No.1 AVRAM GRANT

Belletti,Sidwell,Pizarro,Ben T'aim - All signed as 2nd choice because of RA-JM feud

SWP - He is a talent, but his fumbling inconsistency means that he is better off at Spurs/West Ham and unlike Malouda, he has been given too much time

Agree with everyone except Belletti, and not just because of his strike against Spurs. In saying that we do have Paulo, Ivanovic and at a push Essien for the RB spot. But Belletti has shown he can score goals... It's always good to have competition for places.

Ben Haim would be surplus to requirements if Ivanovic is capable of playing CB (pretty sure he is) and if he eventually gets match fit. But you can never be too careful, wasn't that long since our team sheet had Essien and Paulo playing CB.

I don't think Avram Grant will completely break ties with Chelsea for quite a while, he is friends with Roman afterall. Just have to wait and see.

A lot of people will say Malouda but I want to see him have a 2nd season like Drogba's and then the pain of watching him struggle so far will all be forgotten about.

Who should might be a whole lot different to who actually will be out. Sdiwell, haim, SWP and pizarro for me. but I think we will see more than just those 4 leave

Scott

None of the players you mentioned should leave as long as they're happy playing the bit-part roles that they are currently.

Ben Haim, best fourth choice centre back in the league. Sidwall, best sixth choice centre midfielder in the league. Pizarro, best fourth choice striker in the league, etc etc.

Beletti is quality too, and as long as he's happy to be backup to Paulo then it's all good really.

Give Grant a chance.

Am i the only person that thinks Kalou is not good enough for us!

We are turning into Real Madrid good players but not a good team. Time to bring in younger hungry players

Am i the only person that thinks Kalou is not good enough for us!

So you picked his name, used his pic as an avatar, and yet you think he's not good enough for us?

Well if Kalou thinks Kalou isn't good enough......

so kalou is a schizophenric then? altogether now -

theres only two soloman kalous, theres only two soloman kalous, walking alon, singing a song, walking in a kalou wonderland (i think this was first done about andy goram)

Am i the only person that thinks Kalou is not good enough for us!

We are turning into Real Madrid good players but not a good team. Time to bring in younger hungry players

Classic!!!

I still have my doubts over Kalou but wouldn't get rid of yet.

The ones to go for me are:

Malouda

Sheva

Pizarro

Sidwell

SWP

And I wouldn't be gutted to see Ben Haim or Essien go.

And I wouldn't be gutted to see Ben Haim or Essien go.

You're joking right?

He might not have played his best against Barnsley but come on, Essien is top class.

Wasn't he the fans' player of the year last year?

Someone said on another thread that some people seem to have unrealistic expectations and I half agree. I know Essien sleeps for 14 hours a day but you can't expect him to put in a blinding performance every game.

And I wouldn't be gutted to see Ben Haim or Essien go.

You're joking right?

He might not have played his best against Barnsley but come on, Essien is top class.

Wasn't he the fans' player of the year last year?

Someone said on another thread that some people seem to have unrealistic expectations and I half agree. I know Essien sleeps for 14 hours a day but you can't expect him to put in a blinding performance every game.

I agree, but he did set high standards last season, thats why he won player of the year. But this season he hasn't reached those standards and I have been hugely disappointed by him. I actualy can't remember any blinding performances from him this season to be honest but weither I think he should go I'm not too sure. I don't think Nibs meant he wanted Essien to go but that he wouldn't be totally devastated by him leaving and I feel the same. Last season he was excellant and he hasn't become a bad player but I feel last season we couldn't go without him whereas this season we certainly could and I sometimes feel that he is selected because of reputation and his form last season more than for his form this season. A few times I have seen him in the starting line up and thought the his place in the team would be better given to someone else. Last season I would never of thought I would say this but, I like the guy and think he is potentially a fantastic player and I would rather he stayed but due to his performances this season I agree with Nibs, I wouldn't be gutted to see him leave.

I understand what you're saying.

I think he was affected most by Mourinho leaving. I remember him saying "for Jose" at the start of the match when we played Manure this season as Avram's first game.

