad possibilities. I wouldn't be sorry to see Mikel go, with young Zouma proving to be the beast my mate in the South of France's son predicted ! Zouma for me is our new Desailly of the future, he has performed brilliantly in front of the back four as Marcel always did, however much it is clear he will be our Centre Back in front of Courtios for years. With Jose poised to sign a new contract and Varane maybe the more likely target as opposed than Bale in Cech discussions it is time for his fantastic trading of Mata and Luiz to be rewarded with all the extra money and sponsorship deals to make the one big transfer that will also chalkenge the front three of the new great side of Barcelona who with two large tweaks are truly back on the European scene.

If I could put a bit of clarity into this debate, drawing into my own experiences on the Shed End Forums and the original Chelsea Supporter's Registry Forums. Firstly, I must point out that I have not been hounded out in any shape or form, though my posts are less frequent it is more to do with my work and lifestyle with a young wife and son close to two years old. Many of the originals like my old mucker 'Mike O' will remember me downing pints of lager at games, sprouting bets and odds, with my son Scott in attendance. He's now 27 with three kids of his own, everything gets quite confusing at times ! The point I am trying to make is times change and very quickly in some cases. The PR site brought a breed of poster looking to break into the media spotlight and it was before twitter and sky sports was in it's infancy. I remember the likes of Rick Glanvill, Garry Jones and Blakie posting with debates that were in the 'Dorset' and 'Butch' category if I could compare them to these forums. Gee Bee, Geezer, Tea Bar Boy, Just, Coombsie, BJD, Goose, Mad_Mac, Coco, Chippy, Nibs, Barn, are posters I remember in the early days of the Shed End. We disagreed at times, but I had mutual respect for the lot of 'em. The likes of Barak81, Pauly, Liam, Forzby, Nibs also get the thumbs up from me. Also dkw, for all the 'drunken rants' I had on here the bloke stood his ground and was always positive for Chelsea to the core. Originals might remember I had a mate in the South of France who was supplying me information, I got Gallas, Leboeuf, Lambourde, Petit. Then Glen Johnson, Makalele and Joe Cole, Drogba, Parker and my cream of the crop Essien before it was on Sky or in the newspapers. That was also because Kenyon was loose with his tongue and I new someone in the ticket office. But, as a tipster can go on a roll and a loser follows the natives forget things quickly, that is a fact of life I am afraid ! As mentioned in recent years, my life has changed and I am off the booze in a major way. My work involves betting and reactions to twitter, sky sports etc is paramount. What is worth remembering is people who give you information often get carried away themselves when they get a couple right. I knew Mourinho was coming back to Chelsea for example, I saw the sky link that was not shown on TV. I did my best on here to let everyone know. It was frustrating to say the least, but my work came first, a few pm'd me and I hope they made as much money as me ! I knew Costa was nailed on too and believe I was the first on twitter to announce it ( I was forced to close my account ) but I have had a lot of wrong one's over the years I hold my hands up ! To this Dawes Road business, all I can say is look at the title header. I don't remember anyone on any media outlet announcing this, the whole statement I mean. Pretty impressive and I cannot agree with anyone who could think otherwise. I have checked the betting pattern to the time of 13.18 pm on the day in question. Remy to Chelsea was 14/1 and Torres to stay at Chelsea was 2/7 on. Coupled with the fact he said Torres was not in the squad, well 'News Now Chelsea' didn't have the team news at that time. My work thinking these days is privy to these patterns and trust me the Shed End Forums should be proud this geezer chose this site to announce his information. Great to see Man United Panic Buying. I feel we have had our best transfer dealings for as long as I can remember. Putting faith in the 'Special One' was one great decision by the board. Carefree wherever you may be, Star.

Cheers Mac, I saw a clip from one of Van Gaal's press conferences when he was pressed about a Jose comment regarding Chelsea not breaking their wage structure to sign youngsters like Shaw. Van Gaal responded by saying he would speak to Mourinho privately and it ended discussion. The press took Jose's comments out of context by saying in reports that he stated "Chelsea would not break their 19 year old wage structure for Shaw as we would have other young players demanding bigger and longer contracts." There is a lot of difference in saying 'Like Shaw, than Luke Shaw directly and I guess that will be Mourinho's response. As everyone knows he and Van Gaal are the best of pals and the press would be best advised to get facts 100% accurate between them. Guess what I am saying is the fact that Chelsea had an interest in Shaw and the player obviously had the passion for the club. Maybe we had the idea of getting him on the cheap contract wise and once Man Utd matched the asking price there was only one direction for him to go. I honestly believe we were prepared to pay the transfer fee but then switched our attention to Luis when the club weighed up the academy and U21 wage structure. Probably explains the new Romeu contract, one wonders what Oscar, Lukaku and Courtois are on in comparison. Great to see Baker, Brown and Christensen in the first team squad this season too.

