ethicalstrategy Posted November 29, 2009 Share Posted November 29, 2009 For those of you who don't know, Danny, aka Blue Celery, took in the Chelsea Pitch Owners lunch as part of his whirlwind tour from the US. When Loz finally gets around to posting the pics from the piss up you will see it is Danny's CIA flag that we are all posing behind. Judging from the write up on the official site the lunch was a real treat with JT turning up unexpectedly. Well done too on the fundraising and the name check! A cheque for £5,000, raised by US-based supporters during the summer tour, was presented to the Trust on stage by Beth and Danny from Chelsea in America. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geezer Posted November 29, 2009 Share Posted November 29, 2009 (edited) Over 40 years! 40 bloody years following this lot and I didn't even get a mention on the scoreboard on the day of my 50th birthday and here's this whippersnapper getting on stage no less to do a presentation and then getting a mention on the official site ;) Great effort Danny. Let's hope the boys round off the perfect week for you today. Edited November 29, 2009 by geezer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Blue Velvet Posted November 29, 2009 Share Posted November 29, 2009 well done. You know, £5000 is still a lot of money, and I HOPE that those who have LOTS of cash appreciate the effort. I know love of the club, or of anything else for that matter, cannot be measured in money, but it can partly be measured in commitment and making an effort.I sometimes feel that the SMALLER the donation to any cause, somehow makes it mean more, like a child saving up their pocket-money for a year, and handing over £50. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mad_mac Posted November 29, 2009 Share Posted November 29, 2009 Great stuff for them both, but I think they should make the trip more often! 4-0 over Wolves, and 3-0 over Le Arse...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Celery Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 (edited) Cheers Ethical. It was truly a fantastic night out. The CPO lunch really is special. I have to clear up the amount though. It was actually $5000. The cheque had the £ sign next to the number, but said "Dollars" on the written line. A bit confusing. Still though, the $5000 was raised on the tour through signed photo auctions, donations, and a portion of every ticket we sold as a supporters group went into the pot as well. This 5 grand was in addition to the money we raised to bring Tommy Langley, Jock Finnieston and Neil Barnett over to tag along with us and do Q&A's, and to basically just be drunk with us in four cities. Just knowing that the donation would be going to the Past Players Trust made me feel proud. It's just a feeling knowing you're helping out the likes of Roy Bentley who needs those Doctor visits among other things. Great stuff. The CPO itself was great. I had become good mates with Langley, Jock and Spy in the USA, but this was my chance to finally meet Tambling, Shellito, Cannoville, Walks, Wee Pat and Roy Bentley. These were the players that I had interviewed months ago (which reminds me to get my ass in gear and post them). Sadly, Pat Nevin did not make it, but other than that I met them all and chatted it up. It started in the morning getting ready and dressing smartly to look good and maybe even pull a bird. All I will say about that subject, is if/when I do get married, it will be to a British gal. ....Or maybe even to a girl from Cork....that could be trouble but.... Anyways we went down to Marco's Restaraunt right outside the Shed Hotel and everyone was there, JFH, Dixon...the whole lot. One thing I learned this past summer was that if Langley and Finnieston were any example, then most if not all of the past players would be 100% approachable and easy going. That is the truth. I went right up to Flo and introduced myself. Instead of saying hello and carrying on, he talked with me for nearly 5 minutes. My neck hurt after that conversation. Dude is a tower. I caught some video of Neil interviewing The Cat, and as I'm doing that Wisey struts in giving hugs to everyone. He was the only one I didn't meet. Angry at myself for that one, but I'll save that for next year. On to the lunch. It was held at the Bridge this year as years previous they would hold it elsewhere. After some complaints about the cost, the suits decided to keep it at home this year and all I heard from people was that it surpassed past lunches due to the location (easy to get to the Bridge) and the cost. That was one of the jokes made after the night... The good thing about the CPO lunch was that the beer was free, the problem with the CPO lunch was that the beer was free. :D Matt Lorenzo hosted and was great even for a West Ham fan. Bruce Buck was THE funniest man of the night. Holy sh*te. He was hilarious and not very many people saw it coming. One of his comments was about the stadium name change and he poked fun at St. James' Park@whatever.com. He said not to worry about us though, as he as already suggested the Stadium name "We F*cking Hate Tottenham." Cheers all around. Wise said later that one thing money can't buy is a funny Chairman. True. An intermission after the main course allowed me to get up and finally grab some