DoubleHelix74

Hulk or know Hulk, Chelsea already have a fairly large presence in Japan. Will Hulk contribute to that? Probably, but its not like Chelsea are unknown to begin with. Any Adidas shop in Tokyo have Chelsea gear in the window... With that said, they are no United though bit then again... Who is? They dominate the Asian market!

But it will support his economic prowness...

...and when Jose came how did he compare? Wenger has one more trophy, Mancini has now 2, and Ferguson? Well he is a completely different part of the equation. Point is RDM has a CL and FA trophy. Jose had a CL and some trophies from the Portuguese league... Knowing that RDM played for Chelsea in the Prem and won some trophies, I have to say he is fairly equal with Jose! I am certainly not worried about RDM... He did well before he came and now given the chance by some (apparently) he will do fine with Chelsea! I have all my faith in Roberto and he will not let us down... It will not be a repeat of last year with AVB the arrogant!

I don't think you have anything to worry about... It is growing in almost an underground cult like way. And its the Premier League that is doing so... Here in Denver, we don't have one but two pubs dedicated for football. Both aptly named after England, British Bulldog (a Chelsea pub) and then they opened a second this past January named The Three Lions. We were down at the Three Lions for he Italy/England match and it was wall too wall people drinking from about 10am. And this place is quite big and multi leveled with flat screens everywhere. A decade ago this wouldn't exist and this is Denver, CO not NYC with a mix of expats. With that said though, most Americans don't have an interest in the game. And when something like the USA men's performance at the last WC peaks their interest, something like a BS referee call or some other issue will snip that interest immediately. Some friends lost all interest with the Lampard goal. They felt good game but how is it successful with terrible officiating. Then there is the flopping etc. Football just does not get the respect it deserves from Main St America. I am sure it will in time but that is a ways off. I love Baseball and you do paint a very accurate picture of something like the game. They're are a lot of fat guys but for everyone of them, they're ate ten athletes. Baseball is more strategic than athleticism anyway. Hence the plethora of heavier players, who are usually pitchers. Baseball is more of a chess match with managers playing strategically. Its not intended to be free flowing... But many people in theAmerica haste it too! A free flowing game in the US would be Hockey. Sadly, its probably the least popular sport. The game is pretty much end to end skating with 182m plus guys that have sticks and chase after a hard rubber pellet recycled from a tire. Great game and I played since I was very young but not quite popular. Apologies for the lengthy post and am certainly not attempting to stir a debate. More trying to end one with somebody taking this "America will destroy the game" theory. Could we with our athletes? Yes! Will it happen anytime soon or if at all? Doubtful! But its the Prem that is peaking more interest than anything... Hazard didn't seem to he sharp... Whole squad didn't really! Think the MLS wanted it more from the get go and lets not forget they are in peak fitness and Chelsea clearly isn't...

Uh, relax there Fox Mulder! Enough with the conspiracy theories... Not many care for Football here in the States. Its pretty much a laughable sport and the majority opinion is its 22 guys chasing a ball around diving and flopping around like they just lost a limb. But lets pretend they did and the athletes in professional American sports actually grew up playing the sport, they would probably be quite good.

I know... I spoke too soon...

Essien has looked lively too. I think if he can stay healthy he will prove very worthy for us this season.

How about Class 1A? ;-)

This is quality... My only concern is defense... Not many on the pitch are exactly known for their defense, especially the front three. If Ramirez and Lampard could hold it down, then yes. Its a big "if" though. The backline will do the job but I would rather not see us in weekly shootouts. Again, it comes down to Lamps and Ramirez to hold it all together.

I could see it now... Modric having to park his car in the junior lot, no holiday party, ostrasized from the senior squad... Looks like you've learned a whole lot AVB! One thing to have a player who doesn't want to stay but its classless for AVB to drag it out in the media. I guess arrogance is something that isn't so easily forgotten...

What do you know McLovin? You don't have the inside connection. ;-)

So we cannot make another offer? That was 7 months ago.

Here here! Love to put Lucas on the right but size and being unproven in Europe is an issue. If I had to choose personally, I would bet against the house and sign Lucas! Raw but phenominal talent.

Sure hope United don't get him. I am not sure why we are not putting for this kid. Sure, his talent may be a bit on the rawside but he's 19! By the time he is 21, he could be devestating, more than likely will be! Imagine Hazard 23, Mata 25, Lucas 21 across the front three. Ramires would be right in his prime, Oscar would be 22, Piazon 20, debruyne 22, Josh 22, Lukaku 21! Of course not everyone will be there but we sure got young in a hurry! BTW, those ages may be off slightly but you get the point.

Probably should go somewhere. Why not keep him close in West London? Plus Jol could do some good for him as well.

For me, Hazard and Marin look quite good, and Piazon is going to be a stunning talent. Kakuta, not very sharp, same with Hutch. Lukaku and Josh need to out on loan. More than likely debruyne as well. Should be a fun year to watch when the new guys mesh with Mata. Interesting to see who we may bring in for next season as well...

Not necessarily... And booing is still better than the fist fights and idiots launching batteries onto the field. And then there were the events outside of the stadium. The Bronx was horrendous in the late 70's and early 80's. Basically a war zone

I agree... Time is running out on the guy. I know he is young and could adapt but I am beginning to think he may not cut it.

If we are still thinking about Hulk on the right, then why not just ho ahead and get Lucas. He will be cheaper and is younger and obviously loads of talent. Having Hazard,Mata, and Lucas with Ramires and Oscar behind, plus Marin and Lampard off the bench, Essien/Mikel/Romeu as the holding mid, I can play up top and score goals... Hulk is quality no doubt but for less money we could have Lucas. A no brained for me...

Well it seems be hasn't quite learn the lesson he should have last season. First fining Modric two weeks worth of pay for not practicing Friday. And now Mordic skipped the US tour and wants out completley. AVB still cannot shut up about it stating that Levy is very angry with the player. This sitaluation is just gonna get worse and what AVB fails to realize is that he is fanning the flames with his big mouth. The man likes to hear himself speak. He's a Ferguson without the accomplishments! As somebody already stated, he is again in over his head... And it appears he is making the same mistakes all over again. The Anelka situation comes to mind. But he's not our concern and thankfully we have a manager who puts Club before his own desires.

His decision to wait will create more demand for himself. That demand will more than likely cost Chelsea more money, especially if City get involved...

Apparently, DeLaurentis has said he is staying, unless somebody offer up 100M! Guess its time to wrap up this thread now...

To my knowldege Spurs financial statements are not publicly exposed. So unless you work in the Spurs accounting department, I highly doubt you "defiantly have a clue to the Spurs finances in all" And frankly, I am going to venture a guess that if you did for some miraculous reason, you wouldn't even know how to read them anyway. You are basing your hypothesis on what Spurs have done in the past. Perhaps this year they will spend. Its (like you state) doubtful, considering their history but not impossible either. Lets go back to 2002... Would you have expected Chelsea to spend? No! But yet adding another variable (like a wealthy Russian tycoon) to the equation formulated that yes, Chelsea did spend and spent quite lavishly.

Sorry, I stare at graphs of economic data and charts of securities all day... Don't need to stare at one about Football. This thread and the argument you are making is utterly ridiculous. And the fact that you do not put us in with those other clubs because they have a better midfield (which I think only you and that dunce who came up worth the graph) is well.... Its so preposterous it does not even warrant criticism.

Agreed