next season

[lauren]

I said at the beginning of the season and I stand by it that we would come second to the Manks.

I absolutely hate to be right about it but I can't see us winning.

So on to next season........

what changes do you want to see apart from the obvious as in Please Chelsea Could you Play With Some Passion.

Any players out? Who would you like to see in? Manager lost the plot? Roman lost the plot?

To me it's obvious, we need a goal scorer. Drogs has done well but early on he didn't. Without JT we were nowhere near as strong at the back. Maka finished? Lamps not as good as the last 2 seasons.

Just my early thoughts. If the Manks hadn't done so well ok we would have won the league but with no class and quite frankly boring.

[BlueBeard]

Players I'd like to see leave Chelsea: -

Ferreira - he's lost it, and doesn't look like finding it any time soon

Geremi - looking a bit iffy lately, I'd rather we had a younger back-up RB

A.Cole - hate him, don't rate him. Sorry, wasn't trying to start a rap there....

Ballack - surplus to requirements, knocking on a bit, and costing a fortune in wages for not doing very much at all

Hedman - too old, too crap, and ex-Septic

and possibly: -

Robben - always injured, fluctuating form, always diving, and seems to have an attitude problem. Love to watch him when he's on form, but unfortunately he's starting to really get on my tits.

Players I'd like us to sign: -

Micah Richards - he can play in a variety of positions and looks sh*t hot so far. We already have Diarra looking good in the RB position, but Richards would be an excellent buy.

Leighton Baines - very good young left-back, won't be long before he breaks into the England team (unless of course McClaren stays). Would be a great signing to replace Ashley, and shouldn't be difficult to tempt here if Wigan get relegated.

Scott Parker - I'm still mightily pissed off that we sold him, and I'd take him back in a heartbeat. As a midfielder, he's equally good going forward or shielding his defenders, and his workrate is second to none.

James Milner - can play either flank, and has been improving at an impressive rate.

We obviously need cover for CB, but I'd go for a promising young player rather than a big-name big-money big-ego one. I wouldn't mind us getting Jonathan Woodgate if he wasn't so injury prone, but maybe we wouldn't need someone like that if Mancienne gets given a chance. Also Richards could cover at CB.

Gary Cahill at Villa looks a good prospect.

I'd also like us to bring through a keeper from the youth team, or failing that, sign a good young keeper who would be happy to play in the reserves and learn from Cech & Cudicini.

If, for any reason, Jose Mourinho leaves in the summer, then I would implore Roman to do everything within his power to persuade Eddie McCreadie to return to the Bridge

[loz]

I will try and tackle this by looking at the areas of the pitch and also trying to factor in a little of what I am guessing Jose is thinking (assuming Jose is still with us which I doubt)

Goalkeeper

If Carlo is happy to be back up for another season then I see no reason to make any changes whatsoever. This year we were hideously unfortunate with our injuries to keepers and ended up playing our 3rd choice keeper far more then any club would ever expect to. Hilario got a bit of stick on here but as far as I am concerned he is as good as you could ever expect a 3rd choice keeper to be. I think Hedman is only on a contract till the end of this season anyway so letting him go is not only correct but also inevitable. That will leave us with three keepers with first team experience plus youngsters. More than enough to deal with anything but the most freak occurrences.

Left Full Back

I don't like Ashley Cole either but I see little point in selling him (other than personal reasons!). Bridge has proved himself to be more reliable this season and if Jose was playing fair then Bridge would be our first choice with Cole as back up. However I can't see this happening and I fully expect to see Cole as first choice next season. Bridge has recently signed a new contract however we all know this means very little in football. I only see a need to bring someone in if Bridge were to decide to move on for the sake of his career.

