53 minutes ago, Bob stark said:

I cannot believe what I am reading. Asking player to push through when they are already in discomfort is just stupid especially in normal league game. You are taking risk for nothing.

Neto out for 3 months mean we are down to Garnacho n estevao. One is a kid who keep getting small injury while on minute restrictions the other is Garnacho.

Neto out for three months would be advantage to Chelsea.

4 hours ago, Scott Harris said:

What a load of nonsense. You can never know when a player is going to get injured. There are risks, but there are always risks. You can get injured at any time. We wouldn't have won the Champions League final if we didn't take those risks.

It's just more of the same sh*t standards at this club. A player being subbed off because there is a chance of getting injured takes precedent over winning the game.

There are also calculated risks, if they are already in discomfort the chances of injuries are heighted and pushing them through Burnley was not worth it.

The fact the players on the pitch bottled it doesn't make it a bad decision to take them off.

3 hours ago, Remodez said:

There are also calculated risks, if they are already in discomfort the chances of injuries are heighted and pushing them through Burnley was not worth it.

The fact the players on the pitch bottled it doesn't make it a bad decision to take them off.

Not really. That's their level.

Tosin and Delap have both been responsible for the team conceding loads of the goals this season. You bring on three 19 year olds in Hato, Acheampong, and Sarr to try and see out a game with no leadership on the pitch, that's creating trouble.

Obviously Rosenior is heavily influenced on what to do, but its disingenuous to claim the players we have should've seen out the game, when we've seen these same players for months being unable to see games out.

15 minutes ago, Sconnie Blue said:

You bring on three 19 year olds in Hato, Acheampong, and Sarr to try and see out a game with no leadership on the pitch, that's creating trouble

Same old trouble. We have very few players with experience or game management. And our new manager is also a young kid still learning his trade as a manager. AND behind the manager we have Sporting Directors who really should not be in the business of being Sporting Directors. Completely unqualified for the job.

We just need some experience - at some point, at any point - players, coaches, managers - just somebody who is involved in the 'project' (at any level) who has some seasoned experience of the game of football.

Edited February 24Feb 24 by TheCeleryKing

21 minutes ago, TheCeleryKing said:

Same old trouble. We have very few players with experience or game management. And our new manager is also a young kid still learning his trade as a manager. AND behind the manager we have Sporting Directors who really should not be in the business of being Sporting Directors. Completely unqualified for the job.

We just need some experience - at some point, at any point - players, coaches, managers - just somebody who is involved in the 'project' (at any level) who has some seasoned experience of the game of football.

I agree. We are lacking leadership and experience at all levels within the club. On and off the pitch. This is reflected in our results and the inability to see out games without drama. Even games that we won recently (e.g. Palace and Wolves), were unnecessarily dramatic finishes due to our poor game management. Then there is our dreadful disciplinary record which I think is directly related to the lack of experience and leadership. We need one more red to equal the Premier League record for a season apparently. I reckon we will probably set a new one.

We are not even a "dirty" team. We are just a bunch of stupid kids.

7 hours ago, Bob stark said:

I cannot believe what I am reading. Asking player to push through when they are already in discomfort is just stupid especially in normal league game. You are taking risk for nothing.

What do you mean you can't believe what you are reading? This has been part of the game since the game has been around. Ashley Cole literally played through years of ankle troubles. If he was around today, the Chelsea of today would never let him on the pitch. He wouldn't be remembered as one of the best ever LB's, he would be remembered as a player that could have been, a sick note.

You say it would be taking risks for nothing, but it's not for nothing. The risks are the difference between winning games of football or not.

7 hours ago, Bob stark said:

Neto out for 3 months mean we are down to Garnacho n estevao. One is a kid who keep getting small injury while on minute restrictions the other is Garnacho.

Like I said, you can't know when a player is going to get injured. It can happen at any time. Neto could go to training and his ACL could go at any time.

5 hours ago, Remodez said:

There are also calculated risks, if they are already in discomfort the chances of injuries are heighted and pushing them through Burnley was not worth it.

The fact the players on the pitch bottled it doesn't make it a bad decision to take them off.

It's not just Burnley though, is it? It's been happening since at least Maresca came in last season. We do this in almost every game. Substitutions are rarely about tactics with us, they are about managing minutes.