autographs. I always think it's a bit annoying to see people who are just there for photo op's and signatures. Like they don't even know who they're getting to sign or don't really care. If I don't recognize a past player, I don't have him scribble unlegibly in my book to leave me scratching my head later. I want to get to know them before that. So on that run I got historian Rick Glanville to sign, John Sparrow, Neil Shipperley, Scotty Minto, Keith Dublin and King Canners, Gary slick hair Stanley, little Ian Britton and Chopper. At that point, one of the event girls grabbed my arm and pointed me in the direction of Beth who was headed to the stage, for we were on in 5. Dropped my book at the table, grabbed my jacket and walked backstage where Bruce Buck was waiting. The cheque was one of the big ones that Happy Gilmore shoved in his back seat during the PGA tour against Shooter McGavin. (Had to work that one in). Only like I said before, there was a £ sign instead of a $. :angry: Either way, Lorenzo announced it as $5000 and called us up holding the big thing. Nobody mentioned that we were going to be interviewed, and so as Loren starts asking a question to Beth, I'm thinking...great, here I am in front of 600+ including legends, their families, Chelsea suits and seasoned supporters. The question he asked was to be expected. "Why Chelsea?" As a "foreign" supporter that's always what you hear from anyone and everyone. My answer was simple. "This," I said as I pointed all around, and made a comment about Chelsea being more than a club, a family. Pointed out that they should ask Langley and Jock about the summer tour, but that I wasn't sure they would remember most of it. Buck comes on stage and we shake his hand. He says a few words and then we all hold the cheque up for the photo. I spoke to a couple people from ChelseaTV and they said they would sort out the clip and the photo. I'm sure it will take time but I'll be so happy when it arrives. Of course the headline grabber was JT's appearance, but sadly the surprise was kind of ruined for me as I saw the lunch agenda a week previous when they told us we'd be presenting. No worries, because when our former skippers Bentley, Chopper, Wise all filed out to sit down, there was one empty seat. I think the crowd knew what was going to happen, but still didn't believe it. Out he came and the applause sounded. It was great to see all four sitting down having a chat and a laugh. Bentley bless his heart still has so much energy and loved every second of it. After the lunch ended we all migrated back to Marco's to get pissed. And even more an hour later across the way at Frankie's. I had a laugh as I walked in, because Kalou was sitting at a table near the door having dinner with some bird. He had already paid the bill and was just about to leave. As he walks out I give him a nod and thumbs up as I didn't want to disrupt his game. He smiled and walked out the doors where 2 people recognized him...then 3...then 7...then...uh oh. Get your camera's and pens out!! Poor Sala, smiling as much as possible. He must have not realized that the CPO was going on. Either way he was a damn good sport and hung out with the fans for a bit. From there we went to the So Bar, and it was there and around that area that I realized my wife must be English. (Unless of course Valerie wants to throw her name in the hat.) I think my heart is still somewhere in Fulham. Drinks all around and one by one the legends and supporters began to fade, walking...stumbling...being helped out of the door back to the hotel. I was last man standing with a couple young ladies from Cork who were friends of the Tamblings. Very fun people walking back drunk to the hotel. Good times. Up the lift we went to the Hotel bar and I found out that we indeed were not the last people standing. Ian Britton and Gary Stanley were knocking them back with a couple of supporters from Norway of all places. I have never in my life tasted such a vile, disgusting liquor. One shot was enough to convince me that if I poured half of the bottle into my cars' gas tank, that my I would make it to the moon and back. Easy. F*cking terrible. Britts was langers but totally coherent and funny as hell. Stanners is one top fellow as well. Such a laugh those two together. The next morning was good until I had a "Full English" at some place called the Indi bar. It was sh*te. All the breakfast did was make me feel drunk again. Finally we all parted ways with Britton and Stanley who had come out with us. Those were the last remnants of one of the best times in my life, and without trying to sound dramatic, Post CPO Depression kicked in. Walking through the hotel and not seeing any Chelsea you recognize makes you feel empty after an event like that! I felt it after the Piss Up knowing everyone was gone, during Porto when I was alone at the Morrisons pub watching it, after the CPO and now after the whole trip. In addition to so many memories and friends made, all this night/trip did was make me fall in love with Chelsea even more (which I have now given up thinking is impossible) and has made me set aside a handful of bucks symbolizing the start of my savings for next years trip. A couple photos, as Beth has a few more, and to be honest I didn't take that many. Too busy chatting it up and drinking. The Four Captains On Stage Minto, Campos, Walker Ian Bloody Britton, Gary Ladies Man Stanley, Yank Edited December 2, 2009 by Blue Celery Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mod Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 Fantastic write-up bluecelery, really enjoyed reading that! :angry: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mad_mac Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 Top stuff Danny. Mate, I'll call you soon, as I think you've just made me realize one of the trips I'll be making next year! