Ah. I see the title is still unwrapped in April.

The chances of Chelsea winning no more than 3 out of 6 games and United winning all 6 are well, not that high, so let's just keep it at that and let Chelsea fans go on with their business. United's main goal is to get second.

It's about Chelsea loosing the title more than Man U winning it so don't beleive it too much Mancs.

Thats not the point my little german war general. Its to do with the arrogant "dominant" attitude.

Well said Maximus. I can understand Man U fans excitement but really, it is too late now, and if you build yourselves up too much then you will then have to handle the dissapointment of not making 1st place. As Maximus said 2nd place is yours and you wanna make sure your team dont let that slip away.

Todays game......Just how does a team break down an 11 man defence. The first half was pretty equal with Brum really going for every ball. Chelsea players hardly had time to collect a ball without a Birmingham player or two trying to beat him to it. That should have made the Chelsea boys think and act quicker. Its not the first time this season that we have had to deal with these tactics so why, generally was our first half display lacking in bite and decisiveness?

The second half was Brums bus parked in front of goal. We have seen this many many times this season, against many teams who play us. We had 5 forwards on the field at one point but still could not breach the mass of bodies with any success. We tried long balls over the top, and we tried dribbling and passing around them. This worked better and if our finishing had of been better we would have won this.

Fair play to Brum though. Parking the bus is ugly thats for sure but it seems to work. The whole second half was attack attack attack by us. 2 goals dissallowed for offside. The first one was for sure, but the second ? Its a matter of opinion only if anyone considered Carvalho to be interfering with play. The offside rules are so vague and so badly officiated that one week a goal like that is allowed and the next week it is not.

We are scrapping our way to the title and although i will settle for that gladly, i hoped for something different after last season. Still i guess it's only Jose's second season at Chelsea, they are all still on a learning curve together, and we have to realise that its gonna take more than 2 seasons to become the kind of team that can go out every game and entrall us all. I've waited long enough. I can wait a little longer. (Y)

Thats not the point my little german war general. Its to do with the arrogant "dominant" attitude.

Man U fans never been arrogant then Stotty?

You make the same mistake that a lot of people make. You confuse arrogance with confidence.

If a team sit at the top of the league all season, i would say that they do dominate the league. Wouldn't you?

Thats not the point my little german war general. Its to do with the arrogant "dominant" attitude.

Well that type of attitude fits fine only if you are comfortably at the top of the league.

Thanks for explaining it though my old British settler fella.

Thats not the point my little german war general. Its to do with the arrogant "dominant" attitude.


the same attitude Manchester fans had a few years back? :)

I feel that was more confidence rather than arrogance, i sniff arrogance here

*wind

(H)

Nah i told you already, arrogance and confidence are very similar smells, but i assure you Stotty, its confidence we whiff of not arrogance mate. Glad to enlighten you man. Its a mistake anyone might make............. (H)

Dire performance today which I will refuse comment on

let me just say, though, the Sheva rumors, and thats all they ever were, are endemic of the journalistic agenda against this club. There was never any link to say that Sheva was coming to Chelsea, other than the fabricated nonsense people produced based on the fact that
1. Roman is Russian and is friends with Sheva personally
2. Chelsea need a good striker

So then people get swept up (Socrates, youre a perfect example here) into believing that its going to happen simply because every press outlet is shouting about it, and then when the player comes out and denies it, the media rub their grubby little hands together with glee, becuase they've found another player that "cant be bought by Chelsea's roubles", etc. Im sick of that sh*t. We're not making bids for Eto'o and Sheva every five seconds. Yes we need a striker, no we dont need a racist trouble maker or a 50 million pound 30 year old.

Anyway, the title race is down to 7 points, and from what I heard today, Guddy, Lamps, Duffer and Robben need to get the bench for a few matches. We've become complacent and downright lazy, and this is where paying a coach like Mourinho the big bucks is going to pay off. We're going to need some help from Bolton and the Arse, too, pathetic as it is to say.

Guddy, Maniche, Robben, Drogba, Del Horno. If some fans had their way, half the team would be on the chopping block in May

Balla , you seem pissed off mate. Spot on post as per usual, but dont let it get to you .

I think all of us are getting sick and tired of the crap. Day in and day out, one rubbish article after another. I dont think i have witnessed such journalistic hysteria over one club in all my life. Its so boring every day. Maybe i didn't notice before if some other club was getting it as bad as this, but i sure don't remember it. Still, remember the new motto mate "F.U.C.K 'EM ALL ". It'll soon die down when they realise it dont make a difference to us.

I wouldn't be sorry to see Del Horno go to be honest. Maniche i have not seen enough of to form an opinion at all. The rest of them, we dont want to lose. Who the hell said Eidur should go for gods sake.

And yup, the gap has been closing a little. To late though i think. We'll still do it.

I sure hope youre right Pete. I still remember the Arse side that threw it away to the mancs a few years ago. Jose and this team better earn their keep starting now.

I too wouldnt be adverse to seeing Del boy go. I think we could entice Real to buying him if/when they dont get Ashley Cole. I want Bridgey back, but the question is, does Jose? In any event, we're going to need some changes come summer for sure. This team looks complacent outside of the backline.

yeah they do mate, but its been a hell of a hard 2 seasons for the guys. Very physically and mentally demanding. I'm not surprised that they are beginning to show it.

I wont even comment on Man U. Its too late man. They have woken up a little at last but it wont be enough. They will drop points just as we will gain them.

what do you think will be chelsea's formation in the middle of the park IF we get Ballack...........


just asking as i bought him in master league(PES5) and was finding it hard to decide..........

whether 4-4-2 with ballack or lampard in the wings or to remove essien and put ballack in there :confused:

They will drop points just as we will gain them.

Now that is arrogance (H) Chelsea will drop points too. ;)

So how many of you chelsea "fans" will have chelsea sigs when United win the league on the last day of the season? :)

So how many of you chelsea "fans" will have chelsea sigs when United win the league on the last day of the season? :)

Hahaha, the irony.

So how many of you chelsea "fans" will have chelsea sigs when United win the league on the last day of the season? :)
probably the same number as will still be loyal red devils when your club goes fiscally tits up in a few months time. You can sell us Rooney to pay fletcher's wages (H)

seriously, though, dont let your dislike for one poster turn you into a baiter, Stotty. Youre too clever for that (Y)

its friendly banter. We've no chance.

well, you did have a chance, perhaps not so now :jap:

Chelsea 4-1 West Ham (H)(H)(H)

I havent seen the game, but I will be anxiously awaiting the replay here in the states. According to whats been relayed to me
1. Maniche sent off for a challenge which merited a yellow
2. We played a 4-4-2
3. Drogba had his best game since Anfield
4. JT and Billy both tallied (H)
5. The home support was excellent

that is all for now, but as you can imagine, thats enough to keep me happy for some time (C) 10 points clear, avin a laugh, eh fellas. Now, lets just pray van pusssie is feeling keen this afternoon

I just got home.......What a game.

Everything going great and then West Ham score with a fantastic header. I thought that was what we needed, and suddenly Chelsea were all at them. Good passing, great movement and attack after attack. Then Maniche gets sent off. Personally i thought the ref reacted to the shouts from the West Ham fans, it was at their end after all. The ref was just too quick with the red card to have even given himself a chance to think about it. By then it was too late. Their was no malice in the tackle and Scaloni rolled on the floor like his carreer was over. I remember the hysteria when Robben hit the deck against Liverpool. Will we see the same hysteria directed at Scaloni? I doubt that anyone will even mention it let alone write about it.

Anyway, from that moment on we were a team possessed. It was as if all the guys said "OK, thats it....lets show what we are made of ". The whole team were faster and more determined. West Ham to be fair played great. The media are already saying they were crap. This was not the case. They played hard and precise. Our defence was a rock again and the midfield and attack were so fired up. Everyone was having a crack at goal if the opportunity arose. Drogba was immense today and his equaliser was the end result of beautiful football and the sheer determination of the man himself.

1-1, and the crowd who for once were at their consistantly noisiest level that i have witnessed for a long long time, just went ape s.h.i.t. 2 minutes later after some wonderful team passing, the ball finds Hernan in space and he puts it home. 2-2 and half time.

The second half carried on like the first. JT scored at 53 minutes.Great work from Essien to beat 2 defenders and pass to Billy, who shot against the bar allowing JT to collect the rebound, and with the perfect body position, volleyed the ball into the ground allowing the bounce to beat anyone who was in the way, and into the net. The place erupted again.

Attack after attack, Chelsea were relentless and they just tore West Ham to shreds. After the last few difficult weeks, it was great to see Chelsea doing what they should. Shots went wide and shots went high. They were cleared off the line and we hit the woodwork again.

Subs on. Robben for Crespo. Robben wanted some of this it was obvious. He was running at the West Ham defence from the moment he got on. He was brought down on the left, just outside the penalty area. He took the free kick and pumped it into a packed area. Chelsea got off a couple of shots which were cleared. Suddenly in the melee, the ball found Billy with his back to goal. He turned sweetly and hit it into the back of the net. 4-1, game over.

The spirit had been re-kindled, that was so obvious in the players faces and gestures to each other. Suddenly they remembered just how good they can be. And they were.
Now they remember just how good it feels and the fans were also remeinded of just how lucky we are to have a bunch of guys like these playing at our club. Everyone gave everything today. The players and the fans. A great great day and 3 points in the bag. A well deseved 3 points too.

well put pete, good account

As you say at the end, I only hope that feeling of how good it is to win in such a dominating fashion sticks with them so that they use this to drive themselves on. The fans too

The Chelsea we saw yesterday wouldve beaten Barca. We were technically inferior and down a man in leg one, but in leg two passion and ideas were just absent. This team couldve reversed that tie in 15 minutes like the year before

Good evening boys and girls, not been here in a while!! (Not since the start of the season I think).

Found the bookmark in the bottom of my favourites list so thought I'd drop by.

Thank God for yersterday's performance. The first time in absolutely ages we actually looked interested in playing, shame it took an early goal and a sending off to get us started, although to be fair we were the better side before that anyway. Everyone was magnificent yesterday once we went down to 10 men, the most tireless, hardworking performance possible. Got the result we deserved and realistically needed to show we aren't going to roll over like most of the British media would like us to. I'll even go as far as complementing Didier Drogba, who I personally think isn't fit to clean Hernan's boots, let alone play ahead of him. But what a difference it makes when he concentrates on playing the game to his stengths rather than diving and complaining constantly, he finally looked like a world class footballer yesterday!

Even managed to persuade my mate to give up his seat so my dad could come with me to the game instead as it was his birthday- what a present!!!

Carefree!

Balla, Yeah you are probably right mate. I guess all the negative hysterical crap that rained down upon us for the last few months has,to the joy of non- Chelsea people, rather demoralised the boys a bit. The fans too. If any other team had to endure the constant whinging from everybody that we've had to endure i'm sure they too would feel a bit down about it.

Lets face it mate, I saw Gerrard blatently diving in the penalty area this weekend, and did we hear anything about that?....Nope. We saw Toure stopping a certain Man U goal by diving at the ball and punching it over the touchline too. Did Arsenal get slaughtered in the media for that?....Nope. I saw Konchesky kick studs up and drag his studs down the front of Billy'e leg yesterday too. He neverv even got a yellow for that. Did the media go made at him like they did for Essien?.....Nope. Maniche was sent off yesterday for a tackle that never even made contact with Scaloni. His foot landed between his outstretched legs but Scaloni rolled around like Maniche really caught him. Did the media or any other clubs fans scream " injustice" because of Scaloni's theatrics?......Nope, i aint heard a word against Scaloni at all.

So it carries on. Every other team can cheat as much as they like and it does not hardly warrant a mention anywhere. So f.u.c.k 'em all. People in England are so desperate to see us NOT win the title again. It's pathetic. That fact alone will make winning it an even sweeter victory.