53 minutes ago, Scott Harris said:

It's not just Burnley though, is it? It's been happening since at least Maresca came in last season. We do this in almost every game. Substitutions are rarely about tactics with us, they are about managing minutes.

Yes. We are effectively managing the players like assets. Attempting to protect them from damage. This seems to be in line with the strategy of the owners. Their priority is maintaining the assets (players) in good standing for either resale of valuation, rather than taking risks to maybe win things.

On 23/02/2026 at 20:09, Boyne said:

Couldn't think of anywhere else to post this. Received the following email from the Chelsea Supporters Trust earlier.

"Welcome to the February 2026 edition of the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust (CST) newsletter.

Since my last update, the CST Board has continued to work intensively behind the scenes to represent the interests of our members and the wider supporter base in a way that is independent, constructive, and firmly rooted in evidence. As ever, our focus remains on transparency, accountability, and meaningful engagement, recognising that trust between a football club and its supporters cannot be assumed and must be continually earned.

Over recent weeks, we have heard clearly from many supporters about their matchday experiences, their expectations of the club’s leadership, and their desire for clearer communication and explanation around key decisions. The CST has sought to reflect those views responsibly and proportionately, ensuring that supporter concerns are raised in the appropriate forums and with the seriousness they deserve.

Engagement works best when it is consistent and genuinely two-way. While there are areas where progress is being made, there remains more to do to close the confidence gap that many supporters continue to feel. The CST will remain firm, fair, and persistent in pressing for improvements, while also recognising and acknowledging positive steps where they are taken.

As always, I am keen to hear directly from members. Your feedback strengthens our work and helps ensure we are accurately representing supporter sentiment. If you would like to meet before a match or arrange a call, please do not hesitate to contact me.

E: [email protected]

Changes to Ticket Policy 2026/27

The club has publicly confirmed via the Fans’ Forum that it will be undertaking a review of its ticketing policy ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The review is expected to cover a number of important areas, including potential changes to the loyalty points system and how points are awarded, ticket forwarding and purchasing requirements and restrictions, season tickets and memberships, possible changes to the Family Stand and its allocation, the potential introduction of balloting for home Members’ tickets, and a range of related ticketing matters.

The minutes from the most recent Fans’ Forum meeting can be found here.

The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust is working hard to ensure that the views of supporters, the wider fanbase and our members are fully and fairly represented throughout all discussions on these issues. Ticketing remains one of the most significant and sensitive matters the CST deals with, and it is therefore vital that the club properly takes into account supporter views before implementing any changes.

We are working closely with our Fan Advisory Board colleagues on this issue and will provide a further update to members in due course.


Fan Advisory Board Elections

Since my last update, the election process for three new supporter representatives to the Fan Advisory Board (FAB) has concluded.

Neil Beard and Anna Phillips were elected alongside Tracey Chapman. Tracey was nominated by the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust and is an outstanding representative who, alongside her fellow FAB members, will bring fresh perspective, strong supporter advocacy and constructive challenge to the Board.

I am incredibly pleased that Tracey has been elected and firmly believe that her involvement will help to strengthen, improve and increase transparency in the relationship between the club and its supporters.

I am sure you will join me in congratulating Tracey, Neil and Anna, and in wishing all three every success as they take on their new roles.


The Big Stamford Bridge Sleepout 2026

We are delighted to confirm that this year’s Big Stamford Bridge Sleepout will take place on Saturday 28 March, during the international break.

All Chelsea supporters are invited to join us for a night under the stars at Stamford Bridge, raising vital funds for the Stoll Foundation and the Barons Court Project, two outstanding charities working locally to end homelessness and support vulnerable and disabled veterans.

Further information on how to get involved can be found towards the bottom of this newsletter.


Singing Section for Champions League Round of 16 Home Fixture

We Are The Shed have announced that they will be expanding the singing section in the Shed Upper for our upcoming Champions League Round of 16 home fixture.

Following the enormous success of the singing section during the group stages, We Are The Shed have worked closely with Chelsea Football Club to build on this momentum and further enhance the atmosphere on European nights. Season Ticket Holders who want to get involved are encouraged to move their seat into the expanded singing section and be part of a coordinated, vocal show of support for the team.

