Welcome back Di Matteo!!

This morning Andre Villas Boas was officially unveiled as Chelsea's manager in a press conference, in which he also revealed his backroom staff.  The most notable addition to coaching staff is that of Roberto Di Matteo.  The former West Brom manager, a Chelsea legend will be returning to the club as AVB's assistant.  On hearing this news, I was quite pleased and I am sure that this will be the start of an exciting era for Chelsea. 

Di Matteo, spent a six year period playing in the blue shirt, before his early retirement due to injury in 2002 at the age of just 31.  He is most notably remembered from his playing career at Chelsea for his cup final goals.  As Chelsea supporters we can never forget his record breaking goal in just 43 seconds at the old Wembley in the 1997 FA Cup final, which helped us win our first trophy after many years.  Follwing on from that he also scored in the 1998 Coca-Cola Cup final (League cup) and scored the last ever cup final goal at the old wembley in the 2000 FA Cup final.  Unfortunately he had to retire early due to injury, but since then he has tried his hand at coaching and football management. 

Di Matteo started his managerial career at MK Dons, and after doing a decent job for them he was appointed West Brom's manager in 2009.  He led them to promotion to the premier league in just his first season in charge after finishing second place in the Championship.  However, he was sacked from as West Brom manager halfway through the 2010/2011 season, as the club were not happy with the performances.  However, in my view I think he did a very good job at West Brom by getting them promoted and by putting on decent performances in their first season back in the Premier League.  It is in my view that perhaps his sacking as West Brom manager was not justifiable.  However, what's done is done, and everything happens for a reason, and it is for this reason that we can welcome him back to Stamford Bridge!

In August 2010, when he returned to Stamford Bridge as West Brom's manager we would never have even imaged that he would reurn to work at Chelsea within a year.  At that time, we were still on top of the world after our double winning season and we wouldnt have even thought Carlo would be gone come what May, let alone Di Matteo returning as coach.  I believe that he will prove pivotal for success in the AVB era, and we can look forward to a promising season at Chelsea.  I for one was glad Di Matteo being given assistant role, rather than Emenalo being given that title.  However, I have a feeling Emenalo will still stay at the club under some capacity.  Additonaly, Steve Holland, the successful reserve team coach has been promoted to first team coach at Chelsea.

AVB has reinterated that it will not be a one man show, and it will be a group effort to bring success at Chelsea, and he is certianly right about that.  We have got the right people now in charge of the team, and I am certainly looking forward to the new season!

UP THE CHELS!

The Andre Villas Boas era begins!

After much speculation over the last few weeks, and after Andre-Villas Boas's resignation as Porto manager yesterday, he has been appointed as Chelsea's new manager.  This morning, an official club statement on the website said the following:

"Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce that Andre Villas-Boas will be the club's new manager.

He has signed a three-year contract and will start work immediately.

Andre was the outstanding candidate for the job. He is one of the most talented young managers in football today and has already achieved much in a relatively short space of time. His ambition, drive and determination matches that of Chelsea and we are confident Andre's leadership of the team will result in greater successes in major domestic and European competitions.

Andre will bring his coaching experience back to a club he is already very familiar with, having previously worked here for three years. He has always been highly regarded at Chelsea and everyone here looks forward to welcoming him back and working with him."

At just 33, Andre Villas Boas becomes one of our youngest ever managers, and at the start of the season he will be the same age as both Drogba and Lampard.  In what is his second spell at the club, having previously worked under Mourinho as a scout, he joins after a hugely successful season with Porto, having won the treble in his first full year of management.  AVB is one of the brightest  prospects in football management, and hopefully he will be the right man to lead us to success both domestically and in Europe!

Comparisons have been made between AVB and Mourinho, which is hardly suprising as AVB learnt his trade under the guidence of Jose before taking his own posts in mangement.  However, Andre has been successfull in his own right, and despite him being dubbed the new Mourinho, we should move away from that as I am sure AVB will bring his own style of play and success which was evident at Porto.    


