Our 25 man squad

[Star]

KEEPERS

Petr Cech

Henrique Hilario

Ross Turnbull

RIGHT BACKS

Branislav Ivanovic

Jose Bosingwa

Paulo Ferreira

CENTRE BACKS

John Terry

David Luiz

Alex

Slobodan Rajkovic

LEFT BACKS

Ashley Cole

Ryan Bertrand

Patrick van Aanholt

AVB 'NO6'

Mikel

Michael Essien

Oriel Romelu

AVB 'NO8'

Frank Lampard

Ramires

AVB 'NO 10'

Yossi Benayoun

Josh McEachran

LEFT WING

Florent Malouda

Yury Zhirkov

Gael Kakuta

RIGHT WING

Daniel Sturridge

Salomon Kalou

CENTRE FORWARD

Didier Drogba

Fernando Torres

Nicholas Anelka

[Spiller86]

7 homegrown players on that list assuming and it's a big assumption that Raijkovic gets a permit. Plus Josh, Romeu, Kakuta and PVA who don't count.

Yuri from all reports will be trotting off soon enough and Essien won't be registered for the 1st window.

That leaves us with 15 so two spots left for a new foreign player and 6 months to work out who is leaving in January to let the Bison run free (maybe :unsure: ) again.

Also to be honest it wouldn't worry me a bit if we moved Bosingwa on either. I have every confidence in Ivan and Paulo to do the job without a replacement. Paulo has been underrated his whole career with us, good enough for a run of games as long as it's not at Centre Half :P Billy Clifford came on tour with us and looks a prospect, I also like Todd Kane. Of course there is lingering optimism that the great white hope Sam Hutchinson could even return from the dead to do a job if required.

That leaves us without having to sacrifice someone to fit Essien into the squad come January, while still bringing in a midfielder and a winger to give us a bit more verve.

[Star]

The 2011/12 Rules ... For Clarification

Clubs register a squad of up to 25 players, which must include at least eight 'home-grown' players, at the end of each transfer window.

- Home-grown players do not have to be English; home-grown players are defined as those who "irrespective of nationality or age, have been affiliated to the FA or Welsh FA for a period of three seasons or 36 months prior to 21st birthday"

- Clubs can supplement squad with unlimited number of players under the age of 21.

- Changes can be made only during transfer windows, although in exceptional circumstances (eg goalkeeping injury crisis) moves could be allowed.

- Players loaned to Football League clubs cannot be replaced, but can regain their spot on return to parent club.

- Rules apply only to Premier League matches, not European, FA Cup or League Cup action.

- First deadline is 1700 BST on 1 September (24 hours after end of August transfer window).

Last year's official PL figure's for Chelsea state we had the lowest squad 19

4 HG , 15 NON HG. We named 43 U21'S = 62 Players

[Star]

Spiller, are your 7 homegrown ...

Turnbull

Terry

Cole

Lampard

Sturridge

Bertrand

Van Aanholt

I really think we slipped up letting Fergie get Jones and Young, we could have solved loads of problems in years to come - we could have let both Alex and Rajkovic go and bought G Van der Weil

[Star]

Definate non HG are ...

Cech

Hilario

Ivanovic

Ferreira

Luiz

Mikel

Ramires

Benayoun

Malouda

Kalou

Drogba

Torres

Anelka

[Katon]

Spiller, are your 7 homegrown ...

Turnbull

Terry

Cole

Lampard

Sturridge

Bertrand

Van Aanholt

I really think we slipped up letting Fergie get Jones and Young, we could have solved loads of problems in years to come - we could have let both Alex and Rajkovic go and bought G Van der Weil

Currently as far as home-grown young centrebacks go we have Rajkovic (if he ever gets a work permit), Bruma, Chalobah, and I think Kalas will also qualify? That's probably our deepest spot in the youth ranks - Jones is a nice player, but I'd rather see that money go towards Lukaku or a winger.