I saw it in our players faces after Maniche's sending off. I visibly saw them stand tall, heads up and acknowledge each other. They decided the time for feeling sorry for themselves was over, and thats when we ripped West Ham open. You could feel it in the stands. Suddenly there was a manic crowd reaction that was acknowledged by the playerswith clenched fists. From that moment the crowd never stopped singing as the goals went in and the football came back to us. I think this attitude will see us through now. They will not let it slip now. They are more determined, and the anger is now controlled anger, and channelled where it should be, In the football. Drogba's entire game yesterday is testament to that.

Bolton are next, and the simple fact that the country want to see us drop points at Bolton will be the catalyst for another Chelsea onslaught. We will get that second title and there is nothing anyone can do about it.

Fair play to Man U though. A class club, and it comes as no surprise that its them who are coming closest to us. I dont have a problem with Man U. I never have, and its typical of them that they want to overhaul us. They have made a fight of it and added to the excitement. Maybe a bit late though, but you still gotta give them a lot of credit for fighting so hard and so well. I wasn't even dissapointed when they beat Arsenal yesterday. In fact I was elated. That really did top off a great day for me mate. :)

Ruswilks, welcome back mate. Was that a great game to be at or what? :rockman:

sucks that Maniche is FINALLY given an opportunity to shine and he gets shafted by the ref. Man things are going down hill for him since he wanted to leave Porto for the Russian $$$.

Well, to be frank, Maniche made a silly silly decision to go into that tackle like he did. It was mostly frustration I guess, but damn, it was dumb.

by the way guys

:eek: :eek: :eek:

WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Captain Marvel Steven Gerrard, who sounded off during the Drogba controversy about how he would never dive and would "Certainly have a word" if he say any teammates doing it, IS GOING INTO FILMS!!!!

:lui:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Prcxxr4bJ3E&search=Liverpool%20Platoon%20Montage%20vs%20Bolton %20Wanderers%20

where, oh where, is the outrage. Ill tell you where it is. Lying in wait for the next time we do something that offends sky's sensibilities.

F*CK SKY, MURDOCH, SCREWS OF THE WORLD, AND ALL THE REST OF THEM. Their envy will only make parading that second title around that much sweeter

No talk about Ballack?

Dont want him. We have enough midfielders.

Nice "Platoon" clip Balla. Its so hypocritical how the rest of the world choose to ignore what a consistantly cheating pratt he really is. Gerrard is the media's blue eyed boy, they will never have a go at him for the diving, ever.

Kenyon said this morning that talks with Ballack are at a " good " stage. Ballack said at a press conference that he is confident that a deal will be concluded soon and he intends to join Chelsea before the World Cup kicks off.
So it looks like he is coming for sure. Personally i find the thought of Ballack at Chelsea pretty exciting. Working under Jose will make him into an even better player i think. I dont think it threatens anyone who is already there either. Playing out of your skin to win a place in the team can only be a good thing for the club. The more competition for places the better it will be in my opinion.
Ballack has always impressed me whenever i've seen him play. I think he will be a huge success at Chelsea.

Agreed. We have too many midfielders, and his time will come at the expense of Essien, but Maka has maybe 2 more years left before hes gonna be below par for this side.

Ballack wouldnt be my first choice if I could have any midfielder in the world, obviously, but he is damn good, he has got 5 good years in him, and he is free. He might just give us that extra something we need in European play

On another note, seeing the success of the 4-4-2 (or 4-3-2....thanks Maniche) at the weekend, does anyone think we should continue partnering Drogba and Crespo? Frankly, im all for it.


And oh yeah, the Mancs drew Sunderland (H) A win at the Reebok will make it 9 once again

Chelsea boss planning swoop
14/04/2006 10:36 - (SA)
London - Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is planning a summer transfer spree - but admits that some of his present squad will have to make way for the new faces.

Mourinho has put Bayern Munich midfielder Michael Ballack at the top of his shopping list, and the English champions have already confirmed they are in talks with the 29-year-old international.

But Mourinho is also keen to add a defender and a striker before next season, who are likely to come in at the expense of three players who are unhappy at Stamford Bridge.

"We change three players," Mourinho told The Times. "Three players who want to play more and are not very happy in the club, or some players I am frustrated with and have nothing to give us.

"I change them for three other players. I would say three players will come in in the summer. It is the natural process.

"We have a good squad, players at a good age, not players finishing their career. [Claude] Makelele is the oldest player [33] and he looks the youngest one. We don't have big needs. The natural tendency is we get a defender, a midfielder and an attacker."

Ballack meanwhile has been irked by claims from Bayern manager Uli Hoeness that his move was motivated solely by the prospect of becoming the world's highest paid player on £120 000 per week.

"I was a bit irritated by the comments from Uli and Kalle [Rummenigge] in the last few weeks," Ballack said.

"You shouldn't make a move because of the money. It's great to earn so much as a professional soccer player but money doesn't mean anything when you're going about your profession day in and day out.

"The only thing that counts is sport."

Jose obviously knows who will be going this summer. Its gonna be interesting to see who it is.

Yeah a very good result at Old Trafford tonight. That just about puts paid to any slim hopes they had of catching us.
Sunderland parked the bus......good lads......... :rockman:

Everyone is talking about 3 players being turned over, at minimum. Jose is talking about a defender, midfielder and a forward, so what im thinking/hoping is

OUT:
Crespo: out of contract, back to AC Milan
Maniche: loan terminated (could he be referring to him? Were not exactly jammed at midfield)
Johno OR Del Horno: Personally, I hope Del goes for a good fee and Bridgey comes back, but I have to think that Johno might be halfway out the door. Nothing against either, but Del doesnt seem like hes cut out for England, and Johno's career is going nowhere. This player WILL NOT be Gallas....I pray

IN:
Ballack: obviously. Complete class and free, but lets hope he can make do without the number 13
Adriano: or some other world class foward that, perhaps, has looked average of late. A guy with talent like Adriano with a motivator like Jose behind him would be scary
Defender: Have no idea who it could be. Speculation has mentioned Lahm, but I doubt Bayern would part with him. If it means Wayne Bridge coming back, I will be elated, and our team would be improved for all of about 20 million P. While that may leave us thin at Left FB, there is talk about Jonal Elmer being ready to take the big step up. Thats something I deftinately want to see

---------Cech
-Paulo--JT--Gallas--Bridge
----------Maka
-----Ballack--Lamps
--Joey-------------Robben
---------Adriano

w/ Drogba, Essien, Carvalho, Duffer, Carlo on the bench and Guddy, SWP, Huth, Johnson, Elmer, Carlton and Diarra would be, in my opinion, good enough to conquer Europe, provided Adriano can replicate hs form of a season ago

The future is looking blue. Hail Xenu my brothers! (H)

Heavy heavy rumours of Ashley Cole coming to Stamford Bridge. Nothing in print of course but through the grapevine via Arsenal, thats what i've been told.

Gooners, dont slaughter me for that. As i said, its just what i have been told. Stranger things have happened though, and i think Jose would snap him up like a shot if it were to be true. I'm not gonna raise my hopes over it though.

Why not just stick with Essien for the CM position? He's much younger than Ballack and fits the team better. Have fun with his constant bitching and complaining on the field. :p

Lahm has a long-term deal, good full backs are rare these days and I can't see him wanting to leave either.

Vince, if he bitches and complaines, his ass will be keeping the bench warm. Believe me. We dont have prima donnas at Chelsea. Jose soon puts them in their place mate.

Chelsea 2 - Bolton 0.

Bolton were their typical resilient commited selves. A few cynical incidents but mostly a very competitive game played by them. Very difficult to play with the other team snapping at your heels all the time so a classic it was not. I think we almost gave as good as we got though.

We took the lead just before half time. A Lampard free kick delivered perfectly into Boltons area found the head of Terry who nutted it forcefully into the goal. The second goal to seal it came after some nice one touch passing on the left, a nice through ball to Hernan who was hugging the left touchline. Hernan held it up waiting for Frank to get into the area. A perfectly weighted pass to Frankie who took one touch and then blasted it past the keeper. Another valuable 3 points which leaves us once again 9 points clear at the top.

We have Everton at home on Monday. If we can win that and Spurs can do something against United, we will be Champions on Monday. Only 4 teams have won back to back titles since the 1940's, we are about to become the 5th. (Y)

Selling John Terry? :| :|
Are you guys serious?

Deisler, whaddya mean mate about selling John Terry?

Johno OR Del Horno: Personally, I hope Del goes for a good fee and Bridgey comes back, but I have to think that Johno might be halfway out the door. Nothing against either, but Del doesnt seem like hes cut out for England, and Johno's career is going nowhere. This player WILL NOT be Gallas....I pray

(H)

Thats what i meant, but yeah my bad i shall stop taking Ballas posts for granted. :)
I thought he was talking about rumors didn't get that he was just raising hypothesys sorry pal.

Whoops, shoulda cleared that up. Deis, Johno is the nickname for Glen Johnson, not John Terry man. If I wanted to get rid of him, id be on drugs (Y)

Chelsea 2 - Bolton 0.

Bolton were their typical resilient commited selves. A few cynical incidents but mostly a very competitive game played by them. Very difficult to play with the other team snapping at your heels all the time so a classic it was not. I think we almost gave as good as we got though.

We took the lead just before half time. A Lampard free kick delivered perfectly into Boltons area found the head of Terry who nutted it forcefully into the goal. The second goal to seal it came after some nice one touch passing on the left, a nice through ball to Hernan who was hugging the left touchline. Hernan held it up waiting for Frank to get into the area. A perfectly weighted pass to Frankie who took one touch and then blasted it past the keeper. Another valuable 3 points which leaves us once again 9 points clear at the top.

We have Everton at home on Monday. If we can win that and Spurs can do something against United, we will be Champions on Monday. Only 4 teams have won back to back titles since the 1940's, we are about to become the 5th. (Y)

I missed this game because of a hangover ( :( ) but thats a good account. From what I heard, we were never really threatened outside of the Gardner strike off the bar. Im elated to see that were back to our best, and better yet, that were making Drogs and Crespo work up front in tandem. I still have two issues, though. Apparrently Joey played in the hole today and looked lost. Now, that shouldnt be concerning considering its just one game, but I dearly hope we havent converted him to a pure winger. In my opion, he should be playing behind the strikers, so maybe if we give him a few more games there, he can get into his old groove. The other thing is the Backline: Geremi is quality as a RB, but in my opinion, Paulo Ferreira is the best pure fullback we have, and he generally looks more compotent than Del on the leftside. I hate to see a quality player used as, essentially, a filler sub

Why not just stick with Essien for the CM position? He's much younger than Ballack and fits the team better. Have fun with his constant bitching and complaining on the field. :p

Lahm has a long-term deal, good full backs are rare these days and I can't see him wanting to leave either.
Essien is raw, but I agree: Ballack coming is going to stunt his growth...unless were going to a 4-4-2, in which case we have a wealth of bench warming wingers

Heavy heavy rumours of Ashley Cole coming to Stamford Bridge. Nothing in print of course but through the grapevine via Arsenal, thats what i've been told.

I figured Lahm was a pipe dream anyway. I really wanna see what this Elmer kid has to offer

Gooners, dont slaughter me for that. As i said, its just what i have been told. Stranger things have happened though, and i think Jose would snap him up like a shot if it were to be true. I'm not gonna raise my hopes over it though.
Yeah, hes quality, but I dont really want him here. His moral fibre was such that he had no problem negociating with us when he was under contract with Arsenal. How the hell do we know we can trust him? He's also a convicted diver, so im not to high on Cole, despite his ability. In my opinion, Bridgey is more than adequate

If we get Ballack (I hope), he would force either Maka or Essien out. I hope 'The Special One' gives Bridge a chance, giving the face that there are rumors of Dellie Boy is leaving. I doubt it though.