Season Ticket Holders who would like to take part should register their interest using the form or link below by 10:00 on Thursday 26 February.

Demand is expected to be high, so early registration is advised.

Supporters who were already located within the singing section during the group stages do not need to take any action, as they will automatically be allocated a seat within the singing section for the next fixture.
 
Sign up here!



Chelsea Women vs Arsenal Women – Local Schools Ticket Donations

The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust was incredibly proud to support Chelsea Women vs Arsenal Women at Stamford Bridge in January by purchasing and donating 100 tickets to local schools across the borough and surrounding areas.

It was a fantastic day for everyone involved, and we firmly believe it is vital that football remains accessible to young people. Many of us remember our first match, and opportunities like this can make a lasting difference, inspiring the next generation of Chelsea supporters.

We would like to thank the club, the participating schools and everyone who helped make the day such a success.

And finally, the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust will continue to work hard on your behalf, representing supporter interests independently, constructively and with integrity. Thank you, as always, for your ongoing engagement, support and trust. It genuinely matters and strengthens everything we do."

The minutes of the fans forum referred to in the above email are below:

"CHELSEA FOOTBALL CLUB MEN’S FANS FORUM 2025-26, 2 nd MEETING MINUTES Meeting held in the Vialli suite at 6.30pm on Thursday 4th December 2025

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING There were no changes to the minutes. Action points were as follows:

Assisting fans to find the right turnstiles: The club have improved signage and steward briefings, especially for cup matches.

Entering on the same QR code for successive matches: The club said they haven’t received further information.

Matches in chronological order on the App: The club have now resolved this, with matches appearing in chronological order. The CL bundle appearing under ‘Renew Season Ticket’ was accepted by the club as human error.

Publicity for travel issues at away fixtures: The club said they post information on the WhatsApp channel and the website, such as for the Leeds match, and welcomes further ideas of how to publicise this.

Single seat sales: This will be considered by the club.

Publicising Pride: The club said they are in consultation with key stakeholders for its new Pride campaign. Rainbow Laces has been dropped by the Premier League.

Camera operators in the Matthew Harding Lower: They have been reminded to sit down and not obscure views when possible, and fans have been reminded not to abuse camera operators.

AGENDA ITEMS

Ticketing communications – supporter help channels and strategy

The club said they’re aware the move to digital ticketing has represented a significant change. Teething issues have been dealt with quickly and the club appreciates fan feedback and patience.

The club asked representatives how they can better communicate ticketing information with supporters.

A representative stated it would be appreciated if advance information for on sale dates is better publicised and also announce the loyalty points required for each sales period in a timely manner. The club will consider these.

It was suggested more of this information goes in the App. It was suggested the club could message fans individually with their loyalty point purchase slot.

Representatives also suggested that an executive summary of the new Ticketing Policy which highlights changes would be useful. An access-relevant audio version was requested.

TICKETING POLICY

The club used this forum to review a number of proposals and themes in preparation for the Ticketing Policy for the 2026/27 season. They asked representatives to remember that all items are proposals only.

The club stated they wish to review the Policy to create a a fairer, more efficient process for fans that delivers: -

A safe and secure matchday experience -

Rules that are easy to understand -

Positive change for fans -

Learning from its peers.

Loyalty points

The club said they would like to revisit the loyalty point system to ensure they are rewarding genuine loyalty the right way. It was raised that selling away matches solely on loyalty points may result in a ‘closed shop.’ Another representative added this could negatively affect overseas fans.

A representative said access fans wouldn’t want loyalty points for away games as an issue can arise at a late stage to prevent attendance. Another commented that cheaper away ticket prices encourage purchasing just for the points. It was suggested having a split for sales, with only some tickets per match sold on points.

The club discussed the proposal of awarding loyalty points on attendance and points to be awarded to both the purchaser and the seller on the exchange. The forum was largely supportive of these approaches.

Ticket forwarding and purchasing The club said they are considering limiting the number of tickets that can be forwarded by an ST holder in a season but acknowledged there are nuances to this. Striking a balance is required for the right thresholds, again all with the aim of supporting our anti-touting measures.

The club also wishes to introduce stricter parameters around the transfer of away tickets to improve fan security.

The club added there may be ID implications for the above proposals.