[whatahitson]

seems about right

[Star]

Currently as far as home-grown young centrebacks go we have Rajkovic (if he ever gets a work permit), Bruma, Chalobah, and I think Kalas will also qualify? That's probably our deepest spot in the youth ranks - Jones is a nice player, but I'd rather see that money go towards Lukaku or a winger.

The Raikovic situation is a complex one, but he is 22 now and will not qualify as per the rules. If no work permit he has to be sold.

Bruma is at Hamburg, the others you mention will get in as the unlimited U21's.

My thinking and I agree we need a winger and perhaps need to nail down a deal for Lukaku and sent him on loan. Plus of course a creative midfielder.

So if we get 8 home growns in our squad ( That's why along with Jones I was touting Jack Rodwell ) we can get 17 other players to complement

our unlimited U21's.

[Star]

The Raikovic situation is a complex one, but he is 22 now and will not qualify as per the rules. If no work permit he has to be sold.

Bruma is at Hamburg, the others you mention will get in as the unlimited U21's.

My thinking and I agree we need a winger and perhaps need to nail down a deal for Lukaku and sent him on loan. Plus of course a creative midfielder.

So if we get 8 home growns in our squad ( That's why along with Jones I was touting Jack Rodwell ) we can get 17 other players to complement

our unlimited U21's.

That said,

It leaves four players, Bosingwa, Alex, Kakuta and Zhircov with the need of 1 homegrown to make up our squad !

If Zhircov is sold, Modric has a slot.

Kakuta can go on loan.

That leaves 3 and a home grown.

Alex, Bosingwa plus the one winger ! Or Bos goes and we get Van Der Weil !

[Spiller86]

I think there were 7 homegrown players (with Raijkovic) assuming that we sent one of Bertrand or Van Aanholt out on loan for the first part of the season.

[Star]

I think there were 7 homegrown players (with Raijkovic) assuming that we sent one of Bertrand or Van Aanholt out on loan for the first part of the season.

What happens if we only have 7 homegrowns ?

Do we get Bruma back from Hamburg ?

Bit of a farcical situation if you ask me - zilch planning !

[HazardsLeftPeg]

I'm still not sure how Rajkovic counts as homegrown. We had a discussion about that here, and I thought the answer was that he would not qualify?

And if we only have 6 home grown players, we'll have a squad of 23 senior players, which is more than enough.

[Spiller86]

Apparently he does. I thought he didn't either, but I was wrong apparently. We wouldn't be considering bringing him back if he wasn't as he would take up a spot we'd need for someone not a 5th choice centre half.

Just on only having 7 homegrown. I don't think it's an issue because we won't be filling the whole quota anyway. McEachran, Kakuta, Romeu, Van Aanholt and Kalas are all under 21 so don't need to be registered. I think if we don't register Essien our current squad plus two signings comes to 24.

Edited August 4, 2011 by Spiller86

[Star]

What we need to do ultimately is to 'Strike the Right Balance'

To do that, thinking the future here, with the fair play rules coming into operation.

We have to name 8 homegrown, 17 non homegrown and unlimited U21's in my mind.

The likes of Cole and Lampard will soon retire, then you get the natural progression with

the U21's like Josh.

The problem we have is that we have Turnbull just sitting there to warm a homegrown place

up. That's why we should have signed Adam Johnson from Boro' at the time and bought a

decent back up for Cech. We have one now but he is on loan to Athletico Madrid!

That way it is easy to negotiate the 'pool of 17 into an in and out scenerio' and you don't

end up buying a homegrown just for the sake of it.

Our structure of young player development is really puzzling, Arneson departs and takes Jacob Sala

and Tore who both have the potential to be future homegrowns, Bruma thankfully is only on

loan.

Romeu has just signed on yellow bar on sky !

[Spiller86]

Romeu won't be homegrown from my understanding. He is obviously seen by AVB as a potential long term first teamer.

The homegrown players I'd suggest the team are hoping can be our own from the youth academy in the long run. So we won't be just buying guys like Turnbull because they are homegrown.

It might explain why we haven't looked to purchase home-grown players who were/are available over the summer.