Defender: Defineltly a left back.
Ballack: Would be great in the middle but it would force out one of the other good players like Essien (who can also play in the right if i'm not mistaken), or Makalele, as he's getting older.
Attacker: I doubt it would be a big-name player, i think he's going for more of a young player like Podolski, or maybe even I. Klasnic, or a player like him.

Formation should be:

--------Cech---------
Paulo-Terry-Gallas--Bridge--
----------Maka------------
---Ballack-------Lamps-----
Cole or Essien----Robben/Cole/Duff
----------Drogba----------

Haven't seen you round here for a while DD, where you been?

Ehh, we just moved into a new house, were back with our oldpal, Dial-Up. :(

And internet doesn't work with my computer. :(

If Chelsea beats Everton and Manchester U lose against Tottenham, this means that Chelsea wins the title...? Or they have to wait another match...?

Man U are winning 2-0 against Spurs so the title will not be ours today. All we have to do is win against Everton today and then get a point from just one of our remaining 3 games.

Well theres the 3 points against Everton. Nice one fellas and thank you.

Good game i guess. It was certainly a better game before Carsley got sent off. The ref got a little over excited there i think. Def a yellow but not a red.

Talking of crap officials. At one point today 3 chelsea players, Drog, Joe and Hernan, beat the Everton offside trap and all of a sudden they were facing the GK, Richard Wright. The Everton defence were so far out that the Chelsea boys looked like they had all the time in the world to score. Eventually Joe scored but the linesmans flag was already up for offside. Nobody made a fuss at first, then the 4th official asked the linesman who exactly was offside. The linesman said Drogba, which is a bit wierd because Drog was in fact the last player of the 3 to actually arrive in the penalty area.
On watching the replays, it was obvious that in fact no Chelsea players at any time were offside at all.
The linesman didn't see anyone in an offside position but because all of a sudden he saw 3 Chelsea players in the box on their own,confronting the GK, he " assumed " that one of them MUST have been offside, otherwise how could that possibly happen, to have 3 attackers and the GK in the area like that.

The linesman actually said it was Drogba who was offside. The linesman was wrong big time. That disallowed goal could have been a valuable goal, ( they all are i guess), so i think it is disgusting that these kind of decisions are given week in and week out and there is not a thing to be done about it.

How many goals or goal scoring opportunities has Crespo been denied because the linesman has "assumed" he must have been offside to be in such a favourable position? So far this season i have counted 9 occasions. We have actually had 11 goals disallowed this season when on closer inspection they should have stood. This is getting beyond a joke.

Bah pete, nevermind the bad decisions. In all fairness to the refs, I saw the clip of drogbas sending off and I thought Everton were dealt a bit of a raw hand there.

But Frank seems back to his usual self, Essien is playing well, Drogba is playing out of his mind (his workrate today was sensational. The fact that he tracked back to the halfway line, dug the ball out, then took it forward to slot to Frank was pure effort (Y) ) and we are on the verge of back to back titles. Perhaps best of all, Billy and JT are back in the middle together and have conceeded all of one goal in three games as our centre halves. On top of that were playing a 4-4-2 and its working. You have to wonder about whats going to become of our wingers, but I have faith in Jose's wisdom as always.

Not to be crude about it, but I noticed Petr was replaced by Carlo and though im upset for him if hes actually injured, you have to see this as a great chance for Carlo to get the Prem medal he so rightly deserves

I said it before, and I will say it again: if this is the team we had against Barca, we would be in the semi finals of the champions league right now

by the way, DD, weclcome back man :jap:

Give us 30 mill and you can have Cole.

We have Clichy, who's as good or better than Cole was at his age, and Flamini anyway :chew:

I dont frigging want cole. We have Bridge who in my opinion is just as good for the purposes of this team, and he wont cost us a thing

peddle your wares to Real Madrid. They would definately snap at him if given the chance

sorry guys i've been away :(

Bet yer all ****ting yourself, 1 point from 3 games is a tough call (H)

Bloody 'ell Stotty, i wondered why it was so quiet around here. Its 'cos you was missing. Yeah its gonna be a close run thing mate but i guess we might just get that point out of the 3 games remaining.

I dare say you dont want that to happen when you lot come to our place though.Its wierd, how these things work out isn't it?....... Its a funny ol' game mate.

to be honest, i wish it'd be settled on Saturday, but also, i'd like Man Utd to keep it going...

I'm in a weird position as a Liverpool fan hating Man Utd, but im also in a weird position as a football fan "disliking" chelsea.

Hi

TROD.

Blues close on Ballack

Chelsea are reported to have agreed terms to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Michael Ballack.

German public broadcaster ZDF claims Ballack has agreed a four-year deal with the Stamford Bridge outfit and that all that needs to be done for the deal to be completed is for Ballack to sign the contract.

The former Bayer Leverkusen star's future has been the subject of intense speculation ever since he revealed he would not be signing a new deal at Bayern.

The 29-year-old's current deal expires at the end of the season and a number of clubs including Real Madrid, Internazionale and Chelsea have all been linked with him.

Ballack and Chelsea both revealed earlier this month that they had held talks with each other over a possible move to West London.

Reports earlier this week suggested that Ballack was stalling over the offer from Chelsea because he could not be guaranteed a place in the starting line-up every week.

However, it appears Chelsea have won the race for the German international's signature and that he will be joining Jose Mourinho's star-studded squad in the summer.

http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=380710&CPID=22&clid=156&lid=2&title=Blues+close+on+Ballack


Any Chelsea fan really see this happening and who is Ballack gonna replace in the starting lineup or is he gonna ride the bench? I have no idea why Chelsea want this annoying attention whore.

Well, I dont know how he's gonna fit into this team. I'm starting to seriously believe that Mourinho signs these players just so that no other club could have them.

Or maybe he feels the need to shake the squad up so that no one gets complacent year after year, who knows, the man is a master of psychology. Should be interesting to see how the other midfielders deal with this.

I can only presume the long term plan is to drop Essien into the holding role with Lampard and Ballack in front.

actually i reckon (as do a few pundits in the game) that Mourinho is thinking of phasing out his holding midfielder, possibly the greatest thing he's brought to the English game.

In many peoples opinion, despite Makelele being extremley useful, against the very best teams his lack of attacking output leaves Chelsea effectively a man short when assaulting very good defences. Essentially its the idea that by using Essien, Lampard and Ballack in a free flowing team, he'll be able to play some sort of total football system wherby whoever is left simply fills the gap.

Like i say though, this is just one opinion. All im saying is, dont think just cos its Jose Mourinho that they need a holding midfielder.

Wheres Obi-wan going to play aswell? :fool:

god is he still joining Chelsea?...

Who knows. I wouldn't even know where to start when it comes to Jose's thought process. As fans we don't have a say anyway. Just like you, we just have to trust the powers that be, and remain confident in decisions that are made. Jose has done alright by me so far. I wouldn't dare to even hazard a guess as to what may happen in the future.

Lets face it, this season many teams have realised that if you can stifle Makalele, then Chelsea might be got at. We have seen it a lot this season. One thing that a manager cannot allow is for his team to become predictable to the opposition. That has happened to us a few times this season. Next season, Jose knows that its important that the opposition does not know from one week to the next, what they may face as regards line ups, tactics and formation. With many diverse players this can be achieved. To me, that looks like one of the motives behind what Jose is doing.

Every season we have to offer something different. Thats the only way to try to stay one step ahead of every one else.

you know Pede, sometimes you post some crap, but that was a brilliant post (Y)

Thanks Tom. Sometimes i have bad days, and those are the days i should avoid the forums altogether. I'm working on it mate. (Y)

Is there a male menopause? I definately think that there might be. :S

Pete, I think youre spot on about that, and we saw that not 2 weeks ago against the spammers. Out of nowhere we were arrayed in a 4-4-2 and after the rough start, Drogba and Crespo were suddenly clicking, and the former was FINALLY holding the ball up for the rest of the offense to feed off him like we all realized he should be. This is bringing out the best in Drogba, and long may it continue. I say that even at the expense of our wingers, who, though they are brillian, are also adaptable.

1. Duff plays centrally for Ireland. Put him at the top of the diamond
2. Robben played centrally for PSV and has already featured as a de facto forward as of late
3. SWP can feature on the right side of a flat 4 midfield, or, fancifully, play as a second striker
4. Joe Cole's adapatability is something I dont need to lecture on

This new versatility is just what we need. Like you say, if the opposition is guessing what were going to throw at them, two up front, strong attacking midfield, light midfield, wingers with drogba, wingers with crespo, Cole behind the strikers, etc etc, then we have suddenly regained a tactical advantage before kickoff as well as posesssing the talent to do the job. We had become too static with the 4-3-3 after it worked so well last season, and that was clearly the source of our unimaginative and uninspiring play which started around the beginning of the calendar year. Thank god Jose finally sees that we have talent to just be allowed to play and win the points without having to come at them with the structure which was unbreakable, and worse still, stifled individual creativity.


Bet yer all ****ting yourself, 1 point from 3 games is a tough call (H)
We missed you (H) A fella on another site did it all out. You have to beat us 0-3, then win your last two 5-0 each, as well as us losing every remaining game. Good thing Keegan isnt our manager

With regards to ballack
Well, I dont know how he's gonna fit into this team. I'm starting to seriously believe that Mourinho signs these players just so that no other club could have them.
I can only presume the long term plan is to drop Essien into the holding role with Lampard and Ballack in front.
:jap:
smart man. I have a feeling that what Tom is saying might have alot of merit, but for the forseeable future, at least the next 2 years, Maka is going to be a part of this team (christ, at 32 hes still world class) albeit a gradually phased out one. If Essien can use his bulk, speed, and improve his tackling which is well documented as needed work, as well as his temperment, he can be the heir apparrent to that spot.

Ballack is world class, and though he has been compared similarly to Lamps as the type of player they are, people can see Ballack for being more in the box to box role than Lampard has been accustomed to playing recently. He can defend and attack, emphasis on the last part which Essien is still a bit raw at (not to slate his passing, though) and more importantly be that midfield pivot player whether in a 3 or 4 man arragement, through whom Makelele can shuttle the ball forward, and who can then distribute forward to Lampard, up to Drogba to hold for the forwards, out to the wing, or take it himself, which we all know he is capable of.

The fact is, people are mad at this signing because were already stocked with talent even in midfield, and were getting him over many other potential suitors. But for one second take away the fact that this is Chelsea and the money, Essien, etc. Would any club in the world not be insane to pursue one of the worlds best midfielders, full fledged international, when they can make room for him and he is coming on a free, especially when the alternative is him ending up on a competitor? No team would turn him down.