Could he be our 'new special one' ?.....who knows, but it is sure to be an exciting season!

Now that we finally have a manager in place, we need to get active in the transfer market and start preparing for next season, which pre season only 3 weeks away.  Roll on next season!


Welcome back to Chelsea Andre Villas Boas!!   

It all begins at the Britannia Stadium!

This morning the fixture list for the 2011/2012 season was released, and the countdown to next season begins now!  JT and the boys begin the season with a tough match away to Stoke on the opening day on 13th August.  This is followed by two home games against West Brom and newly promoted Norwich.  With our first few home games we will be looking to gain maximum points and will be hoping for a repeat of last season's opening day win over West Brom when we put six goals past the Baggies.

Our first big test of the season comes early on, with a trip to Old Trafford in September and this time round we will be looking to avenge our defeats at the tail end of last season, with the return fixture at Stamford Bridge in February.  Trips to newly promoted Norwich and Swansea come back to back in January, and personally I am looking forward to these as they will be new away trips for this season.    

The season comes to an end at home to Blackburn, when we will be hoping to see JT lift the title again, following on from a trip to Anfield in the penultimate game of the season.  This  has echos of the 2009/2010 when we all but won the title in the historic double winning season with a victory at Anfield in the second last game of the season.  If we do the same in May 2012, it will certainly be a good end to the season.

Our managerial situation may still not have been resolved, but with the release of the fixtures, we can safely say that the excitement for next season has begun.  Regardless of whatever outcome there is to next season, we are all eager for it to get started, and it is safe to say that in two months time we will be back in our blue shirts, in our usual pre-match boozers down the Fulham Road and in our seats at Stamford Bridge!

Roll on next season :)

For those of you that want to look the part for next season, the SW17 Chelsea Supporters Group T-Shirts will be available soon, for more information visit our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SW17ChelseaSG

Surprise...Surprise...Carlo is gone -

To no surprise at all, after our last game of the season, Roman has yet again pulled the trigger and sacked another manager! As Chelsea fans we have seen this time and time again, and since the Russian Billionaire took control in 2003, we have seen 7 different managers come and go in just 8 seasons.  The sacking of managers has become a common feature at Chelsea, and it seems that the policy that is in place is ' Win a trophy or your out!'

I mean I am all for the changing of management of the team, if it is the right decision, and it helps the club progress forwards.  However, I do not agree that changing managers is the answer each time.  It was only 12 months ago that Carlo Ancelotti, in his first season in charge brought us the double for the first time in our history, and now after a trophy less season, he finds himself out of a job.  Yes, I do agree that this season has been poor, and Carlo has made mistakes as well, but we have to bare in mind that some of the circumstances were not ideal for him at times.  Last summer, the club decided that it needed to trim the wage bill and decided to let 5 experienced players go, to instead rely on the younger up and coming players.  This did not matter as the season started just as we had ended the previous season, with nothing but goals galore and wins.  However, after a few injuries to key players, it became clear that our depleted squad could not handle it, as ultimately a mid-season dip in form cost us significantly.  Furthermore, Ray Wilkins was axed as Carlo's assistant as the board decided that he was no longer needed.  This is not something that Carlo had wanted, Carlo was very happy working with Ray and this was not his decision.  The departure of Ray and also injuries to key players all coincided with the poor run of games that ruined our season.  

However, OK fair enough Carlo did make mistakes, and a lot of the time this season it did seem like he had no plan B when things didn't go as expected, but given that this is the same man that made history with us, I believe the manner in which he has been sacked is disgraceful.  Although Carlo is partly to blame for the short comings this season, I think he should at least be given credit for turning the season around, because it was only few months ago that we were struggling to even get into the top 4 in a Champions League place, let alone challenging for the title, with Spuds and City both above us.  Therefore, to finish the season in 2nd place is actually a good achievement.  Yes, OK we didn't win any trophies, but it is not always about winning silverware, and it was Carlo who kept the team going and believing, otherwise we probably would have finished outside the top 4 and would have been stuck with Thursday night Europa League on channel 5. 