[deg0ey]

I'm still not sure how Rajkovic counts as homegrown. We had a discussion about that here, and I thought the answer was that he would not qualify?

Did we actually reach a conclusion? The wording of the rule is sufficiently vague that I don't see how we can figure it out.

A home grown player is defined as one who, irrespective of his nationality or age, has been registered with any club affiliated to the Football Association or the Welsh Football Association for a period, continuous or not, of three entire seasons or 36 months prior to his 21st birthday (or the end of the season during which he turns 21).

It all depends on whether a player that has been loaned out abroad still counts as 'registered' to the club that they have been loaned from. I would have assumed that they do, but it's not exactly clear.

[Cam]

I'm fairly certain it doesn't.

Because while he's at the other clubs, he would be registered with them...and I don't think (could be wrong), that a player can be registered with two teams concurrently?

I've read nothing that's said he could count as homegrown, just that we're trying to get a permit for him.

[deg0ey]

I'm fairly certain it doesn't.

Because while he's at the other clubs, he would be registered with them...and I don't think (could be wrong), that a player can be registered with two teams concurrently?

I've read nothing that's said he could count as homegrown, just that we're trying to get a permit for him.

But he must still have had some contractual attachment to us; maybe that's enough?

I do, however, think it's ridiculous that James McCarthy doesn't count as home grown because he played at Hamilton Academical until he was 19, but that we could buy Lukaku (for example) and he would count.

[HazardsLeftPeg]

But he must still have had some contractual attachment to us; maybe that's enough?

I do, however, think it's ridiculous that James McCarthy doesn't count as home grown because he played at Hamilton Academical until he was 19, but that we could buy Lukaku (for example) and he would count.

I think "registered" means registered as part of the playing squad, but I'm not sure.

Again, I'll point to Arsenal's Carlos Vela as an example, who according to their official site isn't home grown.

But then,

We wouldn't be considering bringing him back if he wasn't home grown as he would take up a spot we'd need for someone not a 5th choice centre half.

I can only imagine then that Alex would then be moving out.

[Davey Baby]

By my understading, we currently have the maximum 17 non-homegrown players in the squad, plus a potential 7 homegrown players, assuming Rajkovic gets a work permit.

Even if Rajkovic gets a work permit but only qualifies as a non-homegrown player, we can still fit him in the current squad, as Esien need not be registered in September.

Assuming Essien isn't registered in September, and assuming Rajkovic fails to obtain a work permit, we have room to purchase one non-homegrown player, without the need to sell anyone. Modric please.

Either way, we definitely have room for at least one more homegrown player, possibly rising to two depending on the Rajkovic situation. Players like Cahill, Dann, Rodwell, Parker and McCarthy have been mooted. No Joey Barton please!

Here is my asessment of the squad as it stands today...

Cech We are so fortunate to have him. While other clubs fret over their keepers, we have no such anxiety. Briliant at dominating his area, brilliant in the air, committed to the cause. Prone to the odd ricket but we'll forgive him. Couldn't ask for better.

Hilario Inept. And I'm being kind. Carlo will find himself 3rd choice at Spuds this term, with the arrival of Friedel. Surely he could be tempted home?

Turnbull (Homegrown) Haven't seen anything that encourages me. If Cech is out, we're screwed. I understand that no back-up keeper is ever going to oust Cech, but surely we could tempt someone better, just flash the cash.

Ivanovic Love him. A proper old-fashioned defender. Hard as nails and takes no prisoners. Not entirely faultless at centre-back, prefer him at right-back. Maybe not the most dynamic going forward, but no slouch either, and importantly, can defend.

Boswinga Call me old-fashioned, but I like my defenders to defend. Boswinga can be class on the ball but he can be too casual at the back. Never been convinced. Get the feeling he's only here for the money.

Ferreira Hope to never see him in a Chelsea shirt again. Nothing personal just not good enough. A complete liability as far as I'm concerned. Was decent on first arrival but never more than that. Has deteriorated starkly. Opponents fancy their chances against him and for good reason. Lacks confidence, lacks authority, lacks presence, lacks pace. People will disagree but I'm afraid sentiment is clouding their judgement.