I'm in a weird position as a Liverpool fan hating Man Utd, but im also in a weird position as a football fan "disliking" chelsea.
then youre one of the honest ones Tom. Dont worry, im sure you'll hate us just as much in a weeks time :) By the way, man, ive been so fecking busy with work the last few weeks that any freelance writing projects had to be put on hold, especially when they became pretty irrelevant (heh). Next week I will get a chance to sit and watch the Champs League second leg with a beer and some popcorn, free and unfettered, and give you something good regarding the improbable runs of Arsenal or Villareal to the final AND Milan and Barca's prospects both in the final and long term. I promise you that (Y)



Anyway, clearly, ive done it again and gone on forever (C) But important team news is on tap. Apparrently the times and evening standard have both run quotes by Jose claiming that Riccy will be surplus goods as far as team needs go, and Marca and AS (i know, complete crap) are talking about Madrid making a bid for him. If we can do it and not take an unreasonable loss on him (id say madrid would pay out 15 million at least) then we owe it to him and ourselves to pull the trigger. Carvalho is a top 15 defender in the world, and he has the misfortune of being behind two guys who are top 10. Let him go to Madrid where he can lead them from the back and show them what defense really is. It will leave us short a CB, but hopefully we can pick up a younger guy after the world cup to replace him

And I see Benitez and Morientes are now talking up a storm about how scared we are of them. Well, we all recall what happened last time they did that (H)

yeh no worries Omar, i was gonna PM you to see if you've forgotten. I'm pretty busy for the next few weeks anyway, so feel free to PM me anytime over the next month or so (Y)

Im a constant source of disappointment to you, man :(

haha (H)

Like i say, no worries mate, there really is no rush.

great post once again TBB (Y)

Really hopig you'll give up Carvalho... :)

No worries Tom, i've always kinda leaned that way too. If Jose does let him go, i think thats at least three of us who think so. Maybe he just isn't comfortable playing in the EPL. He wouldn't be the first player to want out, assuming of course that it is he who wants to go, as oppossed to getting the boot.

Good post Omar. I notice that Carragher's keeping quiet this time though. Sensible bloke.

Talking of Rafa.....read this latest observation from the Spanish one............

The two talented midfield men come face to face at Stamford Bridge tomorrow as Liverpool aim to cut the gap on league leaders Chelsea.

Lampard goes into the crucial game as the newly crowned England player of the season, narrowly pipping Gerrard, but Benitez is in no doubt about which player he would rather have in his side.

"You look at Steven and what he has done for us this season, to have scored 17 goals for Liverpool, that is just fantastic," says the Reds boss.

"I don't know how important Lampard is for Mourinho, but Gerrard is the key for us. People compare the two players and they say that Lampard scores more goals and he plays more games.

"But to score 17 goals for a team like Liverpool that scores far less than Chelsea, that shows Gerrard really is the key player.

"Lampard is a very good player but he has very many good players - very expensive players - around him at all times," said the Anfield coach.

"Sometimes Chelsea have such dominance that they can coast through games - they find it easier at times to win matches.

"So people say that Lampard plays so many games, but when you are winning two or three-nil with plenty of time to go, then it is easier to manage that game, to rest in the contest.

"We don't have that luxury and it means our players get harder matches. Gerrard has to play hard through many matches but he is still offering so much to us every game."


Is this bloke for real or what?......Winning two or three nil with plenty of time to go?....Does he EVER watch a Chelsea game i wonder.

lol, Benitez. The :drevil:"mastermind" :drevil: of football. He might have confused Chelsea with United lately.

Yeah i think you might be right mate.......hehehehehehee

I dont have a problem with the bloke at all. He seems a nice guy. Its just the stuff he comes out with sometimes cracks me up. :funny:

Benitez can't handle a media war, bet on that.

Remind me again who got their tactics right and who got them wrong in the FA cup semi final? I thankyou and goodnight..:)

Great game chelsea buddies...and thanks for the heart-warming comments by Mourinho

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N152130060422-2015.htm

Shaddup ya poof

Jose can moan all he likes about Poll. Sure he is a dreadful, egotistical and incompetant referee, that is common knowledge. Its certainly not the first time that he has turned us over either, but thats that.

I think we all know why we lost. we lost because Jose f.u.c.ked up BIG time. For a coach of his ablility and acumen, his choice of players, formation and tactics for the semi final, still leave me stunned. Even if this wasn't the FA Cup semi final, and our opponants were not Liverpool, WTF made him play Ferrierra wide on the right when he could have chosen either Cole, Robben or SWP? Why play Essien at the tip of the dreadful diamond formation, when Essien just does not have what is required to play that role?

Even my granny could have told Jose that Kewell would be leaving Geremi standing at every opportunity, and yet Jose made our right side the weakest i have ever seen it.

Makalele is a rock for us in his holding midfield role, there is no one better anywhere, but who told him that he should bring the ball so far forward and take on player after player when, obviously dribbling skills are not his forte. He lost the ball so many times that i lost count.

I think sometimes Jose is too smart for his ( and ours) own good. Why does he feel the need to gamble in a game like this when the " usual" starting eleven would have ripped the red wankers apart? It beggars belief, it really does.

The point was made by Gary Lineker in the Match of the Day studio that, playing under Johan Cruyff at Barcelona, he felt sometimes that the Dutchman would change his team unnecessarily just to demonstrate his own cleverness. I think there may be the explanation as to why Jose does certain things that leave the fans dumbstruck.

I love the bloke, i think he is brilliant, but i'm not so blindly stupid that i cannnot see how big he has f.u.cked up once again, and lets be honest here, it sure aint the first time either. If anyone should be apologising to anybody, then Jose should be big enough to own up and apologise to us fans. I spent hard earned money to go to Old Trafford to support my team, and was rewarded with that debacle.

I agree with Joe Cole when he was interviewed post match. He was asked what he thought about Poll, and he replied,

"No, let's not go on about that," Cole replied. "A lot of the time you hear players moaning and miserable about referees' decisions. Let's just hold our hands up and say that Liverpool won the game."

End of story

:lui: :lui: :lui: :lui: :lui: :lui:
:rockman:
CHAMPIONS AGAIN!!!!! :rockman:

Congrats for another title (congrats Pede, Rob, BlueBalla and Ruswilks)

Chelsea are starting to make it look easy. Congrats.

Congratulations to defend the title (that's always harder to achieve) - overall seen Chelsea has been the most efficent team of the Season and are worthy Champions.

Enjoy your Party :ewan:

mmmh... no words from any chelsea fans yet. I guess they are celebrating it

congratulations. Deserved win.

Twice in a row ... so far.

Fourth in a row for Mourinho though. Don't thank me for this little fact, I just stole it from the commentators.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41617000/jpg/_41617286_champers203270emp.jpg
What a legend (H)

were the boys in royal blue
were called the pride of london
we'll always stand for chelsea
until the day is done

we wear the blue with honor
and keep the blue flag flying high
we'll always follow chelsea
thats why we're london's pride


thanks for all the congrats from all of you :jap:

Mourinho is the man (H)

Congrats Chelsea!

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41617000/jpg/_41617286_champers203270emp.jpg
What a legend (H)


Haha

Congratulations to Chelsea and thier fans.

Congrats Chelsea (Y)

Congrats! But here's hoping it won't be that easy next year

congrats chelsea lovers. can't say anything but a deserved league title (Y)

congratulations Chelsea...good job blending them all into the lineup. Well deserved.

Just got home. WHAT A DAY...... :rockman:

Thanks for your wishes people. It does show that after any other crap that might pass between us, you indeed have class, and i thank you for that....... :jap:

Don't know who saw the game but, Man U were ferocious today. Fighting for the win and for pride. The scoreline of 3-0 is a testament to how fantastic we were today. It does not imply that Utd were bad. They were not.

Billy's early goal was a godsend and straight from the training ground. An early goal at 5 minutes into the game allowed us to continue to play some beautiful stuff today. Thank you Billy.

Joe Cole's goal was World class. If you have not seen it, find a clip somewhere and enjoy.When Pele said that Joe must have Brazilian blood in him, he wasn't kidding.

While you are at it, watch Ricardo's goal too. World class again. He starts a move inside our penalty area and runs like a man possessed all the way across the pitch, up the left wing and into the Man U area. He stops in a spot where he is unmarked, gets a sublime pass from Joe. His first touch is perfect as he sets up the shot and he hits the ball with power and precision. It flies into the far top corner of the net to get the best goal I have ever seen him score. People have often told me that he is a world class player. Today for the first time I saw a different Carvalho. He was fantastic the whole game. How many time he cleanly robbed a Man U attacker, I lost count. He was incredible. Same for Paulo, he too was top drawer.

Can't fault any of the players really today, although poor old Arjens finishing needs a little work, he caused quite a few problems for Man U.

A good hard game all in all. Like everyone in the stands, my heart missed a beat when Rooney went down injured. Thankfully it does not not look serious. The same for JT, just a badly gashed ankle . Nev too seems to be OK as well so from an England point of view, we have no worries there.

I can't quite take it all in yet. Back to back titles. It seems very surreal. I thought i was ready for this but i just feel a mixture of elation and numbness.

Man I was so proud of our players today. Jose is amazing. What can i say about him? He threw his medal TWICE into the crowd along with his Armani jacket. He tied a Portugal scarf around his neck and gulped Champagne from the bottle. He said, " Next season will be even harder but we are ready for that."

It will be, and we are.

Great Match (Y)

:ewan:

Congratulations Chelsea :)

Had to pop in and say congrats to my chelsea pals:) Well deserved league title, Consistant all year, Just s'hit in the cups eh? Only kidding...Well done boys :)

Congratulations Chelsea fans!

I envy your consistency :(

CHAMPIONS AGAIN!!!! :lui: :lui: :lui: :lui: :rockman: :rockman: :rockman:

Mourinho = GOD!

OLE OLE OLE OLE WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!!!!

Another title boys. All hail The Blues. :Bow:

Mourinho chuging down all that champagne, he's gonna party tonight. (H)


Mourinho siad that would have quit the club at times this season in post-match interview, that scared me though.

I just saw on TV Mourinho threw his championship medal in the crowd...

Few quotes from Mourinho today:

"I have not enjoyed it so much this season.

"A couple of times, I thought about closing the door and saying goodbye.

"But don't interpret this as a doubt for next season. I enjoy Chelsea very, very much and I'll be here next term."

"Why don't I go to press conferences? Because I have no pleasure to go.

"Maybe I have to be a different person in this country. Maybe this country - football-wise - is not adapted to my mentality and I will have to change.

"I have no complaints with the people, with Chelsea, or with other clubs. But I think I should be more happy and I'm not enjoying 100%."

"I think that Chelsea deserve a bit more respect. When we get that, I think that everyone at the club will enjoy it a bit more."

Blatently begging for more of a challenge... he should ditch Chelsea and come to Newcastle! The challenge that we provide suits his ego perfectly. He will also be aware of the rewards for the man who eventually cracks it up North :p

Anyway, congrats you Blues and all that :ewan:

**** YOU CHELSEA YOU DIVING CHEATING BLOOD MONEY USING RUSSIAN SCUM!!!! **** OFF BACK TO ******* SIBERIA BITCHES!!!!!













(j/k) Congrats on the title, you owned us comepletely today, it was like boys against men. I dont mind losing to a team that outplays us, and we've been outplayed today and for this season. Congratulations.

That's the way to secure the League ... that scoreline confirmed the gap between Chelsea and the chasing pack ...

Congratulations to Chelsea on becoming Champions of England once again.

Well let's be honest, 3-0 did flatter Chelsea ever so slightly. Even Mourinho said it himself.

Congrats to the Blues (Y)

two in a row after 50 years of no championships must feel tremendous!

well done chelsea won the premiership in style. You guys were class and great to see mourinho not be his selfish self and give away a premiership medal ahah
well done again but just wait til next season

Well done Chelsea. (Y)

I want to congratulate you guys for winning the EPL

The way the last two seasons have gone, I'm sure we'll be seeing you in the CL again. You've beat us once, we've beat you once. Hopefully this time we'll meet in the finals, so undisputed best in england can face off against undisputed best in spain in the grandest stage of them all!

for now, congrats on retaining the league title!

and great to see mourinho not be his selfish self and give away a premiership medal ahah

some could interpret this, as him showing that he is too good for the EPL, that it's not even worth it keeping 2 medals at home.


Personally, though, i don't even know what to think.

When he threw the first medal into the crowd, he was given a second medal. He threw that into the crowd also. They had so many spare medals that he probably got another one later. Maybe he does not need to look at medals to remind himself of his achievements. Or maybe he was telling the Premier League big wigs just exactly what he thinks of them. Either way, its his business.

