Banjo33

Most fans seem to want to give RDM and Eddie a chance (I know I do) but it was said from the start they were only here for the interim. If we had lost on pens or the Andy Carroll effort gone over the line, would we all be saying the same thing? The board are taking their time as they said they would and I expect a decision by mid June at the latest. It is due diligence if nothing else and they should get caught up in the hysteria. Also, the comment regarding Drogba, he had made his mind up so not the club.

Why Pep and not AVB? Well I don't think that is the question. Whilst Pep won something like 13 trophies out of the 16 Barcelona competed for in his time (which is impressive in anyone's books), during that time he never showed any particular tactical nous, or ability to change games. Barca were simply that good. The one area he did alter post Rikjaard was the reliance on Messi. This increased dramatically, and although the loss of David Villa this season was costly, he showed time and again that his game plan was like at school when you have That Kid, better than anyone else. Give the ball to That Kid. He might well have good man management skills (Zlatan would disagree...) but until we see him with a different squad, in a different league, we won't know how good he truly was. I don't want Chels to be that experiment, Why Pep and not AVB? No. Why not RDM?

I agree 100% with above. RDM has the respect of the players, they signings are from above, and PG is not proven outside Barcelona. Also, first season in trouble, he quit! Anyone else cheering on Athletico on Sat?!

The old concept was exactly like the fa cup format now. Beautiful that Harri/Pompey can buy/win it, but showing the best team in the tournament?! There is a reason the world cup, euros and other major tournaments work with group stages (and not tv before you cry, money wasnt as big back then). To win the champions league, yes you need luck, like winning anything, but the cream will always come to the top. You have to play each side away from home...(and most at home) and go through 13 games against top sides. Yes, UEFA have brought in so called weakened nations, but if teams like APOEL win their group over 6 games, who is to say which nation is weak?! Well done Chels, I love you, I was lucky to be there and will never forget! One step beyond!!!

I wonder who will then...surely they won't repeat the fiasco of 08 when Kenyon went up?! The fact Chopper has been approached suggests not so I'm guessing they want a legend from 71.

Haha couldn't agree with Zippy more regarding the Guardian! As for Mr Samuel, he has written plenty of unsubstantiated anti Chelsea articles in the past so I am not won over just yet. I think a lot of it is just him (albeit correctly in this instance) going against the grain for a reaction. Facts are though that JT on form is still the best centre back England have. His organisation, talk and commitment are surpassed by none.

Someone on another site claimed he would be starting there actually. I would be surprised if RDM throws him in though, after only 20 minutes in the position on sat. Kalou, Drog and Torres to be the front 3. Fernando will need to step up the tracking back

It seems he was well respected by the players and managers he has worked alongside. The Liverpool farce wasn't his fault. Would he want to come back though and what would it mean for Eddie? I've always liked him, but can't see him returning with bobby and Newton there. Might depend if we bring someone else in to replace RDM.

Absolutely scandalous! Spread the word to anyone you know flying with them. A shameless ploy.

Well said Andy, let's enjoy it (hopefully celebrating afterwards).

As an 19 year old lad I was lucky enough to follow the England rugby team around Australia during the 03 world cup. Yes I was at the final. No I don't remember a bloody thing as I was steaming! Waited 9 years to make up for that mistake. Beer will flow, but sensibly this time...(although I will be having the customary airport pint at 6.00am at Gatwick!)

I honestly think Mikel...hear me out here. I dont think robben & co will get much joy down the flanks, so if we are going to win, we have to control the space in front of the "centre backs" (or who ever is playing there!) as they will come in field. So if Obi One has a stormer, then Munich will be stifled...we will score, we just need to stop them!

That's the one. Cheers mate! I've heard the Pauliner (spelling?) is another great beer hall to go to as well. Would you recommend it?

Hey I'm new to the forum, but reading back Zippy recommended a couple of halls and one of them has a badge that is a blue lion! It seems the appropriate place to go (and better than an Irish bar!) as I'm using my phone though I can't be bothered going back through all the posts to see which one it was! I'll be there with a few mates though before heading to the stadium, more the merrier, let's make it sw6 for the day!

Alright guys. Me and a mate are flying out from gatwick on the Saturday morning at 7.00. Gonna start the boozing early doors, any of you at the airport at that point? Just gotta make sure come 12 hours later we're still standing and remember the game!