Having been a hard-die fan of Chelsea and not missing a game as a youngster - the last couple of years I have been filled with apathy. I would watch some games: but never alter my social life to make sure I can watch them. Would come and lurk on this forum to see the reactions of the fans to paint a picture of how we are doing - and when I did watch there were times I would see lack of effort and passion from some players and generally I was just not emotionally invested in the team. I actually attributed it to just 'growing up', but now I realise I was wrong.

Since the Lampard and Jody Morris appointment, as well as giving a chance to our hungry youngsters to prove themselves: I have fallen back in love with the game and feel heavily invested in the team again. Heavily invested in the directors (for taking this bold approach, and Cech now joining them), in the management of course (Frank and Jody), our selection of youngsters coming through even players that I had grown frustrated with (e.g. Pedro), I now view as experienced veterans and value what they bring to the team. Bar a few exceptions not many stars who are guaranteed to be placed on the teamsheet, and incredibly exciting times to see who grabs the opportunities to stay in the first team.

I guess it's the case with most penalties and such, but seeing the passion the likes of Caballero and Giroud had during Jorginho's penalty - and just generally our almost in-sync reactions to missed chances and such on the bench - it feels like everyone is very genuinely on board! I may be reading too much into it, but it was a great sight.

Despite having some very important players to us injured - tonight we showed that we can indeed compete at the very top level with this squad. We can hate on Liverpool all we want but they do have one of the best squads in the world currently, even though admittedly they weren't firing on all cylinders tonight. 

Every player showed passion and worked their socks off - showed great personality. From the senior players, past-fringe players and the youngsters.

This season will be a rollercoaster for sure, but I for one am more than happy to be on it. Look forward to posting more on here and not just lurking!

Edited August 14, 20196 yr by Saru

Post of the year right there Saru. Totally how I feel too. 

Like many others I had years where I spent more time, money and emotion on following Chelsea than was probably healthy. The love was always still there but the passion had waned. I felt dis-enfrachised, detached from the club I knew. An owner who is an invisible figure, a manager last year who permanently looked as miserable as fecking sin, players who looked like they couldn't be arsed in some games, a system that many couldn't understand and often seemed more about style than substance, the transfer ban etc.

But now I feel a change. Young hungry players actually getting big games, a manager who is as "Chelsea" as I am, a sense of togetherness obvious in the squad, a vision of the future. A sense that we could become something very special. And boy am I pumped. I said it in the match thread tonight...... We have our Chelsea back!!!! 

22 minutes ago, just said:

Post of the year right there Saru. Totally how I feel too. 

Like many others I had years where I spent more time, money and emotion on following Chelsea than was probably healthy. The love was always still there but the passion had waned. I felt dis-enfrachised, detached from the club I knew. An owner who is an invisible figure, a manager last year who permanently looked as miserable as fecking sin, players who looked like they couldn't be arsed in some games, a system that many couldn't understand and often seemed more about style than substance, the transfer ban etc.

But now I feel a change. Young hungry players actually getting big games, a manager who is as "Chelsea" as I am, a sense of togetherness obvious in the squad, a vision of the future. A sense that we could become something very special. And boy am I pumped. I said it in the match thread tonight...... We have our Chelsea back!!!! 

Definitely just - could not have said it better! ?

Feel somewhat guilty in saying this - but it's been quite a while since I've been this gutted to lose a game. That in itself is quite special to me from a personal perspective.

Just like I and many others I am sure felt like I almost 'knew' it was not Tammy's moment on this night before his penalty, you also get the feeling that there is something special in the air for Chelsea in the not so distant future!

Ready to strap into this journey through thick and thin! Come on Chelsea!!!

Very well said. I hope you do post more often in future.

Excellent post, and sums up how I also feel. Theres definitely something about the club thats changed since this summer, the whole atmosphere is different and more optimistic for the future.

12 hours ago, Saru said:

Having been a hard-die fan of Chelsea and not missing a game as a youngster - the last couple of years I have been filled with apathy. I would watch some games: but never alter my social life to make sure I can watch them. Would come and lurk on this forum to see the reactions of the fans to paint a picture of how we are doing - and when I did watch there were times I would see lack of effort and passion from some players and generally I was just not emotionally invested in the team. I actually attributed it to just 'growing up', but now I realise I was wrong.

Since the Lampard and Jody Morris appointment, as well as giving a chance to our hungry youngsters to prove themselves: I have fallen back in love with the game and feel heavily invested in the team again. Heavily invested in the directors (for taking this bold approach, and Cech now joining them), in the management of course (Frank and Jody), our selection of youngsters coming through even players that I had grown frustrated with (e.g. Pedro), I now view as experienced veterans and value what they bring to the team. Bar a few exceptions not many stars who are guaranteed to be placed on the teamsheet, and incredibly exciting times to see who grabs the opportunities to stay in the first team.

I guess it's the case with most penalties and such, but seeing the passion the likes of Caballero and Giroud had during Jorginho's penalty - and just generally our almost in-sync reactions to missed chances and such on the bench - it feels like everyone is very genuinely on board! I may be reading too much into it, but it was a great sight.

Despite having some very important players to us injured - tonight we showed that we can indeed compete at the very top level with this squad. We can hate on Liverpool all we want but they do have one of the best squads in the world currently, even though admittedly they weren't firing on all cylinders tonight. 

Every player showed passion and worked their socks off - showed great personality. From the senior players, past-fringe players and the youngsters.

This season will be a rollercoaster for sure, but I for one am more than happy to be on it. Look forward to posting more on here and not just lurking!

Great post, and totally how I feel this season, come Sunday against Leicester we will see the feel good factor around the ground and come KO within the bridge. Happy days ahead.