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valerie Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 Great report Danny, I really envy you! Start saving up for your next trip... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coco Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 (edited) Hats off to the CIA, I hope your trips been a memorable one for you both, you now have legendary status on these boards, :) Edited December 2, 2009 by coco Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ethicalstrategy Posted December 2, 2009 Author Share Posted December 2, 2009 Looking sharp in that suit Danny! I'm guessing your success with the Irish lasses was as a result of some tips Liam gave you? :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valerie Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 Looking sharp in that suit Danny!I'm guessing your success with the Irish lasses was as a result of some tips Liam gave you? :) I'm sure that Liam is saving his sister for Danny :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Celery Posted January 5, 2010 Share Posted January 5, 2010 The photo finally came. Love the "£" next to 5000. Really, it was 5000 bucks. Well...5001 "Buck's." :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkw Posted January 5, 2010 Share Posted January 5, 2010 brilliant read mate, one of the best things ive read on here. im very jealous though, sounds like a fantastic night was had by all. and nice touch saying Chelsea are more than a club. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivorycoast Posted January 5, 2010 Share Posted January 5, 2010 Can't beleive I missed this the first time. What a heart warming story. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy Posted January 5, 2010 Share Posted January 5, 2010 Great stuff Danny ! Congratulations Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheWestwayWonder Posted January 5, 2010 Share Posted January 5, 2010 Terrific story, Danny, and a great read. I always thought Bruce Buck bore a certain resemblance to a Mr. Larry David, so I am glad to hear he is a cut up :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjd Posted January 5, 2010 Share Posted January 5, 2010 Great read mate, youre a f**king legend Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geezer Posted January 5, 2010 Share Posted January 5, 2010 I feel honoured being able to say I met you in person. You're a legend and a genuinely nice guy too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PloKoon13 Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 I feel honoured being able to say I met you in person. You're a legend and a genuinely nice guy too. Exactly my thoughts as I was perusing this topic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flasher10 Posted January 8, 2010 Share Posted January 8, 2010 A really good write up there Blue Celery. Fair play to you fella. I see you picked up a bit of the Cork lingo too - "Britts was langers". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Celery Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 Thanks guys and girls. Geezer and Plo, I was honored to meet you both as well. It was a great night and it's too bad it didn't last longer. Though I'm sure we would have all ended up in the hospital if it did go on any longer. I encourage everyone to make at least one of these in the future. It meant the world to me, but I can't even imagine how much it would mean to one of you who've been supporting the club since the 60's 70's or 80's. These were your players! So nice to see the 90's boys starting to come around as well. Barring any problems, I will be there next year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jones1905 Posted May 29, 2010 Share Posted May 29, 2010 (edited) On a different note, is this you, bluecelery, in a youtube video about the OC Hooligans? [if this has been posted already please move or remove..] I was casually watching the youtube documentary about these Chelsea supporters in OC and spotted a familiar face from the Piss-up! Fantastic video! :) Edited May 29, 2010 by Jones1905 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geezer Posted May 30, 2010 Share Posted May 30, 2010 Yep that's our Danny alright. The Olde Ship looks like one of those places I have to visit before I leave the planet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jones1905 Posted May 30, 2010 Share Posted May 30, 2010 Yep, love that video.. Definitely need to have a few pints with the oc hooligans on their own turf. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Posted May 30, 2010 Share Posted May 30, 2010 Yep that's one scary Firm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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