As one of the 'Original's' on these and the old CSR forums I can reflect on past transfers with a smile when it comes to Centre Forwards. The sway against or more to the point concern over the signing over Costa mirrors that of when we signed Didier Drogba. I was in the minority back then, saying Drogba will prove everyone wrong and for the record I believe the same will happen to Diego Costa. Just one split second yesterday, the way he took the ball in his stride, head down over the ball and rifled it home reminded me more of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink than Didier to be honest. In the case of Torres and Shevchenco the majority, including me I hasten to add, thought they would be a success. However, I remember clearly being slaughtered on here when critising both very early in their Chelsea careers and I take that as my saving grace! I myself have mellowed over the years but do find it strange Chelsea fans questioning Jose Mourinho, because that is what they are doing when it comes to Costa, Luis and Fabregas (The only player that seems to be given the clear thumbs up) In my opinion, Diego Costa is the perfect signing and he buys into the way Jose wants to play. Like Drogba he has started to score relatively late in his career. One thing is clear at 25 he is at the age when anything is possible, his goalscoring record in all competitions for a Championship winning side in La Liga made this move at the price being banded about for strikers a steal. Luis too, a great signing. Strong in the tackle a great engine and a tremendous percentage in crosses that created goals for Costa last season. We have great quality, depth and balance of young and experienced in our squad which is probably the best in Chelsea's history. Jose Mourinho should be trusted and be given great credit for the way he analysed things last season and quickly identified the changes to be made which puts us in a far better position to challenge on all fronts this season. We same so close to winning the league and we now have argubly the best three players in the side that outplayed us to knock us out of the Champions League. There are moves by the club to move out Torres this transfer window I know that for a fact. The problem is Fernando is on a good contract and wants to stay. The move to re-sign Drogba was designed to help Lukaku in a coaching capacity and mentor as much as being a class back up to Costa. It would be cruel for Torres to end Lukaku's Chelsea career by staying put but signs are there to confirm it might just happen. Saying that I agree the kid as been outspoken and petulant to say the least and badly advised by his agent/family throughout his time at Chelsea. I predict Costa will be our top scorer this season and the forum will be full of positive vibes!

Sure Bason was faking it ,,,,

Whilst it was Ossie and the great 70's side that inspired me to be a Chelsea fan. My season ticket in the old West Stand years fondly remind me of my late father's dedication to encourage not only me, but generations to be blue, also sit deep in my thoughts ... Chelsea v Oldham Athletic, 16 October 1976 Score 4-3 to Chelsea Competition League Division Two Venue Stamford Bridge Attendance 25,823 Goals: Steve Finnieston Kenny Swain Ray Wilkins Steve Wicks Peter Bonetti Gary Locke Kenny Swain David Hay Steve Wicks Graham Wilkins Brian Bason Ray Wilkins Ray Lewington Gary Stanley Steve Finnieston This match and team that often had Chopper Harris in midfield sort of sticks in my mind. However, my team and era which gave me the biggest buzz, was when I started to go alone to matches and got wrapped up with the terraces, the fantastic feeling of strength and power of being a Chelsea fan away from home, it was between 80 and 83. Before Bates ripped up my Chelsea with the great and probably best Chelsea side never to win the title with Dixon, Nevin, Spackers and Co. Bolton Wanderers v Chelsea, 07 May 1983 Score 1-0 to Chelsea Competition League Division Two Venue Burnden Park Attendance 8,687 Goal: Clive Walker Steve Francis Colin Pates Gary Chivers Joey Jones Mickey Droy Colin Lee Chris Hutchings John Bumstead Clive Walker Mike Fillery Paul Canoville Gotta say too when Mickey Thomas later signed with him and Joey Jones we had the best fan/player banter and passion amongst team and fans that has ever been known in football.

With Man Utd looking to tie up the Luke Shaw deal after the World Cup can I suggest Daley Blind after his masterclass last night that was the catalyst to Holland's demolition of Spain, as the player we should be looking at to replace Ashley Cole. It was simply the best defensive/attacking performance I have ever seen from a full back and he ran 'Dave' rugged throughout, nobody has done that in all his time at the Bridge. Ajax seem to sell when the price is right, something also tells me Van G might just switch his attentions to the player who has been getting 'rave reviews' in Holland for the past two seasons.