Right Full Back

This is where there is a split between what I would do and what I think Jose would/will do. I totally disagree with Bluebeard about Paulo. For me he is clearly our best right back and I would play him there week in week out. My choice would be to let Geremi go, bring back Glen Johnson and we are well covered for right back with Paulo, Glen and Diarra all able to play there. Jose would need to rotate to provide Diarra with enough games to develop. However there is surely a good chance Paulo will leave in the summer for the sake of his career leaving us with Diarra, Johnson and Geremi (assuming we sign nobody) - as Jose is clearly not convinced by geremi or Johnson and Diarra is young I would expect us to sign someone IF Paulo left. Richards is the obvious choice at home but I am not convinced by him and don't think he is as good as he is being hyped up to be. Alves from Sevilla would be my choice as he can play right back and right midfield nad is as effective going forward as he is in defence.

Centre Half

Clearly short of cover here. Lose just one of JT or Carvalho and we have to rely on Boula who is erratic or Essien who is wasted at centre half. I stand by what I said before and would be happy to take the risk on Woodgate's fitness. Whether he would sign for us would partially depend on whether he would be prepared to go to a team where he wouldn't be an instant first pick. He has already lost a lot of his career to injuries and it would be understandable if we would rather go somewhere where he could maximise his playing time. We are bound to be linked with Tal Ben Haim again. So my first choice is keeping the three we have and bringing in Woodgate.

Defensive Midfielder

No problem here at all - well covered through Maka, Essien, Diarra and - for me the player who should make this positoin his in the near future, Mikel. Whan I say make it his I don't mean he plays the Maka role, I mean he plays in the defensive midfielder position but he plays it his way which is more like Patrick Vieira played it than Maka plays it.

Central Midfield

Again I see no reason to make any changes. However what I would rather see is Essien playing with one of Ballack or Lampard rather than hving Lampard and Ballack as the regular choice.

Wingers

Dealing with both sides together. I would let Sweep go, he has had a couple of slightly better games plaing in a mroe central role but to be perfectly honest we don't need another central player and he is simply not cutting the mustard as a winger. Not Robben's best season by any means and he does seem to have a capacity for injuries to rival the lovechild of Darren Anderton and Solksjaer however I still see him as a very useful member of our squad and in an era when quality wingers are thin on the ground it would seem insane to let one of the better ones go. We would need a replaement for Sweep as going into a season with an injury prone Robben and Joe just back from missing an entire season would be insane. Like I said though there is a real shortage of top drawer wingers just now. The fact that people mention the likes of Quaresma and Joaquin is evidence of this - they may be some of the better ones around but they are not really top drawer. Reyes is better than both of them but he is obviously out of the question as well. To be honest I think we are going to struggle to bring in quality in this area. Maybe Lennon would be the best bet on the grounds that he is still young, will improve and knows the English game.

Strikers

I see us as a player short. We have two goalscorers and a back up support striker in Kalou. The temptation would be for us to spend big again on the likes of Villa however I would rather we took the opportunity to bring Sahar and Sinclair into the first team picture. Sinclair has also shown that he can turn his hand to being a winger in a part time capacity. This would leave us short when it came to the ACN as both Drogba and Kaou would be away (and we need to wait and find out what is going to happen with Sahar's military service). So maybe we need to plan ahead and give some thought to whether we could bring in a striker on a short term deal in the January window to provide additional cover during the ACN. Hell why not bring Guddy back - go on Jose, admit you made a mistake!!

Also you can guarantee we will be linked with tevez no matter what happens to West Ham this season (I hear the pitter patter of tiny Dorsetian feet)

[Pauly]

all depends on what formation JM plans to play next year- if he plans to use the same diamond then he needs to prepare for it properly- in order of importance

1) A lot of faith in Mikel/Joe Cole to play the position in a championship team, or a Kaka/Deco

2) A new third choice CB

3) a new classy striker

4) 2 wingers to give us a chance to change system- i know two good ones: duff and mancini

pauly!

[loz]

4) 2 wingers to give us a chance to change system- i know two good ones: duff and mancini

I'm not convinced that the jovial sounds of Baby Elephant Walk are what we want from our wide man

Although judging by this Mod seems to like it - you can see him 20 seconds in!