JT (HG) Not a lot to say. Our only outfield player to excel himself last term. The best central defender on these shores by a mile. Quite predictably, didn't make the PFA team of the year last term.

Luiz Not the world's best centre-back. Who cares? Chelsea has always been a home for entertainers. AVB may have other ideas but he would make my team every time, particularly as he has the impeccable Terry alongside him. We were crying out for a player who could capture the imagination. We got him. Likes a tackle which makes me like him even more.

Alex Quality back-up but may want to go and good luck to him. Will miss his thunderbolts. IF AVB doesn't fancy Luiz at CB, and wants to kep Ivanovic at RB, don't be surprised if he bids for Dann or Cahill, as he may rate them slightly higher than Alex.

Rajkovic (Possibly HG?) Will he get a work permit, and if so, will he qualify as homegrown?

Cole (HG) Not a lot to be said. Smokes. Womanizes. Runs up and down that flank all day long. I like the fact he has so much to prove all the time, as we have been the beneficiaries. His best years are possibly behind him.

Bertrand (HG) Will be vying with PVA for the understudy slot, assuming Zhirkov goes.

PVA (U21) Has looked good whenever I've seen him.

Mikel Can't stand him. Not the player I most want to go (that would be Anelka) but would shed no tears if he left. Not at the races. Doesn't understand the holding role, doesn't have a creative bone in his body, has no attacking nous, and shoulders no responsibility. Will be interesting to see if AVB can coax a performance out of him or whether he is beyond hope. People cite his pass completion rate. Please, do me a favour. My old nan's a better passer than him. I've seen him have great games. Twice. And both times I assume he was on drugs.

Essien Massive loss. When opponents lined up against Michael in the tunnel, they visibly shrunk.

Romeu (U21) Welcome to Chelsea.

Lamps (HG) Have a sneaky feeling he may have a great season. Another one who always has something to prove, god knows why, as at club level he's been a phenomenon. Hopefully he still has a lot to offer.

Ramires A legend in the making.

Benayoun May prove to be an astute purchase but unlikely to ever be capable of excelling for extended periods of time, meaning he will dip in and out of the side. Skilful, creative, disciplined and tenacious.

Josh (U21) Should have played more last season, particularly when we were underperforming. I can see that he lacks the physical presence required in midfield at this level, but everything about him says class. No doubt in my mind we have found a gem. Interesting to see if he goes out on loan or whether AVB feels he's ready to do a job for us. Much might depend on our pursuit of Modric. If we want to play a passing game that's easy on the eye, look no further.

Malouda Oh for a flying winger that takes oponents on at will and gets to the byline. We're just not that great to watch. An injection of flair please. Having said that, when he's confident and on top of his game, Malouda is a top player. Sadly when he's sh*t he's sh*t.

Zhirkov By all accounts a good player but there's something wrong upstairs. Doesn't have the mentality. Does not transmit confidence. Feeble.

Kakuta (U21) There's a spot going on the wing if you want it ..

Sturridge (HG) Been very impressed. Our only attacker who gives us energy, pace and penetration. Anelka had no right playing on the right last term as he is abolutely useless/disinterested in that position, whereas Sturridge makes things happen and shows willing even though (like Anelka) it's not his favoured position. Would rather see him in the side than Kalou.

Kalou Scores his fair share of goals but he don't half wind me up.

Drogba Hope AVB gets inside his mind and turns him back into a centre-forward rather than the playmaker he thinks he's become. Needs to get nasty again. Needs to want to see his name on the score-sheet. Needs to stop caring what people think of him. What a player we potentially have.

Torres Love it if he returned to the player of old but I just can't see it. The word "Shevchenko" springs to mind.

Anelka Bottles big games, thinks he's better than he is, hides when the going gets tough. Not my cup of tea.

Thanks for reading.

[TheWestwayWonder]

Wow, reading all this is a little head spinning. I cant believe we only had four last year, its definiltey something the club need to look at because, imo, having such a small squad of 19 was one thing that hurt us dearly last year.