It was great to see the U21's follow the Youths to glory at Old Trafford. There was no doubting the quality of Baker, Christensen and Loftus Cheek. All three can expect to be involved in the first team squad like Ake and Kalas next season. I would also give a big shout to our keeper Blackman who for me should be our third choice next season. However when you see Shaw going to the World Cup at 18, Barkley at 20, Courtois at 22 and Lukaku at 21 you cannot but think all four would be better suited to the Chelsea cause. For me, letting United a free run at Shaw, a Chelsea fan at heart, when it is clear Ashley Cole is coming toward the end of his Chelsea career is frigtening to say the least. At 21 this kid will be a worldbeater he is that good. As for Barkley he is the biggest talent this country has produced since the likes of Gazza and Rooney. He can be classed in the Duncan Edwards mould in my opinion and we have a good relationship with Everton. We have young Thorgan Hazard who could go there on loan, Victor Moses on a permanent deal or Piazon for premiership experience. He would be an ideal partner for Matic in midfield and would boost our homegrown pool. As for Courtios he is simply the best goalkeeper in the world - and Lukaku the best young striker on the planet.

I was in Germany on business at the weekend and was in a bar with a guy who is related to Kevin Scheidhauer a reserve team player at De Bruyne's current club. Apparently he and Courtios have been at each others throats for 18 or so months because our keeper dabbled with De Bruyne's ex girlfriend. Despite the Belgium manager trying and succeeding in parts to patch things up for the good of the National side the hatred on De Bruyne's part is so deep that he cannot spend time on a consistent basis with him. If you think of the Wayne Bridge/John Terry spat, this story has grounds. It to me, is the biggest sign yet that either Courtois is coming back in the summer or will put pen to paper on a new deal.

When we wasted our 50 million on Torres, they snapped up Suarez. When we appointed one of our old backroom boys in AVB we overlooked another in Brendon Rogers. When they craved for a partner to Suarez we gave them Sturridge for peanuts when it was clear they had a young side blended with experience in Gerrard with a desire to win the Premiership more than any other. Now they are back and a stonger force than they were when they were a thorn in Jose's European side. We cannot let them beat us at Anfield for I fear at 9/2 they could be a decent outside bet for the title with no other commitments like when they last won the European Cup.

This is the best post of the season. I was there yesterday and from the moment Matic's goal was chalked off I guess we all felt things were going to conspire against us. Despite this our support was magnificent and as you say Villa fans are detestable. The lack of a quality centre forward was always going to catch up on us, we can debate whether Lukaku could have improved things but the harsh fact is only Eto'o looks like scoring and at his age he cannot play in every game. Jose has done a remarkable job keeping us in the race but the press and media, even Wenger are confusing 'mind games' with 'honesty' as we fight to hold our position in the face of advertisy. Ramires has been getting on my goat for months. He has a lack of discipline and a nasty streak in him for one thing but his final ball and control is lacking and breaks down attacks and is the cause of not turning possesion into creating clear chances. We need Luiz back, alongside Matic in the big games and every game from now until the end of the season is a big game. City have an awful run in, but I must concede after losing Kompany after 10 mins yesterday reminded me of the game when we went down to 10 against West Ham at the Bridge and went on to win the game and the league. They had the look of champions. My heart says we can do it, but my head says we will finish 2nd or 3rd. Saying that, the summer will be the most interesting ever. Who will survive the Jose axe and who will ensure Foy will not have an impact on our season next year!

Anyone remember 'One Arm Babs' and Stevie Whitton on the coach to the Leicester tear up in the early 80's ?

I have heard a strong rumour that Victor Moses will be used as bait for the Shaw deal along with Ryan Bertrand.