Also appearing in the video is the new and improved fitness fan Bluebeard at 43 seconds

Just at the annual Jimmy convention at 1 min 53 seconds

And if you have the patience to watch it till 2 mins 13 seconds you will see an old loz favourite (sadly departed from the CSR)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_hxAHRd1zU

[BlueBosnian]

One word: Wingers!

I think that our defense will be good by next season, and I don't see a problem with our offense (as long as they can be provided with service).

That leaves us with the midfield. I think our midfield this year is doing bad because way too much is expected of them when we play without wingers.

All of our attacks have to come through them.

So after all being said... I'd buy at least two wingers, and I'd like to see us start playing 4-4-2.

[loz]

One word: Wingers!

I think that our defense will be good by next season.

You don't feel we need another centre half? I take it you are going with the idea of having JT, Carvalho and Boula and then relying on Essien and Ferreira as back up.

[BlueBosnian]

You might be right. The thing is - we had way too many injuries this year, so it seems as if we need a few more of everything.

But... Yeah, after wingers, I guess the most important thing would be to get a back up for Terry and Carvalho.

[TomP]

If you ask me, we need to sign a striker and a defender to cover the holes in our squad, so that if we run into a similar injury crisis like we did in Nov/Dec/Jan, then we don't throw away the title again.

But, the biggest problem in terms of our general play, when we have a full strength side available is that we lack creativity. When we play with a midfield of Maka-Essien-Ballack-Lampard, we create very little. We are very hard to break down, but we rely very heavily on Drogba and Shevchenko to create chances for themselves.

If we could sign a creative attacking central midfielder who can play two or three killer balls through to these two in every match, we will be unstoppable. Someone like a Riquelme, a Deco, a Ronaldinho or a Pirlo.

To play the diamond midfield properly, we need someone like this (and two good fullbacks who are prepared to get forward and support the attack).

I would be quite happy if we made three signings - 2 young low-profile players for the 3rd striker and 4th defender (and would probably be happy if these players were Glen Johnson and Ben Sahar) - and break the bank for the creative central midfielder.

Squad for next season:

Goalkeepers - Cech, Cudicini, Hilario

Right Back - Johnson, Geremi, Diarra

Left Back - Cole, Bridge

Centre Back - Terry, Carvalho, Boularouhz, Johnson

Defensive Midfield - Maka, Diarra, Essien, Mikel

All-round Midfield - Lampard, Ballack, Essien, Mikel

Attacking Midfield - Riquelme, Cole, Mikel, SWP

Strikers - Drogba, Shevchenko, Kalou, Sahar

Note - No places for Ferreira and Robben, because I've got a feeling that neither of them will be playing for us next season.

[Makelele]

Scott Parker - I'm still mightily pissed off that we sold him, and I'd take him back in a heartbeat. As a midfielder, he's equally good going forward or shielding his defenders, and his workrate is second to none.

think about it...Scott Parker < Essien, Lampard, Maka, Ballack, Obi Mikel, Diarra...every player in our midfeild is way better than him

[Paul Phoenix]

I don't want us to change much to the squad, because I don't think there will be so much improvement in just getting new players every year, even though we have some players who haven't performed good enough.

We'll be getting Johnson back from Portsmouth, so the right-back position should be okay. Maybe Ferreira or/and Geremi might leave, but we'll still have enough players for that position, because Diarra, Essien and Boularhouz kan all play there.

Other than that, we'll need a centre-back, and why not Alex?

And we'll need a striker. With players like Drogba and Kalou off to the African Cup of Nations, we will need someone to fill in. I think Mourinho mentioned that Sahar would take the step up to the first-team, but I'm not sure if it's enough with a teenager. If Shevchenko gets injured during the African Cup of Nations, then what? The question is who, as I don't think we'll need to buy a ?25-30 million striker.