The club will continue with an exemption process.

It was suggested there could be two tiers of forwarding, with family network members being differentiated from others.

Season tickets and memberships

The club stated they want to ensure season tickets are being allocated and used fairly.

This includes stricter rules regarding season ticket identities, minimum seat utilisation and introducing a Cup scheme.

Family stand

The club are considering reducing the size of the family stand to a better controlled area that is a safer environment for families in the East Lower North and repurposing the East Lower South as an area for all home fans. The club said accessible seating wouldn’t be moved and supporters would be provided with the option should they wish to stay in their seat.

The club added that our family stand is proportionately larger than that at many other clubs. There will still be access to the sensory room.

Home member tickets by ballot

The club said that balloting home match tickets could assist with the virtual queue and increase the likelihood of more supporters being able to attend home matches. A representative said his group is against the ballot and another mentioned it may be difficult for families who wish to sit together, or if they are a mix of season ticket holders and members. The club are benchmarking the proposal in comparison to other clubs and looking at how various models may look for balloting.

Loyalty points for women’s matches at Stamford Bridge

The club said awarding loyalty points for women’s matches at Stamford Bridge creates a a ‘one club’ culture across fan bases. Representatives generally opposed the idea.

The club will consider various additional communication to supporters when the new Ticketing Policy is published.

Membership

A representative commented that membership tiers don’t always provide the access to tickets desired. The club are reviewing loyalty.

The club will consider all initiatives raised regarding the Ticketing Policy alongside input from‘other stakeholders.

Thanks for posting Boyne. Fair play to the Supporters group for purchasing tickets and giving them to local schools.

The season ticket " utilisation" thing was something that United were looking at . They were thinking of setting a figure for games that a holder has to attend or risk losing it.

Which is fair enough, it's the kick up the arse I need to not pass my ticket on and actually go !

Was there anything about old gits like me not being able to move seats from safe standing to comfortable sitting?? 😂.

Huh well I guess some of the journos are calling it like it is now:

10 hours ago, axman2526 said:

Huh well I guess some of the journos are calling it like it is now:

His cheque must have bounced. Signs of financial trouble for Clear lake?

And to the surprise of nobody who's not f**king blind. Ta da...

The club is already ruined. Its a question of time before we f**king fold.

14 minutes ago, OriginalS said:

And to the surprise of nobody who's not f**king blind. Ta da...

The club is already ruined. Its a question of time before we f**king fold.

Smoke and mirrors. MU posted a profit of £32m - sacking secretaries, closing the staff canteen, etc - while debt grew to £1.92 billion.

1 minute ago, dermott said:

while debt grew to £1.92 billion.

We are nearly there ourselves.
This is from a year ago:
"As per 22 Holdco Ltd’s accounts for the year ended June 30, 2024, the group held bank loans totalling £1.165billion."

Edited February 26Feb 26 by OriginalS

I'm not 100% sure on the two teams here. However Ares management, who provided us a loan of 500mill at a interest rate on 12.96%, have a history in the game of taking control of clubs who canot pay them back on time.

I think I hear the two clubs this happened with were Lyon and Inter Milan.

3 hours ago, OriginalS said:

And to the surprise of nobody who's not f**king blind. Ta da...

The club is already ruined. Its a question of time before we f**king fold.

The scary thing about the record breaking loss is that Strasbourg are also 8th on that list with a £69m loss (insane for a club that size). Over £400m lost between the 2 in a single season.

I still think come the end of the season, both clubs might miss out on Europe, or we end up right back in the Conference League. That will be a disaster, and the pivotal moment will be when they switched Maresca out for Rosenior, pulled Anselminho from Dortmund and sent him to Strasbourg, and sent Sarr to our bench.

PS. What happens if both Strasbourg & Chelsea end up in the Conference league?

17 hours ago, The Rising Sun said:

Thanks for posting Boyne. Fair play to the Supporters group for purchasing tickets and giving them to local schools.

The season ticket " utilisation" thing was something that United were looking at . They were thinking of setting a figure for games that a holder has to attend or risk losing it.

Which is fair enough, it's the kick up the arse I need to not pass my ticket on and actually go !

Was there anything about old gits like me not being able to move seats from safe standing to comfortable sitting?? 😂.