Yep all true - will be confirmed by tmoz

Zouma deal sealed this evening, reported on French Radio Station, 100% concrete info

I too was thinking of the Bale who left Southampton for Spurs ... A Left Back that matured beyond recognition. I sense Shaw will do the same in the future, but he is more than capable of replacing Ashley next season. Anyone who has seen Balotelli this season will see a player who holds the ball up brilliantly, spins and runs off the shoulder and puts a shift in. That side of his game has matured since he left City IMO

Balotelli is the modern day Cantona before he signed for Man Utd. He needs to find his inspirational and understanding home and at the age of 23 will surely soon show signs of maturity under the right manager. We all know he was bombed out as a youngster by Jose, we also know Balotelli stills has a high regard for Jose and his 'inner strength' team mentality. Like when Ferguson got hold of Cantona, I can picture a smug Mario chipping in a beauty in front of the Shed End with arms folded with teammates and Chelsea fans in awe. He is a finisher of the highest order, has International goals and a terrific ratio in Seri A and of course Premiership experience and goals on his CV. We need a striker and I believe him and Lukaku would hit it off and his crazy attitude would fall perfectly in place with the likes of John Terry. I have always believed Shaw would end up at Stamford Bridge. The kid is blue through and through, the next Gareth Bale, you'd better believe it and Ashley is coming to the end. He has improved defensively this season and again under Jose he will continue to improve for certain. His balance, positioning, control and delivery of the ball is top drawer at this young age, what a signing this kid would be. On to Zouma, I cannot believe the negative stuff I have read on here about the kid. Ok he is at the age when we know Centre Half's go one way or the other but I know an Insider in France who thinks this kid will be the best in the world within 5 years. He is the son of an old friend of mine who sadly is no longer with us, who once told me Drogba would become the best striker in the world. He is on Marseille's youth books and has first hand knowledge of Zouma and says ... "He is a powerful beast of a man who can also play Centre Forward and he frightens strikers, defenders, midfielder's you name it he scares them, he has the presence of a superstar."

Say we don't get Rooney - plenty of dosh left for Shaw !

11m we thank you Jose !

Think we have bought a little gem here. I posted a while back given we had learned from the signing of Willian when a player performs at a high level against us in the Champions League, when we missed out on Aguero to City I believe it was a lesson learned. Sure it is a big step up from the Swiss Super League to the Premiership, but hands up who thought this kid was only 21 when he gave our back four nightmares in the Europa and Champions League ? Another angle on the Mata deal, Jose knows through experience in Spain having two teams fighting for the title is much harder than three or four. He needs United taking points off the likes of City, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool. The last thing he wants is us slugging it out with Man City knowing they will hardly slip up when we may well do. Jose has the confidence we can win the battles with the top six, somebody else has to put pressure on the moneybags team that is Man City. For me, it looks certain in the summer if Rooney fails to sign a new contract we will be in pole position to secure a deal for around 22 million. Then he and Salah for lets say a £5 million profit suddenly looks a decent deal.

The thought of Mata feeding RVP and Rooney must make Man United a huge threat should they further add to their ranks in the summer. Given they are on the ropes, even more than when Joey Cole smashed that goal in to seal our second title under Jose I believe a straight cash deal would be the lifeline they again desperately need. Let's look at this from Jose's point of view for a moment. Here we have a player not suited to his style, we also have Hazard, Willian and Piazon capable of playing the NO10 role. Oscar as he said from the outset would, proved his worth to our side and we are as close as we have been to challenging for the title since we won the double. He openly said after we beat Man United that we are relying on them to beat our rivals, so Jose believes we can win it this season despite the logical reasoning being firmly behind Man City to regain the title once again. He may feel with Mata in their team they will deliver that wish. From the clubs point of view, 40 million is very helpful with regard to 'financial fair play' but the way United made it clear they would not sell Rooney to a rival such as Chelsea must make them think again. Crucially, Jose made it clear Rooney was his sole striking target last summer. Should Rooney be available now, I am certain his stance would be the same. I am convinced Jose will want Rooney as part of the deal, it is the only option to me that makes sense. Rooney and say 18 million for Mata would seem a fair deal given the RVP sale from Arsenal with his contract expiring. However, if this indeed is a 40 million cash offer this suggests United will use the signing of Mata to convince Rooney to put pen to paper again. For me, that is Man Utd showing they are a bigger club than ourselves and we shouldn't allow them to dictate to us, or more to the point Roman. Surely, we can wait to the summer, with Rooney and RVP United will still trouble City and Co. in the title chase. Then we can assess Mata's situation, maybe seek a foreign destination for him and use the cash to buy the world class striker we desperately need.

His first touch and awareness of those around him is top drawer. Work rate wise he is a Jose type player and along with Hazard and Oscar will become one of his new untouchables for certain next season. Barak sums his current game up perfectly, I would add that when we played Shaktar last season he was head and shoulders above anyone on the pitch. With the best manager in the league to improve his game, I'd go as far as saying, along with Hazard we will have players in the world's top ten.

I believe Jose wants him and will get him.