[BlueBeard]

Scott Parker - I'm still mightily pissed off that we sold him, and I'd take him back in a heartbeat. As a midfielder, he's equally good going forward or shielding his defenders, and his workrate is second to none.

think about it...Scott Parker < Essien, Lampard, Maka, Ballack, Obi Mikel, Diarra...every player in our midfeild is way better than him

As I said in my post, Ballack would be on his way out if it was up to me. And Diarra looks like he could make the right-back slot his own judging by recent performances. So that would make our list of central midfielders: - Essien, Lampard, Obi Mikel & Parker - I think Maka will only be playing a bit-part next season.

[sergeyMS]

One word: Wingers!

I think that our defense will be good by next season.

You don't feel we need another centre half? I take it you are going with the idea of having JT, Carvalho and Boula and then relying on Essien and Ferreira as back up.

Maybe we need one additional defender, probably he can be from reserves (Morais or Mancienne), but what kind of defender?

If it`s worldclass then I say no, we don`t need such one, because we thought we already have 3. I mean we expected much more from Boula.

I think the best situation in the team is having 3 world class def and 1(or 2) youngsters transferred to the first team. But Boula put us all in a stupid situation. Now we know we can`t fully rely on him. But I think new season would be a new challenge for him, let`s give him another chance, let`s see.

If it would be Hilario`s role defender - just a back-up(not great ability, but the one who has an expirience(submarine Ben Haim class )) - then yes, but not on a ~100 000 p/w deal.

Others:

I think we should sell:

Ferreira - was just useless this season, contributing nothing to the team. It seems had fully lost confidence.

SWP - was interesting in new position in the centre of the park, but Mikel is second to none there.

Buys:

Maybe next season would be an opportunity to make some good press for us, buying nobody except a defender.

My reasons are:

I can name Sheva as our new signing. He`s settled now and showing good communication with his partners.

We have Drogba. He`s our ACE.

We have Kalou. He`s very promising.

Our new made international Ben Sahar is always welcomed in the first team.

Robben is our main joker.

John Joseph would be on board again.

That`s enough attacking power to win any game, we need just a desire to attack.

I don`t talk about our midfield. In my humble opinion it`s the best in Europe now, maybe not on a BBC, but f**k BBC.

I`m willing to give Makelele just one more season and it`s just one more season for Diarra to watch and to learn.

[Dorset]

Any hopes or fears regarding changes in personnel for next season have to be expressed on the assumption that Jose stays - because, if he doesn?t, anything could happen and I wouldn?t even rule out an exodus of biblical proportions. Bearing this in mind, plus the fact that Jose staying won?t necessarily mean that he does so on his own terms, the Roman ground rules will be a) we don?t pay through the nose for anybody anymore and B) we look to the Academy before leaping into the market.

Of course, Jose?s own ground rules won?t change, so I can?t see us getting rid of anybody of our own volition and the mantra ?unless they want to leave? will apply. Those wishing to take our coach up on this are the players who sense what might be called ?Mourinho Indifference? creeping into their relationship and, whilst none of us have first hand knowledge of any, we can all speculate on the candidates. My predictions in this area would be Ferriera and, sadly, Robben, although in his case it would stem from sheer frustration rather than doubting his ability. Whether these two actually leave probably rests on other things and leads to the changes we should be making rather than those allowed to happen.

In this area we definitely need central defensive cover and, discounting Roman?s rules for a moment, my selection order (purely on merit) would be Dawson, Woodgate, Richards, Alex and Tal Ben Haim. However, cost will eliminate Dawson and Richards, injury fears account for Woodgate, Jose doesn?t really rate Alex and Ben Haim was met with indifference before he even had a chance to step through the door. Prediction - bargain basement rules, blue sky thinking doesn?t and the Bolton man will arrive.

The other defensive position causing problems is RFB and here I find myself agreeing with Loz, for once - Alves is the right man for the job and, as it has already been confirmed that Glen returns, the makeweight in any deal seems likely to be Paulo going the other way, thereby placating Roman on the cost side. A glance at the Academy for someone in this position sees Nana Ofori-Twumasi as the best bet to succeed, but at around 17yrs of age he?s still a long way off the first team squad.

