The view from the promised land

[Spiller86]

Good Morning everyone.

I'd suggest many of you are waking from the mother of all hangovers, but being here in Australia, the game finished at 8am, and not finding anyone willing to drink with me I've found myself in a more reflective mood throughout the day. I must say I'm not sure it has really sunk in yet, I've been wandering around in a daze wondering if it really happened. We wake up this morning in the promised land, with a team that no one thought could do this.

What has changed? Here are a few random thoughts:

1. We went along way to securing our long term financial future

Finishing 6th and losing last night would have been a disaster. Not only did we win a handsome cut of the television rights and prize money, but securing a spot in the group stages of next season's tournament, and the potential to go further is so massive in terms of meeting FFP. I think we would have have had to make some pretty dramatic cuttbacks to meet those targets had last night gone wrong, but winning has eased those concerns.

2. We secured ourself a seat at the top table as far as players are concerned.

It amused me to suddenly see the stories of Hazard emerge yesterday. Without Champions League football we would have been fighting an uphill battle to get the talent we need to replace the legends who won us the trophy last night. But now all of a sudden not only do we have Champions League football next season, but we are the European champions. We've still got deep pockets, but that extra little bit of status will go a long way to getting players here next season.

3. We have left Tottenham staring into the abyss instead,

This is arguably the sweetest part of last night. Now instead of us, it is Tottenham who will struggle. No Champions League football, and again Modric and the like will be looking to get out. If that happens they haven't the pull, and really the financial muscle to replace them. We may have put out their fire. Just incidentally if you want a good laugh check out any Tottenham forum or blog this morning.

4. We have found the man we have been looking for all along

After after all the big payouts and nearly moments, it was Robbie D himself, homegrown hero, sacked from West Brom 18 months ago, who delivered the biggest prize of all. And not just that, a cup double to boot! Not to mention he did it with not half the squad that others have had. It makes me smile this morning that Robbie D and Eddie Newton were the team that brought Roman's dream home to us.

5. Beautiful play isn't a prerequisite for victory, and isn't a substitute for pure mental strength.

We have been told for a year or more, that beautiful is the way to win, and that we are too reactive and too slow, and too old. Lampard, Mikel, Kalou, Ash, Cech, Drogba. All players who weren't good enough anymore. They were arguably our best performers over the last two months. For all the possession and trickery of the opposition, the last ditch challenges, the solidarity, the taking of chances made the difference. This team may not be flash, but they have so much sheer will that (with a little luck) we managed to overcome ridiculous odds to win the trophy. We should look to build on that, not throw it away. Gary Cahill's impressive John Terry impersonation shows you just how much a club's culture can make a player.

6. We are going to have a big Drogba shaped hole in our team and club

If it was that the winning penalty was Drogba's last game, we have a huge hole to fill. It's not just the goals, it's the goals on the big days at the big moments, it's the clearances, the ability to raise his teammates to another level. He had one legitimate chance last night and it went in the net. I have always thought that beyond Messi and Ronaldo, the real Drogba is the best of the rest. He gave

away the penalty sure, but going all the way back to Valencia is there anyone else you would want leading the line at our club? If he does indeed go, I'm not sure Torres or anyone player can replace him.

Those are just a few thoughts. I'm sure many of you have your own to share on what really is a great morning to be a Chelsea fan. KTBFFH!

Edited May 20, 2012 by Spiller86

[erskblue]

Have a CHAMPION ONE Down Under mate.

[erskblue]

U2 Beautiful Day