Thank you. Agree with you about the good job the Supporters group do in purchasing tickets for local schools. I haven't heard anything about moving from safe standing to comfortable sitting. I'm not sure when the next meeting of the Chelsea Supporters Trust is to take place. I hope to go along and will report back.

Interesting about forwarding of tickets. I reckon one of the reasons people forward on tickets or can't go is because of late changes to kick-off times and means having to choose between football and other commitments.

Last night I received a message from a friend - he's also a ST holder in the MHUS - that he'd heard a rumour that the club is to dispense with season tickets. Hopefully the rumour isn't true but it wouldn't surprise me it happened. Tickets would then be sold by ballot. People who've sat together for years and may only see each other on matchday would be separated. There's eight of us who go to games - together; five sit in the Shed Upper and three in the MHU. We've known each other for years and usually only meet up on match days. We're all ST holders. If ST are dispensed with some or all of us not being able to go to games. Begs the question: does the club want ST holders or long standing members who go to a lot of games and may or may not spend a lot of money in the ground or shop of those who may only go to games a few times a year and spend a fortune. There could be an impact on the atmosphere. I'm not trying to judge anyone but it will be interesting to see what happens with season tickets.

1 hour ago, markpitts said:

The scary thing about the record breaking loss is that Strasbourg are also 8th on that list with a £69m loss (insane for a club that size). Over £400m lost between the 2 in a single season.

I still think come the end of the season, both clubs might miss out on Europe, or we end up right back in the Conference League. That will be a disaster, and the pivotal moment will be when they switched Maresca out for Rosenior, pulled Anselminho from Dortmund and sent him to Strasbourg, and sent Sarr to our bench.

PS. What happens if both Strasbourg & Chelsea end up in the Conference league?

As per Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos, one goes into a blind trust. Presumably Strasbourg. Or you finish up in the mess Palace found themselves.

I imagine a legitimate front of sponsor would have helped. Remember when they said Roman ran the club poorly lmao

We're approximately £1.2b in debt, Add the £355m on to this...

It's not even remotely sustainable. It's not a passion project for the owners and unlike during Abramovic's era, I don't think the Premier League has much growth in it, they've hit the limits of what can be squeezed from fans (other entertainment industries are experiencing this).

When do we start getting worried that the owners are going to start moving their own debt from the purchase onto the club (or onto a holding company for it) so they can liquidate without taking a financial hit? I can't see a path to profitability here.

11 minutes ago, abigsmurf said:

We're approximately £1.2b in debt, Add the £355m on to this...

It's not even remotely sustainable. It's not a passion project for the owners and unlike during Abramovic's era, I don't think the Premier League has much growth in it, they've hit the limits of what can be squeezed from fans (other entertainment industries are experiencing this).

When do we start getting worried that the owners are going to start moving their own debt from the purchase onto the club (or onto a holding company for it) so they can liquidate without taking a financial hit? I can't see a path to profitability here.

It took Roman 20 years to amass a similar debt while taking Chelsea from never winning the PL or CL to 20 years of unparalleled success, and building us the Cobham Academy into the bargain

This lot have racked up almost the same amount of debt within a few seasons , selling hotels and the women's team, and taking our elite club to laughing stock status whilst also ignoring their promises to get us a 60,000 stadium .

6 hours ago, abigsmurf said:

We're approximately £1.2b in debt, Add the £355m on to this...

It's not even remotely sustainable. It's not a passion project for the owners and unlike during Abramovic's era, I don't think the Premier League has much growth in it, they've hit the limits of what can be squeezed from fans (other entertainment industries are experiencing this).

When do we start getting worried that the owners are going to start moving their own debt from the purchase onto the club (or onto a holding company for it) so they can liquidate without taking a financial hit? I can't see a path to profitability here.

I suspect they have already started doing that. Probably what they were up to selling assets to themselves. For example they leave the club owning all the debt while they now own the hotel etc.

What do the PL Owners and Directors Tests actually do? At what point do we hold the governing body responsible for allowing such a sh*t show to happen to one of their biggest clubs?

You mean we weren't allowed Paramount as a sponsor because Sky would get pissy, but they're happy to approve owners that will willingly sink a club?

Incompetence. The less i say about Egbahli the better, but he should never have been allowed to get his hands on the club.