Midfield is an area that should be left untouched and allowed to grow into a natural, world class, three of Essien, Diarra and Mikel, eventually supplemented by the likes of Woods, Taiwo and Tejera. Next season I?m sure we?ll see those first three playing a lot, with the manager being selective where Lamps and Ballack are concerned. The flanks are the real conundrum for Jose and, as mentioned above, I think he?s losing patience with Robben, rightly or wrongly, whereas SWP has shown the sort of stick-ability that he admires.

Given a foursome of Robben, Cole, SWP and Sinclair, and assuming the latter is the next ground rule candidate to emerge, I honestly think Robben has become the most vulnerable in this group, which is a pity because he can be so bloody good. His attitude and that of his advisers over the coming weeks, when he?s on the fringe of what will hopefully be massive celebrations, is going to be of great significance in the club?s planning for next season.

Finally the strikers, who are bound to be Sheva, Didier, Kalou and Sahar. A blend of goal scorers, youth, experience and unpredictability, so why should we want for more? Well, there is someone out there (we all know who he is, don?t we, Loz) who would offer us something different. I?ve banged on about him in the past and nothing over the last few months has changed my mind about his ability and potential usefulness to our squad. Carlos Tevez, we were told, wouldn?t cut it in the Premiership and his temperament was suspect. When he joined the Hammers there was every prospect of him fulfilling that prophecy, but no, he?s knuckled down, when others couldn?t be arsed, kept his cool and is now doing more to keep their ship afloat than other so-called battlers.

Okay, he?s not scored many goals, but which newcomer has besides Berbatov, who plays in a kamikaze attacking team every week. Tevez would complement any of the other strikers we have at present and he is a world class player who has shown he is prepared to work hard even in the worst of situations. He gets my vote and I hope we throw him a lifeline when his current vessel sinks. Incidentally, should all predictions fall into place, the fact that Alves is a first class wing back would obviate the need to replace a winger if one goes, leaving a space available. Sorted.

[loz]

Given a foursome of Robben, Cole, SWP and Sinclair, and assuming the latter is the next ground rule candidate to emerge, I honestly think Robben has become the most vulnerable in this group, which is a pity because he can be so bloody good. His attitude and that of his advisers over the coming weeks, when he?s on the fringe of what will hopefully be massive celebrations, is going to be of great significance in the club?s planning for next season.

You could be right and I would agree that it would be predominantly down to his injury proneness and maybe a perception on Jose's part that Arjen 'aint bovvered' rather than down to his ability. For me an in and out of form Robben is still far more of a threat than SWP will ever be and as such far mroe valuable a player to have at our disposal. If we were to let Robben go it would leave us with one left winger in Joe and Kalou who can sort of play left wing (but not really) and Sinclair who has been asked to play wide left for Plymouth but (and correct me if I'm wrong) is more comfortable in a more forward and central position) and it would just leave is SWP on the right with Joe also being able to play on the right.

As we agree (I'm sure we also agreed on Mr Kipling's cakes) Alaves would be able to provide an option on the right flank but I would not like to end up in a position where he had to play there predominantly.

So losing Robben (or in fact any winger) without a like for like replacement would, for me, leave us short and we would not just carry on to see the death of football midfield that Liam secretly enjoys (he employs the age old tactic of playing hard to get), we would actually see it more often.

[Dorset]

Whenever I?ve seen Sinclair play for the reserves he?s nearly always been deployed wide and primarily left, but loves to come inside, so you might be right long term. Dave the Green will probably know more about that aspect than we do! He certainly looks stronger since he?s been at Plymouth and it was a great move sending him there rather than ?do a Walcott? and lose his way.