Thanks a lot guys. Very nice to get your congrats, much appreciated. (Y)

Mourinho wins and is outspoken. Ferguson must feel cheated. His spot is being filled by a barely english speaker that has more money than him. :ewan:

Congrates blue suporters. I wish you a back to back to back.

Cheers Deisler....yep, back to back to back titles would be nice mate.

Chelsea 0- Blackburn 1

Good luck to Blackburn for getting into Europe next season. thats what they earned by this win. Didn't mean a lot to us though.

Steve Bennett must be the biggest Chelsea hating ref in the EPL. Tonight, he waved away, with a sneer, THREE clear penalty shouts for us. If disallowing one of them was a mistake for Bennett, the next 2 decisions just had to be deliberate. Even Mark Hughes looked at Jose and shook his head in disbelief after Crespo had a Blackburn defender pull his shirt in the Blackburn area. Good game all in all. Shame a tosser like Bennett was even there.

I personally wouldve liked to try and make blackburn fight for a place in europe, given how nasty they can be, but they won their spot fair and square. I heard about the denied pens, but im glad Jose didnt bother mentioning it too much in the postmatch. League is over, just let sleeping dogs lie.

I heard Wright-Phillips did well today, which gives me a bit of hope for next season, but I also heard Eidur and Del were pretty awful. I dont really care that much about retaining Del Horno, but I hope we havent seen the last of the blonde maradona in blue. I would hate to see Eidur move, as he really loves this club and puts the team first

I personally wouldve liked to try and make blackburn fight for a place in europe, given how nasty they can be, but they won their spot fair and square. I heard about the denied pens, but im glad Jose didnt bother mentioning it too much in the postmatch. League is over, just let sleeping dogs lie.Nah, the more Jose the better.

Hello Blue's. Congratulations again.

I have some news that you might like.

Jose Mourinho was in the Corinthians stadium watching the game Corinthians 1 - 3 River, so im sure that Carlos Tevez will go to Chelsea after the WC. Mourinho was sitting next to Kia Joorbachian (who is the president of Corinthians) and Javier Mascherano.

What do you think...? The number 9, after Hernan returns to Italy will go to Carlitos..?


BTW, Tevez needs to get out of Corinthians they are crap.

Go easy on us tomorrow, we want that intertoto place :)

Thanks Axolote, very interesting mate. It would be nice to see Tevez at Chelsea. Did the game get abandoned because of crowd trouble or something?

Toon Army....well we gave a UEFA Cup spot to Blackburn so I dont see why you cant have the Intertoto place too.

Yeh i can see Tevez at Chelsea! Mascherano if United dont move quickly may be headed elsewhere.

Tevez isn't really a Mourinho style signing though, he likes tall players with a presence up front or down the centre, Tevez is the opposite, small and agile.

Maybe its significant that Mascherano was sitting next to Jose . Perhaps he will get them both. There was talk of him coming to Chelsea before last season started if I remember correctly.

Tevez isn't really a Mourinho style signing though, he likes tall players with a presence up front or down the centre, Tevez is the opposite, small and agile.


I dunno Dreath. I think Jose might have softened his opinions of smaller players. SWP, Duff, Cole and Essien are not tall, and i think Makaklele has also shown him that size is not a requisite of a good player. He wants Ashley Cole too and he isn't exactly a giant.

Thanks Axolote, very interesting mate. It would be nice to see Tevez at Chelsea. Did the game get abandoned because of crowd trouble or something?



Yes, Corinthians fans open a gate an tried to enter the field, to ''kill'' corinthians players, but the police stop them...

More info is in the Copa Libertadores Thread...

Yes, Corinthians fans open a gate an tried to enter the field, to ''kill'' corinthians players, but the police stop them...

wow :eek:


If we got Tevez in short, I would mess myself. His skill doesnt need any talking up, but he has that same competitive fire Jose posesses. I see play as very Rooney like if he were to come to England, and thats not some half-assed exagguration. Even if we were in a 4-3-3, I still think the guy would thrive. In a 4-4-2, playing off a Drogba or someone, he could be a dynamo

As far as Mascherano, he would wasting his career by coming in the same summer as Ballack. So I would pass despite his talent.

And TA, I think youre looking at a starting lineup featuring Huth, Geremi, Mainche, Diarra, Gudjohnsen, Del Horno, etc on saturday, so I have no doubt that you guys can secure whatever you need (Y) Speaking of Del Horno, after getting subbed out for, brace yourselves, Duff, yes Duff, against blackburn, he will surely be history this summer. Welcome back Waynie Bridge (Y)

Hi Omar.....Yeah Jose has told 3 different agents to find Del Horno a new club. He is definately history. I hear that Liverpool and Spurs might be interested in him too.

why Liverpool? why? Like we need another left back...

Yeah you are right Tom. You especially do not need a crap left back thats for sure. Maybe Fat Rafa thinks he can bring out the best in him. Anyway mate, he is Spanish and i get the feeling that Rafa likes Spanish players for some strange reason.

I dont know how trustworthy the Diariosport is but this was posted as a news article today.Roberto Carlos to Chelsea.

Roberto Carlos is heading to Chelsea with Mourinho
23:21 7/5/2006 Iván Modia


Roberto Carlos will play the next season at Chelsea. This is what he has been saying for the last week to his close friends .The Brazilian assured those around him that he will reject the succulent contract that he had been offered to play in Qatar, because he had already decided to accept the proposal that Jose Mourinho has offered him to play in the Premier League.

The Portuguese technician put his sights on Roberto Carlos after Jose felt that an attempt to land Ashley Cole would not succeed.

The market does not offer many alternatives and Roberto Carlos, in spite of his 33 years, is for Mourinho a safe bet as he faces another assault on the Champions League. Roberto Carlos did not need much time to think about accepting the proposal. His future was not at Real Madrid. Apart from a possible return to Brazil, the Arab Liga seemed to be the best option for him with Real Madrid expecting to make 16 million on the deal.

Now with Chelsea coming on the scene, the white club will lose approximately 10 million, since the `blues' are not prepared to pay more than six million to purchase Roberto Carlos, apparantly tying him to a contract for 2 years. The London club already tried its hand in the summer of 2004, but then the negotiation broke down because the then agent of Roberto Carlos had stipulated by contract a commission of 2.5 million, an amount that Chelsea refused to consider.


http://www.sport.es/default.asp?idpublicacio_PK=44&idnoticia_PK=301813&idseccio_PK=805

that sounds like pure, unadulterated tabloid crap, since signing him makes literally zero sense (not even a good defender in Spain, ego, old, more offensive, etc) but im worried because i havent heard a word about Bridgey yet.

Surely hes coming back. Who the hell else would we get?

Oh i agree Omar. Just thought i would post it though. The Bridge situation is a bit quiet as you say. I cant guess whats happening at all mate.

I heared that Roberto Carlos wanted to go back to Brazil.

I know, Pete, definately not accosting you for sharing info, even if it seems unreliable. Any news at all gets discussion going which can only be good :ewan:

Sure thing mate. (Y) Of course we all want Bridgey back thats true. As usual its just gossip about Carlos. Although i wouldn't be surprised to see him at the bridge at all. Its crazy but you never know whats gonna happen these days. Jose will tell us soon enough who's in and who's out i guess.

Not sure if you guys saw this...

don't know how true it is.

http://www.as.com/articulo/futbol/Terry/Bridge/envueltos/pelea/club/Londres/dasftbT00/20060509dasdasftb_10/Tes/

Says Terry and Bridge got into it at a London Club. Also mentions Carlton Cole jumping in.

Yeah it sems that as usual some retards thought they would pick on Carlton Cole and began racially abusing him. Wayne Bridge intervened and as Bridge was escorting Cole from the club, some dickhead hit him on the head with a bottle, John Terry then knocked out two of the attackers before the bouncers grabbed hold of the offending individuals. The thugs were arrested ( alledgedly Arsenal fans), and Bridge refused medical help and the three of them left the club shortly after giving their story to the police.
Why players continue to use the Embassy club is beyond me. Its full of thick retarded thugs who go there purely to find a famous face to pick a fight with.
Bridgy has a nice black eye though, although JT didn't even mess his hair up....Feckin' legend........... :rockman:

I don't really think that it's a wise decision for players to go to clubs (I'm not talking about the one's you play sports at, the other kind).

Anyways, is there any truth to these Eidur Gudjohnsen, Frank Lampard, Wayne Bridge, etc leaving Chelsea for other team rumours?

Anything to do with Frank is just rubbish mate. Various clubs are chasing Eidur and Bridgy but thats not to say that they want to leave. There is a lot of media crap released to either unsettle the club or just because some idiot sports hack cant find anything else to write about. Still, who knows huh? Players move around all the time. All I know is that Jose has said that 3 players are going. Del Horno is one. Crespo is supposed to be another, and either Carlton Cole or Johnson might be moved on as well. Apart from that I know nothing.

I'm surprised that no one linked Ruud to Chelsea yet.

With Crespo leaving and Chelsea clearly needing a finisher, I see Ruud as a better fit to Chelsea's tactics than Eto'o for instance.

Hmmmm,Yeah it is a bit quiet for rumours on the Ruud front Virgo. If he wants to stay in England, Chelsea would be a good choice for him.I too think that he could be very effective for us. Another Crespo but with more goals perhaps. I'm sure the subject has been raised at the Bridge, i'd be surprised if it hasn't.

I for one am glad to hear about that club bust up. If Bridgey is out with JT and Carlton, that means he is still nominally associated with his old team and teammates, meaning we still have a shot at him returning to us. Lets hope he hasnt comitted his future to moving on

And Ruud? I agree that he is practically the perfect option in that he is proven as a lone striker, is good in the air, and has unquestioned finish, but if whats been said about his recent attitude is half true (abusing ronaldo, walking out on the team) then he can stay well away, no matter how many goals he would score

Sign Adriano.

That is all

Carlos Tevez.

Shevchenko if you believe the rumours.

Do any of you now anything about Dean Furman? We signed him today from you guys. He porbably signed with us because it would be almost impossible to break into Chelsea's midfield, especially with Ballack coming.

Paul Le Guen has wasted little time in making his mark at Rangers, with the Frenchman snapping up Chelsea starlet Dean Furman.

The South African has been in West London for nine years and made steady progress through the youth system.

He was a regular in the reserves last season and was offered a new deal by The Blues, but has opted to head to Scotland on a two-year deal with The Gers.

Chelsea assistant manager Steve Clark feels the midfielder has the qualities to succeed at the highest level.

"He's a young boy who has been with us for some time and come up through our youth teams," Clark told the Daily Record.

"I actually watched him play in a couple of games with our reserves last season and I was impressed by him.

"He's a talented centre midfield player and he's also a great kid with a great attitude.

"Obviously it's a big step up from the youth teams at Chelsea to the first team but the lad has a lot of ability.

"We wish him every success at Rangers."

I thought this would be interesting for you guys

Salgado claims he turned down Chelsea.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=367486&cc=5901

I really did not think that you guys would be after many of our players, especially not our fullbacks. Now those rumors of us switching two players might have a little bit of truth in it, although I still doubt it.

Kyle........Ive seen him play a few times. Youth team midfielder, very confident and smart. Good crosser of the ball and nice long passes too. Sorry to see him go really, but he has moved back and forth between us and other clubs quite a bit lately. Is he going straight into the first team?

Socrates....never even thought we might be interested in Solgado. Perhaps he's making it up to make himself look good or something...... :funny:

JOSE IS HAPPY AT LAST........