Just hope he can get back to the form he was showing last year, more than confident he will

the players mentioned are all fine as squad players: the problem is when people like SWP become a clear first choice.

sheva, sidwell. that's all for me.

ins are more important- need a left winger, we never replaced robben/duff properly, and depending on what he wants to play a striker... other than that i say giving a young player from the reserves a chance to be 17th choice sidwell is better than having him there.

grant for me has started too late- you can't wait to have your own players before you try to implement your own football. It seems like he wanted a certain style in the beginning but especially in the big games has reverted back to an Essien/Mikel/Ballack style central midfield. if he starts it next season it will have been too slow for me.

I'd be very suprised to see Grant still at the club next season. I stick by my opinion that appointing him was the right decision under the circumstances of Mourinho's departure and feel his results back up that opinion. But it is pretty clear that if he really was going to be manager at the club long term he'd be making far bolder moves tactically, imposing a different style and set of tactics onto the side. So far, most of his tactical moves have been tweaking here and there which suggests to me his keeping the seat warm for the a new manager more than anything.

One thing I should add, I find it funny how when Chelsea win it's the good coaching of Clarke and Ten Cate and of course the players who "played well dispite Grant", whereas when Chelsea lose its Grant's fault. When we talk about Avram Grant, we should really be calling it "Team Grant" or something, but there is no doubt in my mind that both Clarke and Ten Cate are having fairly significant influences on tactics and team selection too.

I'd be very suprised to see Grant still at the club next season. I stick by my opinion that appointing him was the right decision under the circumstances of Mourinho's departure and feel his results back up that opinion. But it is pretty clear that if he really was going to be manager at the club long term he'd be making far bolder moves tactically, imposing a different style and set of tactics onto the side. So far, most of his tactical moves have been tweaking here and there which suggests to me his keeping the seat warm for the a new manager more than anything.

One thing I should add, I find it funny how when Chelsea win it's the good coaching of Clarke and Ten Cate and of course the players who "played well dispite Grant", whereas when Chelsea lose its Grant's fault. When we talk about Avram Grant, we should really be calling it "Team Grant" or something, but there is no doubt in my mind that both Clarke and Ten Cate are having fairly significant influences on tactics and team selection too.

Qaz

I dont think Grant can make bold tactical changes with the players at his disposal, he has been here long enough to know that Mourinho had them playing in a style that suited them, he needs time to bring in new faces before he changes too much or he will likely lose more games,

We just dont have the wingers for a 4-4-2 and we dont have a real playmaker in midfield, once these positions are strengthened I believe the football will improve.

I would like to know who is on his wish list for the summer and hope it would be players for these positions.

Playmakers

I've heard a lot of good things about Modric. He may fit the profile of someone who is a gifted footballer but needs a chance to prove himself in a big club(as opposed to us going after well established Galacticos). Van der Vaart is another option.

In any case we need players in midfield that can actually pass the ball and keep possession. We severely lack creativity in the middle.

Wingers

I know Dani Alves is considered a fullback but he's more useful as a winger. He's got solid technique, speed and a wicked cross. Hopefully Sinclair will get some playing time with Charlton and will have another chance to prove himself next season,too.

SWP is a great lad and loyal servant but he's simply not good enough. It's time for him to move on.

I read somewhere a rumor about Bentley being a potential replacement, and while he's an ex-Arsenal c..t, he is a talented player and may be worth a shot. The only problem i see with him is he doesn't possess much speed and we already have a slow winger from France for whom we seemingly don't have much use for.

Abdonlahor from Villa is a very exciting option, he's been quite good since last season, is fast and can play both as a winger and supporting striker.

Playmakers

I've heard a lot of good things about Modric. He may fit the profile of someone who is a gifted footballer but needs a chance to prove himself in a big club(as opposed to us going after well established Galacticos). Van der Vaart is another option.

In any case we need players in midfield that can actually pass the ball and keep possession. We severely lack creativity in the middle.

Agreed we look better with an on form Ballack but still need more creativity

Wingers

I know Dani Alves is considered a fullback but he's more useful as a winger. He's got solid technique, speed and a wicked cross. Hopefully Sinclair will get some playing time with Charlton and will have another chance to prove himself next season,too.