I take your like for like point, but I sense Jose, especially after Joe got injured, placed a lot of faith in Robben showing what a good player he can be for us (as well as putting in the selfless duty for his country) and he?s not got that much in return. I don?t see a readymade alternative, due to Robben?s undoubted ability (unless I grit my teeth and say Ronaldo, when the left side/right side debate opens up again). Anyway, can I take it that no Tevez rebuke means you?re mellowing, or are you saving something up?

[loz]

Well I would say that on Saturday I was impressed by Tevez for the entire time he was on the pitch, rather than in isolated bursts. for the first time ever (and that includes games for Argentina). That was the first time I have actually seen a player who didn't look like a more expensive and slightly better version of Kezman. i.e. full of effort but lacking in the awareness to actually realise where his team mates are, or the goal, or the defence for that matter. Head down too much.

So no I am not impressed enough yet to make me want us to sign him but if he were to reproduce Saturday's form regularly then I could be swayed.

[abramovich]

Players I'd like us to sign: -

Micah Richards - he can play in a variety of positions and looks sh*t hot so far. We already have Diarra looking good in the RB position, but Richards would be an excellent buy.

Leighton Baines - very good young left-back, won't be long before he breaks into the England team (unless of course McClaren stays). Would be a great signing to replace Ashley, and shouldn't be difficult to tempt here if Wigan get relegated.

Scott Parker - I'm still mightily pissed off that we sold him, and I'd take him back in a heartbeat. As a midfielder, he's equally good going forward or shielding his defenders, and his workrate is second to none.

James Milner - can play either flank, and has been improving at an impressive rate.

We obviously need cover for CB, but I'd go for a promising young player rather than a big-name big-money big-ego one. I wouldn't mind us getting Jonathan Woodgate if he wasn't so injury prone, but maybe we wouldn't need someone like that if Mancienne gets given a chance. Also Richards could cover at CB.

Gary Cahill at Villa looks a good prospect.

I'd also like us to bring through a keeper from the youth team, or failing that, sign a good young keeper who would be happy to play in the reserves and learn from Cech & Cudicini.

If, for any reason, Jose Mourinho leaves in the summer, then I would implore Roman to do everything within his power to persuade Eddie McCreadie to return to the Bridge

Bluebeard you're an old poster who i truly respect so i'll be gentle.

Was that a coincidence that all of your new signings happen to be English? I'm all for keeping the core of Chelsea English,but come on.

Parker left because he didn't want to play a second fiddle to Maka. He is a first teamer and a captain at Newcastle, guaranteed to start and play every match and i'm quite happy for him. Having said that i wouldn't swap him for any midfielder we currently have on the team simply because he is not as good as any of them.

Richards,Baines and Milner are young and promising players but i don't see them being anywhere near Chelsea level and they'll cost a fortune. If i had to overpay, i'd rather pick up Daniel Alves for 15 million than spend 20 on Richards.

I think SWP fiasco is reason enough not to throw money at every English player that looks good playing for midtable club.

I'm not Ashley Cole's fan but i think people here are a bit biased against him given his personality and past. Let's not forget that's his first season in a new club and he still learns his way around. If you think replacing him with Baines is a step forward i'd have to strongly disagree.

[Scott]

Well I would say that on Saturday I was impressed by Tevez for the entire time he was on the pitch, rather than in isolated bursts. for the first time ever (and that includes games for Argentina). That was the first time I have actually seen a player who didn't look like a more expensive and slightly better version of Kezman. i.e. full of effort but lacking in the awareness to actually realise where his team mates are, or the goal, or the defence for that matter. Head down too much.

So no I am not impressed enough yet to make me want us to sign him but if he were to reproduce Saturday's form regularly then I could be swayed.

Same for me I'm afraid.

or

You decide

[abramovich]

OUT

Hedman, SWP, Maka, Geremi.

IN

Alves, Tevez, Woodgate.

I'm surprised Jose wants Johno back, he was always a defensive liability and nothing from his Pompey stint suggested that he improved in that department.

