Posted November 11, 200816 yr This is what some of you have been waiting for: Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has rubbished reports that the credit crunch will dramatically alter the club's transfer policy but admitted it was changing the way they look at spending on players.Epilson/GettyImages Kenyon: Chelsea will only buy to improve Kenyon revealed that while the club would be placing more emphasis on producing talent from their Academy that would not limit their movement in the transfer market. Kenyon insisted it was highly unlikely any major signings would be made in the January window due to such players being unavailable mid-season. "We need to invest continually but not at the levels we used to,'' Kenyon said. "We are not stopping transfers or anything drastic of that nature but we want to develop our own talent. "I'm not sure there are major players available in January, that's the reality. What is the point in bringing players in - and Felipe is completely on board with this - if the only ones available are not good enough to improve what we've got? "January is the wrong time to bring players in for the long term. Anything we do will be against the backdrop of a need to, rather than a desire to, like we reacted by bringing in Mineiro after Michael Essien's injury. "The economic world has changed. It would be remiss of us not to look at the implications of that. You have to recognise that the environment is different to two months ago.'' Chelsea recently offloaded 15 members of their scouting staff, and Kenyon insisted they were simply reacting to market forces. "You can't believe that what we've enjoyed is going to continue,'' he said. "Marketing budgets are being slashed and that's got implications for everybody. I'm not saying we'll be hit but it's just us looking at deferring some costs and doing a line-by-line review.'' Kenyon also revealed the corporate side of the game could suffer if the economic downturn continues to bite. "You've got say that as of next season, corporate boxes is the area where most clubs are going to be under most immediate pressure from,'' he added. Kenyon also had words of praise for coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, believing Chelsea were finally earning respect among fans as a whole rather than being universally hated. "He's got a very good people manner about him,'' said Kenyon. "He's an experienced coach who engaged with the team and club - and the media - very quickly. "It's created a better, less negative environment. It's always better to have people, internally and externally, supporting you. "It's immeasurable in terms of Chelsea's image. People don't like to be hated. We are all human beings and Felipe has clearly engaged with a broader neutral football fan. He is bringing something different to English football.'' Academy Chance?
November 11, 200816 yr For once Kenyon speaks some sense and I find myself in agreement. I know we are rather light weight up front - especially compared to Man Utd, but we still have a very strong squad and it's all about balance. I don't want to see us go and splash £20m + on a player like we have done in the past just because we can. We should only be spending big money on players when the time comes to replace the likes of Lamps, JT and Drogba. Like the little dig (of sorts) at the Jose era and the fact that we are not so hated any more.
November 11, 200816 yr The club were still prepared to spend 20 odd million on bringing Robhino to The Bridge.
November 11, 200816 yr The club were still prepared to spend 20 odd million on bringing Robhino to The Bridge. I think that was before this Global Recession took hold and Roman lost a few million (or billion?!!)
November 12, 200816 yr Author Thankfully the club have some sense. From the above press-conference I conclude: 1) Sheva, Pizzaro, Ballack, Belletti, Ferreira may all be on their last season as Chelsea players. We'd save about 300,000 pounds per we week estimated, by the release of those players. 2) Di Santo et al may FINALLY get their chance. I anticipate that from next season onwards, our RBs will be Bosingwa and Ivanovich, with Mancienne promoted full time as an understudy to Alex/Ricky. Di Santo learning from Drogba. Stuff like that, y'know. 3) Fewer ridiculous rumours. No more 200 million pound bid for Kaka stories and the like (hopefully) 4) Stronger stands on players holding the club to ransom 5) Salary cap? All these things may, in the long run, lead to greater stability and continuity in the club. Edited November 12, 200816 yr by Oblivion
November 12, 200816 yr Author One out of 5? 20% of the above can't be that hard? Can it? Please? :lol:
November 12, 200816 yr Surprised that Roman is in trouble as fuels (which he largely deals in) is hideously overpriced. I am just hopeful that we will start to b less wasteful with the hiring and firing, and bring some kids through - after all we have spent a fortune on this academy...lets utilise it.