I really cant think who I would like us to buy in the winger department, Robben on his day is what we need I recon

SWP is a great lad and loyal servant but he's simply not good enough. It's time for him to move on.

I still like Sweepy and as long as he's happy to be a bit part player I would be happy for him to stay,

I read somewhere a rumor about Bentley being a potential replacement, and while he's an ex-Arsenal c..t, he is a talented player and may be worth a shot. The only problem i see with him is he doesn't possess much speed and we already have a slow winger from France for whom we seemingly don't have much use for.

I quite like Bentley and dont really have a problem with him being a gooner, not sure he's what we need though

Abdonlahor from Villa is a very exciting option, he's been quite good since last season, is fast and can play both as a winger and supporting striker.

good player but To be honest I think their winger Ashley Young is a good player and could likely do a job for us,

To some extent I understand the saying "but they are not Grant's players" or " That is Jose's player" but 9 out of 10 those players are international stars and top quality players why the h*ll does it have to be hand picked by the current coach. Shouldn't quality coach have to be able to handle different players and players bought by someone else.

"We can't judge Grant yet since these are not his players he's only brought Anelka in." What the h*ll is that. Jose played the best football with Ranieri's men. Grant should be able to handle 28 international level players even they are not bought in by him if he indeed is qualified to be OUR manager.

In the summer the outs are: Grant, Sidwell, Sheva?

Ins: Guality manger and some quality players, if Drogs, Lamps etc decide to leave.

Qaz

I dont think Grant can make bold tactical changes with the players at his disposal, he has been here long enough to know that Mourinho had them playing in a style that suited them, he needs time to bring in new faces before he changes too much or he will likely lose more games,

We just dont have the wingers for a 4-4-2 and we dont have a real playmaker in midfield, once these positions are strengthened I believe the football will improve.

I would like to know who is on his wish list for the summer and hope it would be players for these positions.

Thats a fair call...

I think you and me in agreement that the manager can only do so much and that its the players who ultimately win you and lose you games.

To some extent I understand the saying "but they are not Grant's players" or " That is Jose's player" but 9 out of 10 those players are international stars and top quality players why the h*ll does it have to be hand picked by the current coach. Shouldn't quality coach have to be able to handle different players and players bought by someone else.

If you are alluding to my my post you will see I said a new manager cant afford to make bold tactical changes as the players here are best used the way Jose used them, he can make subtle changes as he has done but until he changes some of the team, bold changes could be suicidal,

Most managers go into a new club and steady the ship until a time when they can make transfers that help them to stamp their mark on the team, it's not usual that a team at the top changes a manager with a team that is already winning most games so changing things is a lot more risky for Grant say than a keagan or someone taking over a losing team,

"We can't judge Grant yet since these are not his players he's only brought Anelka in." What the h*ll is that. Jose played the best football with Ranieri's men. Grant should be able to handle 28 international level players even they are not bought in by him if he indeed is qualified to be OUR manager.

Grant has handled the team admirably concidering the players missing, 4 losses in 37 games being ample proof of that, where he has suffered is in the cup final where he mistakenly brought some big names back in who did'nt perform and an away trip to a team that was much more up for it than his team were,

if excuses are needed for the other two losses we all know what they could be and no team has a right to win every game let alone away at the top two with an injury ravaged squad,

In the summer the outs are: Grant, Sidwell, Sheva

I would'nt like to pick the outs before I know who's going

Ins: Guality manger and some quality players, if Drogs, Lamps etc decide to leave.

I'm not sure of the quality we have manager wise so will reserve judgement until at least the end of the season.

World's Greatest Myths: No.25

I dont think Grant can make bold tactical changes with the players at his disposal

Look again at the players at his disposal.

Two of the best Goalkeepers in europe

Three of the best central defenders in europe

Four(or five) of the best midfielder players in europe

Two of the best strikers in europe

Along with a host of other internationals covering full back, wide midfield/wings and all of the other positions.

Oh, and at least three international captains.

In fact I seem to remember bold tactical changes taking place during the course of matches under Mr Grant's predecessor.

I don't think Nibs meant he wanted Essien to go but that he wouldn't be totally devastated by him leaving and I feel the same.

That's exactly what I meant - thanks!!