I'd rather keep Paulo as he is still our best rightback defensively, sell Geremi and bring in Alves whose versatilty can make up for losing SWP(we can also use Diarra as rb).

We need another centerhalf and if Woodgate has any ambition left in him he may like a shot at big trophies with the Blues.

He's injury prone but would be worth the risk since he probably wouldn't be required to play as much as he does now, imo.

Tevez would be another great option in the attack and proved recently that he can cut it in the PL.

I'd also loan out Sahar,Sinclair and Mancienne for the next season(hopefully to the premiership teams) and let them develop instead of spending most of the season on Chelsea bench.

I think Maka is having his worst season in Chelsea shirt. He's been one of our most influential players in the past, but not this season. Maybe it's the age issue but i feel his defensive presence has diminished and our recent defensive weaknesses are not only due to losing Gallas and injuries that plagued our defence all season but also in part because good old Claude is a bit past it.

He still has a year left in the contract but if he was reported to demand an extension, which probably is not such a great idea from the club's point of view and the overabundance of midfield talent to choose from, as much as his current form makes it an easier choice.

[BlueBeard]

Bluebeard you're an old poster who i truly respect so i'll be gentle.

Not so much of the "old", ya git!

Was that a coincidence that all of your new signings happen to be English? I'm all for keeping the core of Chelsea English,but come on.

To be totally honest, I didn't realise that the players I'd selected were all English until I read my post later on.

Parker left because he didn't want to play a second fiddle to Maka. He is a first teamer and a captain at Newcastle, guaranteed to start and play every match and i'm quite happy for him. Having said that i wouldn't swap him for any midfielder we currently have on the team simply because he is not as good as any of them.

I thought I explained my reasons. Maka won't be playing for much longer, and Ballack doesn't look like he gives a f*ck about Chelsea.

Richards,Baines and Milner are young and promising players but i don't see them being anywhere near Chelsea level and they'll cost a fortune. If i had to overpay, i'd rather pick up Daniel Alves for 15 million than spend 20 on Richards.

I think SWP fiasco is reason enough not to throw money at every English player that looks good playing for midtable club.

This is why Chelsea are always being criticised in the press. I'd rather we buy young promising English players than expensive players from overseas who may well struggle in the EPL. I'd get rid of SWP too, forgot about him in my original post

I'm not Ashley Cole's fan but i think people here are a bit biased against him given his personality and past. Let's not forget that's his first season in a new club and he still learns his way around. If you think replacing him with Baines is a step forward i'd have to strongly disagree.

I'd be replacing Cole with Bridge, and keeping Baines as back up.

[Dorset]

Well I would say that on Saturday I was impressed by Tevez for the entire time he was on the pitch, rather than in isolated bursts. for the first time ever (and that includes games for Argentina). That was the first time I have actually seen a player who didn't look like a more expensive and slightly better version of Kezman. i.e. full of effort but lacking in the awareness to actually realise where his team mates are, or the goal, or the defence for that matter. Head down too much.

So no I am not impressed enough yet to make me want us to sign him but if he were to reproduce Saturday's form regularly then I could be swayed.

Same for me I'm afraid.

or

You decide

It isn't about comparing these two, Scott, because a back to fitness and form Joe Cole would get in on merit, for me, in either a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2. What Tevez would give us is an alternative, central attacking option, plus a bit of quality hold up play, something that has been lacking in recent seasons.

[yorkleyblue]

Probably not for me to comment, but........................

Don't we have ENUFF dog-ugly feckers already?

What happened to "Swinging Kings Road Style Icons" Chelsea Football Club?

kev

[The Moos]

Probably not for me to comment, but........................

Don't we have ENUFF dog-ugly feckers already?

What happened to "Swinging Kings Road Style Icons" Chelsea Football Club?

kev

Can we sign Beckham then

[Maksimov]

Can we sign Beckham then

I reckon Bluebeard could give a reason or two why we shouldn't sign Beckham.

And come to think of it, a lot of people could give one good reason why we couldn't.