Ashley Cole Difficult one. He's 31 now and theoretically could have a good few seasons left in him, but it appears he is on the wane. Personally, I would keep him. If we were to lose him, we would either have to be convinced that Bertrand were ready, or we would have to sign a replacement, thus stifling Bertrand's progress. Hopefully next season we see more of Bertrand and Cole is allowed to rest more, which is as it should be. A lot of our players appear on the wane but I believe it is a result of bad management over the last 2 years, and they have more to give than they are showing. Cole is a winner, he is experienced, I think he should be kept on, not only so he can perform but also so Bertrand can learn from him. Phase him out rather than get rid, that's my opinion.
Michael Essien Again, I would keep him. People writing him off are being way too premature. He looked good in his first one or two games back, then undoubtedly his level dropped, but that's to be expected. He isn't match-fit, not by a long stretch. He looks heavier than he used to and he isn't sharp, but he has hardly played any games. People are being overly-pessimistic in my view. He may never be the Essien of old, sadly, but he can still be a top performer possibly, and wouldn't you rather wait and find out? Of course you would. Even if he converts to a DM, I'm pretty sure he will be as good as any in that position. Patience, people.
Frank Lampard He stays and anyone that says otherwise is mad. He may no longer be able to play every match, but we would be mad to sacrifice what he has to offer. What does he have to offer? Incredible determination, a winner's mentality, a real passion for Chelsea, goals goals and more goals, and experience. He is an asset to the club and should he leave he will be inundated with offers. He is our very own Golden Balls. He is good for the image of the club, he is wholesome and the kids love him. Don't lose him. Underachieved possibly in recent times but as I've said, don't underestimate the part bad management has played in that. Lampard looks after himself, he wants that scoring record, he wants 100 caps for England. My guess is that he'll get it. Would Man Utd let go of Lampard? Would they heckers like.
Fernando Torres He stays. We've spent all that money and waited all this time, why would we sell him just as he starts to looks settled and has started playing? Besides, no-one is going to offer a fraction of what we paid. Drogba will be gone and Torres gets what he's always wanted, to be the main man. We can't deny him that chance. If we buy a winger, as we should do, we will always have Sturridge to fill his boots, should it go wrong, as it may do.
Didier Drogba A club legend. Possibly the best centre-forward we've ever had. It's time to say bye-bye, hopefully with the CL medal he well deserves. He is a pale imitation of his former self, only really raising himself for big games. He has always had a big-game mentality.
John Mikel Obi Opinion is divided. I would be very happy to see him leave. He's been with us a long time, he's had many chances, I see nothing more than a mediocre performer. Will he go somewhere else and pull up trees? No.
Florent Malouda Time to go. He's had a couple of good seasons, but it's time to go. It really is time to go. I'll drive him to the airport.
Raul Meireles I don't rate him. I'd be very happy if he went. We need better midfielders. We used to be scary in midfield, with Ballack, Lampard, Maka and Ess. These days we can only really call Ramires a top-notch performer. Meireles is one of those that can make way.
Jose Bosingwa Looks like he's going, in which case we will need a back-up right-back. Personally, I would keep him, but I know that won't be a popular view. I like him because he's comfortable on the ball, I don't like him because he goes AWOL, which is criminal for a defender, however with a decent manager at the helm, I think he can improve, and I think he's an adequate back-up. His contract's up and it's over, so no point debating.
Paulo Ferreira Time's up. Not much more to say really, except thanks Paulo.
Salomon Kalou Personally, I'll be sad to see him go. A very useful squad member in my view, popping up with goals and assists regularly. Stewart Dowing cost £20m don't you know. Having said that, will he ever be good enough for a regular first-team spot? No, and he'll want to move on.
Ross Turnbull Let's just say we make the CL final, and let's just say Petr Cech gets injured in the warm-up ..
That completes Davey Baby's assessment of who should stay and who should go. Thank you for waiting so patiently for it to arrive.
