has the money run out?

[The Brit]

people may think this belongs in rumours forum or should be dismissed cos it's in the sun, but reading this story sure backs up a lot with what's been going on at the club the last four months...no signings in jan when we needed them, terry and lamps yet to agree contracts, roman hardly at our games anymore, the free transfer of a player like sidwell while alex looks like coming on the cheap as well...could chelsea's big spending days be over and if they are, does that mean our time as top dogs could be under threat?

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002 ... 69,00.html

[TomP]

The thing is, that it has always been part of the business plan for the club to eventually become self-sufficient and actually start MAKING money for Roman. Kenyon has come out and said this time and time again.

And the fact of the matter is that we are never going to be able to run self-sufficiently if we blow 50 million on players in every transfer window - not to mention the problems this causes with the wage structure.

I think that this explains our change in transfer policy of the last 6 months pretty well.

As for the only other allegation - that Roman doesn't show up to as many matches - you have to remember the man must be hugely busy managing his business empire - and on top of this, he is the governer of a province of Siberia, and he has just been through a protracted divorce settlement over the last 6 months (imagine the Mills-McCartny divorce x 100).

Looking back, it is quite amazing that he managed to make it to so many games in the first season or so.

[Guest Brian M]

If (if) it's true, then that is worrying indeed. Because with other billionaire owners now in the game, the playing field will be a lot more level than it was. So the last thing we need to be doing right now is penny pinching - and allowing everyone else to catch up - because with a bit more investment (not much, maybe 30 mill on a striker) we'll have all the pieces in the puzzle we need to dominate the league next season.

[TomP]

because with a bit more investment (not much, maybe 30 mill on a striker) we'll have all the pieces in the puzzle we need to dominate the league next season.

The thing is, that is exactly what we thought this time last season - and if anything, we have regressed as a team because of it.

[Guest Brian M]

because with a bit more investment (not much, maybe 30 mill on a striker) we'll have all the pieces in the puzzle we need to dominate the league next season.

The thing is, that is exactly what we thought this time last season - and if anything, we have regressed as a team because of it.

Fair call, but that's to do with the WHO not the how or what. Had we spent 30 mill on Eto (if he were available, et all) we would've won the premiership. Him and Drogba together with Joe Cole and Robben behind them is mind numbingly good. Speed, strength, trickery, hunger. Wowzas.

We all agree (even JM) that we need another top notch striker. I only hope it's someone who can challenge for a first team place rather than just be some also ran who is there only as cover for the ACN.

I also think that if we do get an Eto, Zlatan type of striker, that JM will use Kalou out on the wing, in the same way he now uses Joe Cole.

If I had my way we'd sell Shev back to Milan for 20 odd million, and put that money towards the new striker. Only if that happens, can we please buy someone 25-29 who is at the peak of their career, not someone whose best years are (apparently) behind them. Oh, and this time Roman, just butt the hell out and let JM pick the striker, NOT you.

[bjd]

why are people always suckered into what is written in the sun ?

come on fellas!

so ian mcgarry thinks roman has lost his love for chelsea then eh ? how does he know ? is he is best friend ?

i think (as tomp says) we have hit the time that we knew was coming - the days of fantasy football are over. we have had a great fun few years but the days of us spunking 20 million willy nilly on defenders are gone.

looks like we are going to become a normal football club again! lets not moan eh boys, its been a fun ride but its not as if its all gonna be doom and gloom from now on is it! we've been spoilt but now is the time for a return to normality, a couple of sensible signings and a bit of luck on the injury front we will have the strongest club squad in the world.

[Lofty]

Q. Has the money run out?

A. umm ... er ... no.

[nickwus]

why are people always suckered into what is written in the sun ?

come on fellas!

so ian mcgarry thinks roman has lost his love for chelsea then eh ? how does he know ? is he is best friend ?

i think (as tomp says) we have hit the time that we knew was coming - the days of fantasy football are over. we have had a great fun few years but the days of us spunking 20 million willy nilly on defenders are gone.

looks like we are going to become a normal football club again! lets not moan eh boys, its been a fun ride but its not as if its all gonna be doom and gloom from now on is it! we've been spoilt but now is the time for a return to normality, a couple of sensible signings and a bit of luck on the injury front we will have the strongest club squad in the world.

It would not surprise me if these reports had been leaked or set up by Chelsea, to get the message out to clubs that we may want to do business with, plus JT and Lamps that the days of endless pockets are over....Sorry Lamps but you may just have to make do on 118k a week. Its not like you can get more elsewhere...

[Lofty]

To be a little more serious, I think you may have a point there. Without bothering to drag out all the links, many of which have already been posted elsewere, I've seen various reports stating that Jose will have money to spend, but that there will be no magabucks signings, no more superstars. I've just seem this article in the Mail:

Terry and Lampard 'set to leave' Chelsea as Roman starts to pull the plug at Stamford Bridge

The article ends:

And it could spell long-term trouble for Chelsea as they may have to sell unsettled Lampard and Terry to generate further funds.

It also means they may struggle to keep up with the pace set by Manchester United while Liverpool and Arsenal will both be stronger next season with Spurs also making progress in their rear view mirror.

Are you having that? Nevermind anything else - T*tt*nh*m on our backs next season??

Back to reality.

So far we've signed Steve Sidwell, who is no doubt extremely happen with his new levels, and whatever you might think of him as a player (I'm keeping an open mind) you can't complain about the transfer fee. So yes, I think it's safe to say there will be more signings, but no I don't think this means either JT or Frank Lampard are on their way out, or that there's any danger that it "could spell long-term trouble for Chelsea".

[monterrey jack]

Roman denies

Think I would rather believe this one

[BLUENUT]

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