[Star]

By my understading, we currently have the maximum 17 non-homegrown players in the squad, plus a potential 7 homegrown players, assuming Rajkovic gets a work permit.

Even if Rajkovic gets a work permit but only qualifies as a non-homegrown player, we can still fit him in the current squad, as Esien need not be registered in September.

Assuming Essien isn't registered in September, and assuming Rajkovic fails to obtain a work permit, we have room to purchase one non-homegrown player, without the need to sell anyone. Modric please.

Either way, we definitely have room for at least one more homegrown player, possibly rising to two depending on the Rajkovic situation. Players like Cahill, Dann, Rodwell, Parker and McCarthy have been mooted. No Joey Barton please!

Here is my asessment of the squad as it stands today...

Cech We are so fortunate to have him. While other clubs fret over their keepers, we have no such anxiety. Briliant at dominating his area, brilliant in the air, committed to the cause. Prone to the odd ricket but we'll forgive him. Couldn't ask for better.

Hilario Inept. And I'm being kind. Carlo will find himself 3rd choice at Spuds this term, with the arrival of Friedel. Surely he could be tempted home?

Turnbull (Homegrown) Haven't seen anything that encourages me. If Cech is out, we're screwed. I understand that no back-up keeper is ever going to oust Cech, but surely we could tempt someone better, just flash the cash.

Ivanovic Love him. A proper old-fashioned defender. Hard as nails and takes no prisoners. Not entirely faultless at centre-back, prefer him at right-back. Maybe not the most dynamic going forward, but no slouch either, and importantly, can defend.

Boswinga Call me old-fashioned, but I like my defenders to defend. Boswinga can be class on the ball but he can be too casual at the back. Never been convinced. Get the feeling he's only here for the money.

Ferreira Hope to never see him in a Chelsea shirt again. Nothing personal just not good enough. A complete liability as far as I'm concerned. Was decent on first arrival but never more than that. Has deteriorated starkly. Opponents fancy their chances against him and for good reason. Lacks confidence, lacks authority, lacks presence, lacks pace. People will disagree but I'm afraid sentiment is clouding their judgement.

JT (HG) Not a lot to say. Our only outfield player to excel himself last term. The best central defender on these shores by a mile. Quite predictably, didn't make the PFA team of the year last term.

Luiz Not the world's best centre-back. Who cares? Chelsea has always been a home for entertainers. AVB may have other ideas but he would make my team every time, particularly as he has the impeccable Terry alongside him. We were crying out for a player who could capture the imagination. We got him. Likes a tackle which makes me like him even more.

Alex Quality back-up but may want to go and good luck to him. Will miss his thunderbolts. IF AVB doesn't fancy Luiz at CB, and wants to kep Ivanovic at RB, don't be surprised if he bids for Dann or Cahill, as he may rate them slightly higher than Alex.

Rajkovic (Possibly HG?) Will he get a work permit, and if so, will he qualify as homegrown?

Cole (HG) Not a lot to be said. Smokes. Womanizes. Runs up and down that flank all day long. I like the fact he has so much to prove all the time, as we have been the beneficiaries. His best years are possibly behind him.

Bertrand (HG) Will be vying with PVA for the understudy slot, assuming Zhirkov goes.

PVA (U21) Has looked good whenever I've seen him.

Mikel Can't stand him. Not the player I most want to go (that would be Anelka) but would shed no tears if he left. Not at the races. Doesn't understand the holding role, doesn't have a creative bone in his body, has no attacking nous, and shoulders no responsibility. Will be interesting to see if AVB can coax a performance out of him or whether he is beyond hope. People cite his pass completion rate. Please, do me a favour. My old nan's a better passer than him. I've seen him have great games. Twice. And both times I assume he was on drugs.

Essien Massive loss. When opponents lined up against Michael in the tunnel, they visibly shrunk.

Romeu (U21) Welcome to Chelsea.

Lamps (HG) Have a sneaky feeling he may have a great season. Another one who always has something to prove, god knows why, as at club level he's been a phenomenon. Hopefully he still has a lot to offer.