It is my belief that the club should have kept Carlo and let him rebuild the team for next season.  They should have kept him till the end of his contract in 2012, and given him the finances to restructure the squad in the summer.  The fact is that the below par season has not only been down to management decisions but also the fact that the current squad of players is reaching the end of its natural cycle and needs a revamp.  Some members of the squad need to move on and be replaced by fresh new talent.  That is why I believe that Carlo should have been kept and been allowed to reshape the squad, as well as been given another chance with regards to Roman Abramovich's obsession - the Champions League.  I mean yes Roman has pumped in billions into the club and we are all very grateful for that, but clearly whoever advises him does not know an awful lot about football.  Money does not buy everything, and Roman should see that it is not his playground where he can instantly get what he wants.  Long term success is built on solid foundations and constant changes in the manager every other year does not help the cause. 

If the club really felt that Carlo was not the right man for the job, I sincerely hope that the next man in charge is there for the long term and not just one or two seasons.  However, too be honest, after getting used to Roman's habit of sacking managers hastily, I won't be surprised if the next manager doesn't last long either.  Furthermore, the manner in which the club decided to relieve Carlo of his duties is disgusting to say the least.  After the final game of the season, where we lost to Everton, Carlo was sacked within an hour of the end of the match.  If he was to be sacked, he should have been at least given the dignity of having a meeting with the board properly rather than simply being told that he no longer has a job straight after a match.  A week earlier when West Ham had sacked Avram Grant in the same way, I thought that was disrespectful, but I did not for one second think that our club would treat Carlo in the same way as those pikeys.  However, throughout the last few weeks, hats of to Carlo for being professional and gaining the respect of many people for the way he has handled the whole situation, because he probably knew that he was a dead man walking ever since our defeats to Man- United.  What is clear is that second best simply is not good enough for Roman Abramovichpre-Abramovich days without the billions, just so that club is more 'ours' and without the same old bollocks of trophy obsession and instant success.  

THANKS FOR THE DOUBLE CARLO AND GOOD LUCK!

However, whether we think Carlo sacking is right or wrong we need to move on from here just continue to follow our team! The club need to get a adequate replacement for Carlo, which certainly won't be easy as there are not many better managers out there, and the club needs to instill some stability from now on with the right manager.  

As Chelsea supporters we need to remember, players come and go, managers come and go but the club will remain no matter who is wearing the blue shirt and who is in charge, and we will always be there following our team through the good and bad!
 

CTID

KTBFFH

 

Onwards and upwards - taking positives from defeat

Just as we had done about 3 weeks ago, we went to Old Trafford and left with a 2-1 defeat.  First of all credit where it is due, United were the better side and they deserved to win the game and they have deserved the title this season.  So congratulations to them, we simply did not put a good enough performance on. 

Before the match at Old Trafford today, we had hoped that we would avenge last month's champions league defeat, with a victory this time round.  However, the start could not have been any worse, as we were sloppy and seemed to be asleep.  United went ahead inside the first minute, due to our poor defending when Hernandez put the ball into the back of the net.  As the first half went on, the possession was with United, and although Carlo had decided to go with the tried and tested 4-3-3 formation, with Kalou and Malouda on either side of Drogba up front, it was not working.  

Enough chances were not being created in the first half, and instead what we were seeing was sloppy play from Chelsea.  Even David Luiz, who has been a breath of fresh air since joiing in the transfer window seemed to be off the ball, however Carlo did reveal later that he had not been fully fit and that is probably why he was not up to standards, when the goal was conceded.  Chelsea were punished for poor play in the 22nd minute when Vidic put the home side 2-0 up.  If there had been a late season title challenge from the blues, it was now looking over.

Carlo made some changes at half time, with Alex and Ramires coming on to replace Luiz and Mikel.  The second half started brighter for Chelsea, and more chance were now being created.  The half time changes did seem to have an effect, as Chelsea had more fight in them.  Ultimately Lampard did give some hope when he pulled a goal back with just over 20 minutes still to play.  However, soon after the goal, Chelsea almost conceded another goal, but Alex was there to stop it.  Despite the glimmer of hope, a further two goals would still be needed to win and that was looking unlikely to occur.  