For me, Essien has gone backwards. Not just under Grant, even when Jose was still in charge.

A lot of his better performances last season were when he was asked to play right back and he made those surging runs. This season his performances have been far from good.

He's gone from being one of the first names on the team sheet to being a decent squad player & great athlete.

I don't think Nibs meant he wanted Essien to go but that he wouldn't be totally devastated by him leaving and I feel the same.

That's exactly what I meant - thanks!!

For me, Essien has gone backwards. Not just under Grant, even when Jose was still in charge.

A lot of his better performances last season were when he was asked to play right back and he made those surging runs. This season his performances have been far from good.

He's gone from being one of the first names on the team sheet to being a decent squad player & great athlete.

That is really hard to accept but I think he has some sort of hangover from all that has happened. Victories, trophies, best player voted by us, sacking of jose, ACN etc.. Grant needs to have a word with him before he falsely realizes Chelsea is the reason for his problems and ask for move out.. I hope we can avoid that same thing with other players as well.

I have said it before, but I agree wholeheartedly with the verdict on Essien. He has the potential, undoubtedly, to be a world class midfielder, in that he has all the raw physical attributes, but he is a long way from being one at the moment.

With his engine and power, he should dominate matches, but it's been a long time since he's done that IMO.

World's Greatest Myths: No.25

I dont think Grant can make bold tactical changes with the players at his disposal

Look again at the players at his disposal.

Two of the best Goalkeepers in europe

Three of the best central defenders in europe

Four(or five) of the best midfielder players in europe

Two of the best strikers in europe

Along with a host of other internationals covering full back, wide midfield/wings and all of the other positions.

Oh, and at least three international captains.

In fact I seem to remember bold tactical changes taking place during the course of matches under Mr Grant's predecessor.

I don't think he meant the overall quality of the players but rather individual skills they possess. For example,Essien,Mikel and Makelele are all great players but you can't put them in the same midfield and expect it to work. Lampard and especially Ballack,have more creativity than the other three but they're not true playmakers,either. SWP may be an English international but with his skill on the ball he wouldn't make it in La Liga and Seie A. For all the money we've spent i was often dreading to watch Jose's team play long balls to Drogba for 90% of the time. When it did work, we would normally succeed but when it didn't we looked out of ideas because you need creative players in the middle and on the wings that can beat the opponent at least from time to time and attack by passing the ball instead of hoofing it forward. Don't get me wrong, JM is a brilliant motivator and a proved winner but i was puzzled at his reluctance/inability to implement creative skillful players into the team.

We do have a very impressive squad on paper but it lacks balance. I'm not talking about going all out to copy the Arse, Barca or MU style but it stinks that after all that spending we look so dull on the pitch.

World's Greatest Myths: No.25

I dont think Grant can make bold tactical changes with the players at his disposal

Look again at the players at his disposal.

Two of the best Goalkeepers in europe

Three of the best central defenders in europe

Four(or five) of the best midfielder players in europe

Two of the best strikers in europe

Along with a host of other internationals covering full back, wide midfield/wings and all of the other positions.

Oh, and at least three international captains.

In fact I seem to remember bold tactical changes taking place during the course of matches under Mr Grant's predecessor.

I don't think he meant the overall quality of the players but rather individual skills they possess. For example,Essien,Mikel and Makelele are all great players but you can't put them in the same midfield and expect it to work. Lampard and especially Ballack,have more creativity than the other three but they're not true playmakers,either. SWP may be an English international but with his skill on the ball he wouldn't make it in La Liga and Seie A. For all the money we've spent i was often dreading to watch Jose's team play long balls to Drogba for 90% of the time. When it did work, we would normally succeed but when it didn't we looked out of ideas because you need creative players in the middle and on the wings that can beat the opponent at least from time to time and attack by passing the ball instead of hoofing it forward. Don't get me wrong, JM is a brilliant motivator and a proved winner but i was puzzled at his reluctance/inability to implement creative skillful players into the team.

We do have a very impressive squad on paper but it lacks balance. I'm not talking about going all out to copy the Arse, Barca or MU style but it stinks that after all that spending we look so dull on the pitch.

I understand the argument - I just think it's nonsense.