Jose has been voted MANAGER OF THE SEASON in the EPL for the second year running.He looked a little sheepish and hugely surprised when he collected his Trophy. After feeling a little ignored all season regarding manager of the month awards, he looked well chuffed when he was told that he had won.....Well done Jose :rockman:

http://www.chelseafc.com/article.asp?hlid=385443&m=5&y=2006&nav=news&sub=latest+news

Do any of you now anything about Dean Furman? We signed him today from you guys. He porbably signed with us because it would be almost impossible to break into Chelsea's midfield, especially with Ballack coming.
I know pete already filled you in, but here is the club profile on Furman. Didnt realize he was south african

Dean Furman
Born 22/06/88 in Cape Town, South Africa.

A second year scholar who has been with Chelsea since the age of nine. Previously a right-back, Dean has been making his early way in the youth team as a holding midfielder, a position he has occasionally filled in the reserves.

Good luck to the guy at Ibrox
I thought this would be interesting for you guys

Salgado claims he turned down Chelsea.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=367486&cc=5901

I really did not think that you guys would be after many of our players, especially not our fullbacks. Now those rumors of us switching two players might have a little bit of truth in it, although I still doubt it.
Socrates, they debunked this suspiciously bull-sh*t sounding rumor on another forum I belong to. The press didnt bother to mention Salgado was talking about the summer of 2003, when first Roman bought the club. Back then the alternative was Melchiot. Now obviouisly its a very different story. I trust Ferreira far more than I would Salgado. Hasnt he fallen to third in the RB pecking order at Madrid?


Anyway, congrats to Jose on manager of the season and all (his picture made him look almost disdainful of the award, hah) but Rob had brought up the striker issue again, and I thought id pass this along, mostly because its shocking

http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=386371&CPID=8&clid=8&lid=2&title=Aulas+names+Drogba+price

Aulas names Drogba price
By Patrick Haond

Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas admits he would be willing to pay in the region of €40 to €45 million to land Didier Drogba.

The French champions were in the race to land Drogba when the Ivory Coast international moved to Chelsea but missed out to the West London big spenders.

Aulas is desperate to bring the powerful forward back to the league in which he made his name, with an approach anticipated in the close-season.

Drogba has never stated a desire to quit the capital and neither has Jose Mourinho expressed an inclination to sell him, but were he ever to leave then it seems Lyon would be at the head of the queue.

Aulas admits he would weigh in with a bid 'from between €40 to €45 million', in a statement which may interest Chelsea's management.

''We have followed him for several years now,'' he added to L'Equipe.

:| :|
Understandably, I am skeptical whenever dealing with this slimy son of a bitch, but this is not the first time he has been linked with public admiration of Drogba.

If we can get that for a 29 year old who has never really fit in completely, and recover full value for him, then lets frigging do it. And this is coming from a guy who actually likes Drogba!!

What do you all make of it? Selling Drogba and losing Crespo would leave us with only Guddy and Carlton Cole. Meaning we would have to buy any two of Adriano, Tevez, Torres, Bojinov, Kuyt, or Kalou, who, if you believe the other rumors, is on his way for 3 million.

Can you imagine if we made a quick double signing and introduced Ballack, Tevez and Adriano at the same press confrence? I, and every manager in England would immediately need a change of underwear

van Nistlerooy to Chelsea-I'm all for that.

First thing I thought reading all your reply's was, why don't we sign more than one of those strikers but Chelsea will be lucky to get even one of them.

By the way BlueBalla, why does your sig have a Manchester United logo on it. It's unusual for people to like to big teams in the same league when it comes to soccer.

Socrates, they debunked this suspiciously bull-sh*t sounding rumor on another forum I belong to. The press didnt bother to mention Salgado was talking about the summer of 2003, when first Roman bought the club. Back then the alternative was Melchiot. Now obviouisly its a very different story. I trust Ferreira far more than I would Salgado. Hasnt he fallen to third in the RB pecking order at Madrid?


Thanks for clearing that up, first thing that came to my mind was the rumors that we would switch two players but now it makes a lot more sense. Salgado is second in our order of RB's, Caro does not use Diogo much and when he has its been as a DM.

G14 and UEFA working in harmony........ :kader:

http://www.chelsea.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=18508

Its based on the last 5 years - and your awful european record is costing you.

ps hope you enjoy the final :ewan:

let see whether gallas will choose money over everything else... (H)

Its based on the last 5 years - and your awful european record is costing you.

ps hope you enjoy the final :ewan:

Dont give me that bollocks. If you believe that, then you are thicker than i thought you were. Its funny how the rules get re- written to suit aint it? It is called the CHAMPIONS LEAGUE and originally the seeds were the CHAMPIONS from every league in Europe. Now that Chelsea win the league every year, the rules go out of the window, and the G14 boys get seeded.

Oh and i will enjoy the final . I will so enjoy seeing Barca wipe the floor with your overated crappy little team. Compared to them, Arsenal are a joke you mug.

eddy....Gallas has no choice in what he is gonna do. he has one year left on his contract and the only way he can leave is to buy himself out for five million quid. Jose wont sell him so if Gallas wants to go, he is going to have to pay for the privilige.

Actually today, Silvio Burlusconi stated that Gallas could be part of a swap plus money deal, in exchange for Shevchenko who, according to Burlusconi, does want to come to England to play after having his wage demands turned down by Milan.Crespo returning to Milan will also pave the way for Sheva to come to Stamford Bridge. Sheva + Ballack + Tevez sounds good to me. Sad if Billy does go but it certainly aint the end of the world is it?

http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=386747&CPID=21&clid=120&lid=4161&title=Silvio+in+Shevchenko+slip

more on Gallas

http://edition.cnn.com/2006/SPORT/football/05/12/england.gallas/index.html

how about gallas+crespo for sheva? :ewan:

Damn...I just heard on the radio news, a statement by Shevchenko. he said that he cannot hide it from the Milan fans any longer, and that he intends to move to England next season. He added that contract details could not be reached between Milan and himself. He added that his decision has nothing to do with money, because he already has more money than he knows what to do with. He said he wants to move to England for private family reasons so thats what he is going to do.....Looks like its happening guys....hahahahahahaahhaaha........yes :rockman:

I'm looking for this story on the news sites. As yet there is nothing. Possibly because the statement was only 5 minutes ago.

Gazzetta already reported it...

http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Squadre/Milan/Primo_Piano/2006/05_Maggio/12/berlusconi.shtml

What the hell. What a crazy ass day this has been. First the Gallas news that hit me like a sack of bricks and ruined my morning. Now this

Its based on the last 5 years - and your awful european record is costing you.

ps hope you enjoy the final :ewan:
p.s. I hope you win the final. Or else your reputation of being Euro chokers will never leave you. You know, that reputation which was only reinforced by the fact that we achieved more in 2 years of being in Europe than you had in HALF A CENTURY

gooner muppet ( :ewan: )
let see whether gallas will choose money over everything else... (H)
He isnt about money and thats why he is first class. Kenyon, that fat bald bastard shouldve made it a priority to lock gallas up for good a LONG LONG time ago. And now, he feels less than appreciated and wants a new challenge. If its between us selling him for some paltry fee to Milan and having him for one more year, keep him. A year of Billy Gallas is priceless.


I still think the Shevchenko stuff is a bunch of crap. Sorry, but after all he's said about being a Milanista for life, I find it pretty hard to believe he really wants a move out

By the way BlueBalla, why does your sig have a Manchester United logo on it. It's unusual for people to like to big teams in the same league when it comes to soccer.
Its unusual to support two big teams period.

You missed alot since you last posted. The sig was part of that

Now that Chelsea win the league every year, the rules go out of the window, and the G14 boys get seeded.

More of your "g14 stopped us winning the cl" whining bollocks.

I will so enjoy seeing Barca wipe the floor with your overated crappy little team.

What , like they did to Chelsea ?

G14 this, G14 that, stop finding excuses Pede.

G14 this, G14 that, stop finding excuses Pede.

Let him make an idiot of himself , yet again. I love it personally.

i aint got nothing on you wanker

Tom ...wise up and stop acting so naive mate. Scenes in Italy right now proove that widespread corruption in football is NOT all conspiracy theory. So no matter how you want to avoid the subject, it is a fact of life. Are you seriously telling me that Arsenal reached the final because they are such a wonderful footballing side? Do me a favour, dont be a mug. You and Tracerdong do not make a good couple.

(yawn), pull the other one Pede.

Arsenal got to the final cos they bought all the games and everything, TOTALLY agree that Real would let that happen wouldnt they... oh wait...

The Italian scandal threatens to overspill into other European clubs, including the EPL. That was a statement made today by the investigating officer in charge of the Serie A scandal. I can't wait to see who he might be talking about. I am really going to love this. The s.h.i.t is about to hit the fan boys.........love it :rockman:

yes, for Juve. I love how you've kindly swept your Arsenal comment under the carpet.

Maybe the Real defenders let Henry through, yes, that must be it.

Hey guys check out my new sig !!!

im gonna edit that...

im gonna edit that...

:jap:

Let him make an idiot of himself , yet again. I love it personally.
Irony

why do you bother posting, you embarrassment?

or are you going to ignore me like a coward again?

Arsenal got to the final cos they bought all the games and everything, TOTALLY agree that Real would let that happen wouldnt they... oh wait...
easy tom, we all know arsenal got to the final by scoring a niggly goal against a shoddy defense and then sitting on an aggregate lead in the second leg with a hoof and chase style that would bring a tear to the eye of Mourinho or Benitez

http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/3987/g146ni.jpg

The conspiracy theories. (H)

http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/3987/g146ni.jpg

Haha. Nice. (H)

thats the proof that bloody kids have taken over the forums. Playground mentality. What a shame. There used to actually be intelligent people posting on these forums, now we get kids getting excited over a sig. hahahahahahahaaaaa

Pete, just leave the conspiracy theories at the door

Arsenal were lucky, we were **** and we deserve to be out. Thats all there is to it. If these clubs continue to find an easy time of it my mind might be swayed, but until then we need to get the job done ourselves in Europe before we can point at the refs or whoever else. So far, we havent. Shouldve beat Monaco, shouldve beat Liverpool, shouldve done better against Barca.

Omar, I've never said we deserved any more than we got. In fact if you go back to the Chelsea /Barca thread, you will see that i said the best team won over the 2 legs. The G14 thing had nothing whatsoever to do with our CL exit. That is just something that these morons decided to put together after i bought up G14 for an entirely different reason. This is their way of creating a smokescreen for their complete lack of intelligent argument. Thats why i do not refer to, or indeed answer to, anything that they might post about G f.u.c.king 14. Its my own fault really for attempting to have an in depth conversation with no brainers. So i dont bother any more. I just sit back and watch them suffer in pain. Its more fun that way......... :rofl:

ah Pete, you know im only having a laugh. I just dont understand your seemingly blindfolded hatred of the G14 clubs, and these conspiracy theories you have. Sometimes, i think you know so much about football, but then you come out with a pearler such as Arsenals run to the CL final being set-up, and then you sound like a 12yr old kid unable to understand why his favourite team has just lost.

OK, you asked for this.....its a bit heavy but......

I was a Chelsea fan before Chelsea became a business OK?

I have an inbred hatred of Business to be honest. I am a socialist, an "old school" Socialist. I have strong principles. I absolutely detest capitalism therefore, i detest any organisation that promotes capitalism. Even though i have enough of it, I dislike money. Yes I do, wierd as that might sound to people. I dislike what money does and what people will do to get it. I am a dying breed within this greedy immoral and degenerate society, i realise that. I have lived long enough to witness much corruption in all quarters of life to know one thing. Where there is money, there is corruption and immorality. Those 3 ingredients dictate life in this day and age. Society has evolved into one of triviality. People are driven by a selfish desire for oneself. The important things in life now seem to be money,flash car, flash house, an unexplainable, almost hysterical infatuation for something as trivial as a mobile phone and the wonders that it can do. Society is shallow and insular....Heavy huh?