We were simply were outplayed on the day, and United were worthy winners.  The win put them six points clear of us and barring miraculous wins by both Blackburn and Blackpool, United are within touching distance of the title.  However, we should not be too disappointed, we should instead be proud of the courage that Chelsea have shown over the last month.  Everyone thought our season was over after our champions league exit, and given that were were flirting with the Europa League positions only few months ago, credit must be given to Carlo for picking the team up and instilling belief in them.  Had we just given up on our season when it appeared when the odds were against us, then we would not be in 2nd place right now, we would instead be where the likes of Tottenham and Liverpool currently find themselves in the league.

All in all, this season hasn't been how we would have hoped, but coming 2nd and ensuring champions league football is still a decent season.  Yes, we will not see any silverware this season, but we have to remember as Chelsea fans we have seen a lot worse, and as I said we should be proud that we came back from what looked like the end of our season to push United and give them a run for their money till now.  

We have two matches left and the best way to end the season would be to secure second place by getting two victories.  Roll on Newcastle at home next week!

So remember: 'Don't worry about a thing, because every little thing is going to be alright' 

Don't worry about a thing.....


KEEP THE BLUE FLAG FLYING HIGH

UP THE CHELS!

They thought it was all over..........not any more!

So where shall we start, basically a few months ago if any of us had said the words 'title' and 'Chelsea' in the same sentence we would have been laughed at........BUT after a run of games that have produced 25 points out of a possible 27, we are back in the title race now with it all to play for!

After last weekends matches, we now find ourselves 3 point behind United, with a trip to Old Trafford to come this Sunday, albeit with a bit of good fortune and a little help from Arsenal.  Last weekend, we beats spurs 2-1, and despite the bit of luck we got with regards to the goals, we were still the better team on the day and therefore it was perhaps a bit of deserved luck.  Despite starting of well and producing chances, it was Tottenham that took the lead when Sandro fired in the top corner past Petr Cech.  However, despite this setback, we were pushing forward and a goal for us was imminent.  Just before half time, an effort from Lampard went past the Spurs keeper Gomes, to bring us level. However, this was somewhat a controversial goal, as Gomes had scrambled to retrieve the ball, and there it is debatable whether the ball was fully over the line.  Whatever the case, the linesman gave the goal, and we were level going into the break, and even if it was a bit of luck for us it doesn't really matter because not even Spurs fans can argue with the fact that we were the better side and that Gomes has floppy hands.  The second half began as the first with Chelsea dominating and pushing forward.  However, the blues frustratingly failed to find the net despite being the dominant side, and it was not until the 88th minute that there was more to smile about when Kalou grabbed the late winner!  

 

 

If the win against Spurs on Saturday wasn't good enough, the weekend got even better when Arsenal beats the mancs on Sunday!  For this I say thank you Arsenal, and I must admit I was an Arsenal fan for 90 minutes last sunday!

We are now only 3 points behind United, and a win at Old Trafford on Sunday will see us back at the top of the league for the first time since November, albeit on goal difference.  It is simple, if we win our remaining 3 games we can retain the title, but we will need to grab a fair few goals to make sure our goal difference is ahead of theirs, should the title be decided on the last day on GD.  

A month ago, no one would have thought we would be in this position right now, as everyone thought our season was over after the crushing exit from the champions league.  However, it was not the end for us, despite all the set backs we continued to believe and we have fought back and come back to now be in with a real chance to end the season with some glory.  Sunday will be like a cup final, and we are certainly up for it, as the outcome of that match will have a large bearing on the eventual champions this season.  