Ramires A legend in the making.

Benayoun May prove to be an astute purchase but unlikely to ever be capable of excelling for extended periods of time, meaning he will dip in and out of the side. Skilful, creative, disciplined and tenacious.

Josh (U21) Should have played more last season, particularly when we were underperforming. I can see that he lacks the physical presence required in midfield at this level, but everything about him says class. No doubt in my mind we have found a gem. Interesting to see if he goes out on loan or whether AVB feels he's ready to do a job for us. Much might depend on our pursuit of Modric. If we want to play a passing game that's easy on the eye, look no further.

Malouda Oh for a flying winger that takes oponents on at will and gets to the byline. We're just not that great to watch. An injection of flair please. Having said that, when he's confident and on top of his game, Malouda is a top player. Sadly when he's sh*t he's sh*t.

Zhirkov By all accounts a good player but there's something wrong upstairs. Doesn't have the mentality. Does not transmit confidence. Feeble.

Kakuta (U21) There's a spot going on the wing if you want it ..

Sturridge (HG) Been very impressed. Our only attacker who gives us energy, pace and penetration. Anelka had no right playing on the right last term as he is abolutely useless/disinterested in that position, whereas Sturridge makes things happen and shows willing even though (like Anelka) it's not his favoured position. Would rather see him in the side than Kalou.

Kalou Scores his fair share of goals but he don't half wind me up.

Drogba Hope AVB gets inside his mind and turns him back into a centre-forward rather than the playmaker he thinks he's become. Needs to get nasty again. Needs to want to see his name on the score-sheet. Needs to stop caring what people think of him. What a player we potentially have.

Torres Love it if he returned to the player of old but I just can't see it. The word "Shevchenko" springs to mind.

Anelka Bottles big games, thinks he's better than he is, hides when the going gets tough. Not my cup of tea.

Thanks for reading.

Pretty good summing up, particularly agree with 'Anelka bottling big games'

Think Torres might surprise you though :unsure:

[TheWestwayWonder]

It counterproductive to keep both PVA and Bertrand here. Its possible that Cole gets injured, yes, but he has been an iron horse the last few years, and I doubt the two youngster will get more than a handful of games between them.

Loan PVA again, and keep Bertrand around. I think his time has come at this club.

I really hope the arrival of Romeu means Mikel might be put in something other than the holding role. He was an AM for Nigeria a few years ago, and might suprise alot of people if he had more freedom in midfield.

Edited August 4, 2011 by TheWestwayWonder

[Davey Baby]

Pretty good summing up, particularly agree with 'Anelka bottling big games'

Think Torres might surprise you though :unsure:

Thanks mate and I hope you're right about Torres.

Think I was mistaken about PVA, think he qualifies as a homegrown rather than an U21.

If that's correct, that means we currently have our full quota of non-homegrown players (17) plus our full quota of homegrown players (8), assuming Rajkovic gets a work permit and qualifies as homegrown.

If he gets his work permit but doesn't qualify as homegrown, we have to omit a non-homegrown (Essien) to fit him in, meaning we can go out and purchase a homegrown player.

If he doesn't get his work permit, we have room for one non-homegrown (assuming we omit Essien in September), and one homegrown.

I fully expect Modric to arrive and take that non-homegrown place.

In an ideal world we would sign a back-up keeper, a flying winger (who can play either side), the new Zola (whoever he may be), and the aforementioned Modric (who I rate highly).

As you said, Young would have been a great signing for us. Homegrown, young, fast, versatile, no little ability, and plenty of chutzpah. Anyone that puts pressure on Malouda, Kalou and Anelka would be welcome, assuming they all stay with us.

[Davey Baby]

Ignoring Rajkovic a moment, and with Zhirkov gone, we now have a free place available to buy a non-homegrown player, even if we include Essien in the squad this September.

We also have a homegrown slot available.

Essien's injury means we may be a bit light in midfield.

We have Mikel, Lampard and Ramires.

After that we have Romeu, Josh and Benayoun.