I was a football fan when it was just a game, a sport. To see how it has evolved is disheartening to me. At the same time though, i am still a Chelsea supporter. Thats something I just cannot do anything about. I do not agree with the aggressive way that my club now moves. At the same time, I still enjoy the success my club might have. After all its still my club. Sounds hypocritical? Not really.

I have said many times that i would never EVER want Chelsea to join an organisation like G14. They are typical of the sort of organisation that i detest. UEFA are another, and FIFA are another. The entire football world is run on backhanders and bribery and elitism. I dont want my club to be part of that. I can't do anything about it of course but just continue to support my team. Thats not to say that i agree with the way the club is run. Those are two completely different things. I will still be a Chelsea fan if the bubble bursts tomorrow. I dont hate other teams who's clubs may be in G14. I do think there must be another way to combat the greed of UEFA and FIFA without forming yet another similar organisation though. Fans of G14 clubs take any detrimental comment about G14 very personally though, as if they themselves are actually a part of their clubs involvement. I never critisize the teams or the players or the fans, but i do single out the clubs, because its the clubs who keep organisations like G14 alive. Why defend it when in reality, we know that its just another moneysucking organisation for a select few.

I have never used any conspiracy theory as an excuse for Chelsea failures. That is an assumption made by others. Of course G14, UEFA and FIFA are corrupt. Only a fool would say otherwise. There is much evidence to support this as we all know. Most people just raise their eyebrows at the stink and then forget about it, and if you happen to support a club that might benefit from these shenanagins, then you are more likely to want to close your eyes to the truth. Thats what i mean when i say that morality makes way for selfish desire. Thats an example of the way people think nowadays. I am a cynic. I distrust everything. I know what is right and what is wrong and i do not support anything that compromises my beliefs or my principles.

Thats it really. Simple and in a nutshell.......... :funny:

EDIT: Anything i might say about the Arse does not count. They are the one club that, for many reasons, i have always despised. That is not to say i despise all their fans though. Although i dont have any time for the tossers of course. ( you know who you are).......hehehehehe

Love you too Pede >_>

so there you go, you admit your opinion is utterly biased, why on earth then, do you expect anyone to believe what you say about the G14 clubs...

so there you go, you admit your opinion is utterly biased, why on earth then, do you expect anyone to believe what you say about the G14 clubs...

Jeez....my critisism is not directed at the teams, players or fans. It is directed at the clubs and G14. My only bias is that i do not agree or support an organisation that is corrupt and unprincipled, or indeed any club thats chooses to be a member of an organisation like that.

You, as a Liverpool fan, have just demonstrated that what i believe is true. You refuse to condemn G14 because that will mean that you would have to critisize your club, and thats something that you just cant bring yourself to do. At least be open to the possibility that G14 COULD be corrupt.

Dreath....you are one of the good guys mate....... (Y)

oh Pede, how little you know about me, you really think im so obsessed with Liverpool i cant see the light (H).

If anything, i dont really support anyone, my favoured clubs are Liverpool, Valencia, Tottenham, Chelsea, Rotherham, Milwall, Huddersfield and Barcelona. Always have been, always will.

Open to the possibility? Pete, i lose count of the amount of times you've actually said the G14 are so corrupt, that if you were to say it in some official publication, it could actually be classed as libel it was that apparent. I just think you need to watch your language when you get so uptight about these "annoyancies" of yours, its fine explaining it all now, but tomorrow you'll be at it again; G14 this, G14 that..

actually if you notice, Its always someone else who always mentions G14 first. Obviously because people assume that i will react to it. Which i dont, so then they tend to keep mentioning it. It is used towards me in place of healthy argument, usually because the point i might be trying to make is not to their liking.

As for libelous statements.....let them sue me, I should worry.

not to their liking? but in the other thread, you said we should only make comments about controversial subjects based on facts, so how come you are happily making comments (usually inflamatory towards certain members) that are your own opinions of the G14 teams, that are devoid of ANY statistical proof and are pure hearsay?

Im not having a go, but every post you do seems to contradict another when you were in a SLIGHTLY different mood.

It just seems we cannot win, because whatever we do, we cant have a proper conversation (any of us with you) because you will always take the other side so as to make yourself look superior, when, you simply cant answer a straight question.

EDIT - but of course, im probably just too young and naive to understand it all right Pete?

I dont remember saying anything like that but, if you say so.

well i'm glad we cleared that up then mate........ (Y)

Dont know if you guys have read this or not but I read that supposedly you guys made a nice offer for Joaquin which most likely no one else will match. :chew: Dont know why you would want Joquin when you have J. Cole and SWP but just a rumor that I thought you guys would be interested in hearing.

FULHAM SET FOR G-14
London club will join group as an observer

London club Fulham have been accepted by the G-14 to join as observers starting July 2006. Fulham were invited to the group by London neighbors Arsenal.

Fulham boss Chris Coleman is said to be delighted by the news while chairman Mohamed Al-Fayed was on holiday and unable to be reached. "I think it's just great for the club, we're the biggest club in Fulham, there is very little doubt about that." said huge defender Zat Knight, an England international.

"It's great to have two London clubs in the G-14," said Arsenal's Peter Hill-Wood. "It's a football city, and should have good representation."

Rumours say that a second club may join FFC as observers, with signs pointing to French upstarts Lille.

- Fulham members site

I was a Chelsea fan before Chelsea became a business OK?

Never really saw you about much then though did we :ewan:

'cos you were probably still sucking on your mummy's tit pal....... :ewan:

'cos you were probably still sucking on your mummy's tit pal....... :ewan:

bringing maturity to a whole new level eh Pete.

Just coming down to Ebonix' level Tom. Maturity is the one thing that this forum lacks.

And whats it with you constantly digging me out anyway. Is it a brotherly mod thing or is it a Liverscum thing?

Liverscum? Brotherly Modding? Pete, you're 40 (i think) and you're coming down to our level?

If you really are as mature, upstanding and world-reary as you say, then why bother taking the trip down to our imaturity-ridden way of posting then?

They say the art of being a teacher is never to come down to the kids level, and seeing as you like to preach so much like the former, why on earth do you indeed do the latter?

Because Tom, you all seem to enjoy it so much :funny:

Actually the art of a good teacher IS to come down to the level of the pupils. How else will they ever understand anything?

ah yes you're right, when kids start throwing paper aeroplanes around the class, we should too. (Y)

How was I being immature? I was purely stating that I never saw much of you previous to Chelsea's influx of money. I am beginning to think you can be your own worst enemy sometimes Pede.

Tom,Thats it mate. You've got it now...... (Y)

and you ignored Liam's post... wow, maybe teachers should also ignore what people say too!

I swear, i should write the handbook on how to become a "good" teacher.

How was I being immature? I was purely stating that I never saw much of you previous to Chelsea's influx of money. I am beginning to think you can be your own worst enemy sometimes Pede.

So because I never graced the soccer forum before 2003, thats enough to suggest that I am NOT a lifelong fan of Chelsea? Is Soccergaming the center of the Universe or something? Dont be so silly Ebomix.

You have a dig at me, get owned, and then come back all " holier than thou". I read you like a book mate even if others do not.

Now if you want to start a thread to carry this stupid argument on, then do so. This thread is the CHELSEA thread, for anything Chelsea. It is not a thread about me ok? So do all of us Chelsea fans a favour and stop hi jacking the thread for your own personal pleasure. You are littering up the thread with garbage and i'm sure I am not alone when i say that this is not what a team thread is for. Thank you .

and you ignored Liam's post... wow, maybe teachers should also ignore what people say too!

I swear, i should write the handbook on how to become a "good" teacher.


Nah...you just didn't give me time to reply to both of you. I can only type one reply at a time.Now read the above and comply please. Thanks

you really cant argue/debate/discuss/talk to save your life can you Pete.

"I'm right, and whatever anyone says, im still right"

Cya :ewan:

Not with kids , thats a fact. See ya :ewan:

I am the best.

why do chelsea need ballack? i thought your central midfield was kinda complete...

A midfield player like that for free?....Why say no? The more options when it comes to formations and tactics the better. He's also good looking which is an important requisite needed to be a Chelsea player......and also a fan as well... :brow:

Aye Maniche is a right looker...

lol i guess i will be visiting this thread more often since my favourite player joined chelsea. :jap:

you really cant argue/debate/discuss/talk to save your life can you Pete.

"I'm right, and whatever anyone says, im still right"

Cya :ewan:

lol. pede is the one i doesn't want to deal with in SG forum, you know you never win :p. some how i feel blueballa is better to deal with

With that English of yours i recomend you to avoid dealing with anyone in the forum mate. More joy and less paranoy should make it for ya.

I heard on sky sports that Ballack will have the #13 shirt currently worn by William Gallas :brow:

I heard on sky sports that Ballack will have the #13 shirt currently worn by William Gallas :brow:


yea he will

So how would you guys arrange Chelsea's midfield now that Ballack is at the club?

---------------------Makelele------------------------

Cole----------Essien---------Lampard----------Robben

---------------------Ballack--------------------------


I've always preferred Robben over Duff even though I really like Duff :(

A midfield player like that for free?....Why say no? The more options when it comes to formations and tactics the better. He's also good looking which is an important requisite needed to be a Chelsea player......and also a fan as well... :brow:

the thing is that lampard, ballack, essien and makelele are 1st eleven quality players all four. I doubt any of them would want to spend time on the bench. So then Chelsea might be forced to three central midfielders (one more offensive probably), and let's face it, it's not there you really need more power, is it? Free or not: Chelsea got serious luxery problems in the midfield and I think players will leave if they don't get enough playingtime.

DAM U CHELSEA!!! d am you guys are becoming a really really real force now with the signing of ballack...and with the prospect of sheva going to stamford bridge aswell.....dam
owell goodluck to ballack

i think this is how the lineup will be i nthe midfield


Essien/Makelele

Ballack--------------Lampard

Cole-------------------------------------Robben

Striker

i think this is how the lineup will be i nthe midfield


-----------------------Essien/Makelele

-------------------Ballack--------------Lampard

---------Cole-------------------------------------Robben

----------------------------Striker

PS sorry for the double post made a mistake and forgot to edit :)

lol. pede is the one i doesn't want to deal with in SG forum, you know you never win :p. some how i feel blueballa is better to deal with


Ah c'mon man. I might be opinionated and I might like a heated discussion, but if the argument is a reasonable one i am capable of giving it consideration. I have no problem admitting when i'm wrong. It just that i'm not wrong very often.......hehehehehee......Nah i'm just kidding....I'm kidding :funny:

I give as good as I get thats all. If someone wants to have a dig at me then they know what to expect. There are many sane normal people on these forums that I converse quite calmly with. It's the tossers looking for an argument that i have no time for. I've seen your posts ngyc, you dont strike me as being a tosser at all mate........ (Y)

Ballack can have whatever shirt he wants. As long as he does the business. I shouldn't think Billy cares what number is on his shirt as long as he gets to play next to JT. Chelsea won't let Billy go even if he wants to. He has one more year on his contract and Chelsea will make sure that he honours that contract, whether Billy boy likes it or not. Personally i think that if he wants to go, then let him go. Who needs a player who would rather be somewhere else?

Posted this at the rumours thread, thought you might be interested:

http://www.soccergaming.tv/showpost.php?p=2057168&postcount=116

Personally I think he's already yours... and you're getting a hell of a player...

Yea Tevez is a monster, if Chelsea do get Tevez then Crespo is def gone. But is it true that Crespo is really leaving or is it just a rumor?

Wouldn't Crespo be involved in a supposed Sheva transfer? A Tevez-Sheva partnership would be quite scary...