Over the last few games we have been playing well and have been back to our old selves prior to our mid-season slump in form.  I believe that we have been most effective when we have played with the tried and tested 4-3-3, and it is in my view that we should start with this formation with either Drogba or Torres leading the front line at OT.  However, even if we start with 4-4-2 and start with two in the front line attack, this could also work, as long as Carlo makes appropriate changes early on, as and when required. What is clear is that whoever is in the starting line up and whichever formation is used, the players will all be up for it and will put in a good fight.  

The time is now, so lets beat the mancs on their own turf and let go back to where we belong - the top of the league! We are together in this and we can do this by continuing the fighting spirit we have shown over recent weeks! 

On a final note, must congratulate Carlo Ancelotti, who has deservedly won the second Barclays Manager of the Month Award after our impressive winning run!

UP THE CHELS! KTBFFH

Watch the match promo video here 

Blue boys make a splash of the pikey boys!

Early Saturday evening, we went into the London derby match against West Ham, knowing that only a win would do, having already heard the result from the earlier United - Everton match, in which United had snatched a late winner, courtesy of Hernandez.  Knowing, that United had won, to stand any chance of retaining the title and to keep pressure on at the top, a win was a must for us, whereas for West Ham a win was also a must, but for different reasons.  At the time of kick off in our game on Saturday, West Ham were at the foot of the premier league table, and they find themselves in a very tough relegation battle this season. 

 The conditions on Saturday were not ideal, as despite the earlier glorious sunshine, the clouds had come over SW6 and the heavens had opened.  It had not only started to rain, but it had started to pour down and the pitch had suffered the consequences.  However, despite the conditions, both teams were determined to give a good performance.  Carlo, as he had done against Birmingham started with a 4-3-3 formation, with Kalou and Malouda alongside Drogba up front.  Torres was again placed on the bench, along with Nicolas Anelka. 

Although there were numerous efforts, with both teams pushing forwards, the first goal of the match did not come until just before half time.  Despite West Ham's efforts, Frank Lampard netted the first goal against his former club from 7 yards out and Chelsea went into the half time break with a 1-0 lead.  As the second half started, the rain had also reappeared, however, this did not stop goal scoring chanced from being created.  Chelsea had a number of chances to make it 2-0, most notably a David Luiz shot that just hit the crossbar!  However, it was not until the final 10 minutes of the match when the further goals were scored.  

Carlo Ancelloti had made some changes in the final period of the game, bringing on Torres and Anelka to replace Drogba and Kalou.  As soon as the Spaniard entered the pitch, he made a deteremined effort, and you could sense that perhaps that Saturday was finally going to be his day.....and believe it or not, in the 83rd minute Torres struck a beautifully crafted goal that led to wild celebrations at Stamford bridge.  The crowd went wild and the entire team jumped on top of him!  Everyone was delighted for Fernando, and he had deserved it. Despite his goal drought since signing in the January transfer window, we had all kept faith and his first goal had been coming, getting closer and closer in recent games.  Now that he has the first goal under his belt, I believe that it will be a huge weight of his shoulders and now the goals will just follow on from here.

After Fernando's goal the atmosphere was amazing and as there was not many minutes left in the game, the 3 points were secure for Chelsea.  However, that was not all Chelsea had to offer, as in the closing minutes Malouda struck home to make the score 3-0 to Chelsea, as the final score. West Ham find themselves in a lot of trouble at the moment, but for us it was a good win!

After the weekends matches, we find ourselves 3 points clear of Arsenal, as they lost to Bolton, and 6 points behind United, with 4 games to play.  Although it is in United's hands, we are not out of the title race just yet and if we keep on winning it is possible that we can finish the season where we started - at the top! However, United play Arsenal next week, and we need the Gunners to do us a favour by beating them after which it will be our turn to visit Old Trafford again.  So if we continue to play as we are at the moment, and if the Gunners manage to do us a small favour next week...who knows.  But one thing is for sure, although it may not be entirely in our hands, we still believe!

4 matches remain for us and we want to see 4 wins out of 4! Lets have a good finish to the season....UP THE CHELS!

Also just for those that were mocking Fernando:

 

http://hasfernandotorresscoredforchelsea.com/