All season we thought that Hernan was just timewasting until his move back to Italy. He didn't really look or play as if he was very commited at all. Then on the day we won the Premier League Championship AGAIN, Hernan was shown on TV hugging the trophy, and the guy was in tears. He was unashamedly crying with joy. In that interview he stated that this was the greatest day of his life, and he admitted that he only realised at that very moment, how much affection he held for Chelsea. He said that as the season wore on he felt the love towards him from the other players. He said they all made him feel like they were brothers. With tears streaming down his face he said that although he had been waiting to go back to Italy, he no longer wanted to leave Chelsea, " I want to stay" he said.

Now I put all that down to the emotion of the day and the fact that this was Hernans first time ever of winning a Championship. Then we hear that Hernan went to see Jose a couple of days later, and pleaded with him to be able to stay. We know that Hernans apparant lack of commitment through the season pissed Jose off somewhat. We knew that at the end of the season that Jose was going to let him leave Chelsea. Now, we do not know what the end is to the story. Did Jose listen to Hernans pleading or, had he already decided that Hernan was out. At this moment we still do not know.

There are rumours that Hernan will be part of the deal to bring Sheva to Chelsea. Then I hear that Jose would like to see Sheva and Crespo together at Chelsea. Jose has said that the asking price for Tevez is way too much and Chelsea will not pay it. Rumours abound that Drog is moving on too. The whole striker situation for next season remains unclear at this time. Once the wheeling and dealing in the closed season is complete, then is the time that we will know for sure who is going and who is staying. At this time, only Jose alone knows what will be happening. The newspapers dont know. Nor do the fans. So we just have to wait i guess.

Just heard that Billy has met with Milan, has agreed terms and had a medical. IF thats true, then it looks like he is on his way out as part of the deal for Shevchenko.

Also Jose has offered Portuguese goalkeeper Henrique "Hilario" Sampaio of Portuguese side Nacional, a chance to come to Chelsea as 3rd goalkeeper behind Cech and Carlo. He is out of contract and will move to Chelsea on a Bosman free transfer. He is 30 years old and the deal is for 2 years.

Plenty of stories reporting that Drogba wants a move to Italy, preferably Milan. He is quoted as saying that he doesn't like the role he has to play at Chelsea, in particular, tracking back and defending. He also said he doesn't like being used as a battering ram????? Dont know if this has anything to do with the abuse he has recieved this season regarding his " antics" on the field or not. Maybe he feels that after 2 seasons here, that the EPL is too tough for him. He wouldn't be the first. He will probably end up back in France i would think.

So if Sheva comes, thats one striker. If Hernan goes to, then i expect we will go for Tevez who is desperate to come, but that deal is being put on ice until the price drops a little.

Regarding the Roberto Carlos thing. It is possible that he is using us as pawn in his efforts to send a message to the incoming bosses at Madrid. Basically, " Give me a deal or Chelsea will get me". He would not be the first to use Chelsea in this way. I doubt that he will be the last either.

Regarding the Roberto Carlos thing. It is possible that he is using us as pawn in his efforts to send a message to the incoming bosses at Madrid. Basically, " Give me a deal or Chelsea will get me". He would not be the first to use Chelsea in this way. I doubt that he will be the last either.

I am pretty sure the new boss will tell him to leave as a lot of suppporters want a new LB for next season and Carlos has said that after 10 years he wants a new challenge. I think he will leave this summer but I dont think it will be to Chelsea.

So Gallas will go to Milan?:( I want him damn it.

i expect we will go for Tevez who is desperate to come, but that deal is being put on ice until the price drops a little.

That would take a little while... he's got 4 more years on his contract, and a rescinding fee is thought to be around U$100M.

A Corinthians spokesperson quoted something like 60 million pounds, yeah, but I dont expect thats anything more than the opening salvo in this transfer battle

Like Lyon telling us last year that Essien would cost 40 million or whatever it was


I agree that Carlos isnt coming. Remember last week Salgado had supposedly rejected Chelsea too :rolleyes: Forgive my skepticism but, even Carlos has said that "he has heard Chelsea are after him" from his agent. Hardly reputable

If thats true Pete, then goodbye and thank you to Gallas. I really cant believe he is gone, but I have to believe Jose and Kenyon tried everything to keep him. They wouldve been complete fools not to. But I am glad he chose Milan out of all teams (Y) (no offense socrates)

Billy Gallas: Chelsea Legend
http://i.wp.pl/a/f/pjpeg/8442/07gallas_smutek.jpg

we will never replace a player like him. Total class, total heart, and it was blue all over :(

Yeah Omar, shame Kenyon stalled on giving him a better deal sooner. That said, if Billy really wanted to stay, then he would have stayed. I guess he really does fancy a move. Even if he is going to be part of the deal for Sheva, he is still gonna be sorely missed by all of us.

Shame about Arsenal tonight huh?...........WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA :rofl:

Shame about Arsenal tonight huh?...........WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA :rofl:

English pride eh.

Mind you, two British players in the final (H)

English pride eh.

Mind you, two British players in the final (H)
And one Belarussian :lui: !!!

English pride eh.

Mind you, two British players in the final (H)

Same as Liverpool (H)

(no offense socrates)


Oh none taken, now that Gallas is off, Carvalho will not be for sale eh? Ah well someone else will come up for us ( hope its not Chivu ).

Same as Liverpool (H)

not quite, but not far off.

Imagine if they hadve started Flammini and Senderos as was thought, eh?

Oh none taken, now that Gallas is off, Carvalho will not be for sale eh? Ah well someone else will come up for us ( hope its not Chivu).
I think if Chivu and Milan are smart they will realize they are best for eachother. Milan Lab will probably keep him healthier than ever and let him realize the super stardom his talent can garner. Thats just my two cents.

As it is, Gallas looks set for Milan, and Carvalho looks set to stay, so I dont really know where that would leave Madrid. Ive heard Cris might be available...

Clearout time....... :boohoo:
http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=388576&CPID=8&clid=8&lid=4163&title=Chelsea+open+to+Eidur+offers

Damnit. I dont want Eidur to go. The guy bleeds blue and his is useful all over the park. Cant put a price on loyalty or adaptability

That article talks about losing Johno, Pidge, Carlton and Huthie too. Now with C. Cole and Johno I can see the point. Theyre just not using the chances they have (few as they are) and they need a career jumpstart. But Pidge is a decent third option, so while id rather he stay, I can see his rationale for leaving

But Huth? Cmon :nape: Mourinho talks about how Gallas is standing in his way? The same Gallas thats hiring interior designers in Milan? Huthie is excellent and still young. More minutes and the tuitledge of JT and Carvalho could make him realize his full potential

And since Brum have been relegated, would anyone else like to see Mika come back for a third tour to replace Carlton? The guy has proven he can score at this level, and would be cheap. In my opinion, reacquiring him could be win win

sounds sensible to me Omar. Yep Forsell might well be a very astute buy. He has matured a lot since we last had him. He is a seasoned striker now as well having been first choice for Brum for the last couple of seasons. Good shout mate. Do I think Jose has considered it?....I doubt it mate.

It looks like Huth is the one who wants to leave.

http://home.skysports.com/worldcup/article.asp?hlid=389412&CPID=4&clid=357&lid=4163&title=Huth+admits+Chelsea+impatience

Has Huthie not put two and two together? Less Gallas = more PT for him. In any event, he has been a liability at times. If he really wants to take off that badly, get him a loan deal, but even a permanent move I wont sweat too much. I dont think he will go though

And I hope Jose considers Mika. He hasnt been given an adequate chance since we first sent him on loan where he embarrassed us with how prolific he was at Brum. He could be a really cheap acquisition, and I have a feeling we will be looking at a very different forward core in August, so I dont think it would hurt

Update on the leftback situation: Roberto Carlos is going to make us wait ( :rolleyes: )

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/5013714.stm

here is the kicker for me

"I hope I get a reply from Madrid to re-negotiate my deal, if not I'm going to look for somewhere else."

if he is so willing to talk publicly about a new deal in place from Chelsea which will pay him until he is freaking 36(!!!!) then why all the mulling over for an extra year in Madrid? Why, you ask, does this seemingly past it defender stalling over putting pen to paper on such a lucerative deal just waiting for him?

Why? Because the deal doesnt exist. Im almost willing to stake my life on it

This has all the trappings of agent-motivated smoke and mirrors. Contract is ending, he wants another despite saying he would leave, so he cries our name to get the green. Obviously we've seen it before, but I dont know why people cant see through it. Only on cfcnet are posters as clarvoyant enough to dismiss this as being a load of crap. Everyone else seems to be biting their fingernails, hoping he wont show up, which gives me cause to doubt my own certainty

And we get a Shevchenko verdict tomorrow. I love the guy to death, but lets hope he is staying at Milan. We need to make our own legends here. I think in 4 months, we will have one when he gets off the plane from Brazil. Lets hope

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40600000/jpg/_40600555_tevez203x270_2.jpg
(Y)

Have em both I say :)

Damn straight

Now that Sheva is essetially on his way (touch wood: Gerrard was "on his way" two years ago, I realize) I hope we dont lose sight of Tevez.

Sheva is the worlds best, yes, but he is 30. Tevez is still, what, 23? It would be a cruel irony if Milan bought him with our Money, but hopefully the Abramovich-Berlusconi connection means we wont be fighting over him.

If we lose both Drogba and Crespo, who the hell knows what could happen

cech
ferreira, terry, carvalho, gallas, del horno
essien, makelele, lampard, robben, cole, swp, ballack, duff, geremi, diarra
gudjohnson, drogba, shevchenko, crespo

granted that some of the above may leave next year, but my goodness, you guys should be embarrassed to have that much talent. and here's the thing, a lot of your key players are team players and are guys that any team would welcome. very, very scary.

Well, this certainly means Gallas is going :(

I doubt Gallas is leaving, he's your best defender! He has no real weakness. It'll certainly help our cause though.

I doubt Gallas is leaving, he's your best defender! He has no real weakness. It'll certainly help our cause though.
He is as good as gone.

We all love Billy but he wants out. Why?.....Fu<k knows. Thats his business I guess. The club offered him what he wanted but he turned it down. Thats life. We will miss him for sure but we'll replace him with someone else and that will be the end of that. Life goes on. I hope he's made the right decision for his own sake and I wish him good luck and goodbye.

Sheva to Chelsea....I never thought he would do it, but he has. We need this. Now if we can get Tevez as well, I think that will do for now.......... :funny:

Sheva to Chelsea....I never thought he would do it, but he has. We need this. Now if we can get Tevez as well, I think that will do for now.......... :funny:

greedy pede :rolleyes: (6)

i actually believe that chelsea is going down... with all thiz superstars...
:chew:

Says the Madridista :rofl:


This is how I see the team shaping up next year for a 4-3-3

-------------Cech
--Paulo--Terry--Carvalho--Bridge (back from Fulham)
-----------Makelele
-----Ballack----Lamps
-Cole----------------Robben
----------sheva


but where does that leave the second team?

1. Gallas is practically in Milan
2. Crespo is doubtful about resigning and could be used to exchange with Crespo as a makeweight
3. Gudjohnsen is mulling his future over
4. Huth is now being chased by Wigan: why were selling him I dont know
5. Duff has lost alot of confidence
6. Del Horno is a Madrid target (thanks, but good riddance)
7. Spurs (???) are supposedly after Carlton. Lord only knows why
8 Maniche is gone, thank god

That leaves SWP, Essien, Drogba, Geremi, Diarra and Cudicinni confirmed to return. Thats it. Our depth would be in tatters if we dont know make moves to recover. So here, for everyones edification, is my ideal offseason plan

Wingers
I feel it important to mention here that Duff should be retained, and should be played more centrally as he does for Ireland. I think he can bust out of his funk this year and have a real comeback season, but he shouldnt be restricted like Jose's system does to him. Same goes for Joey, especially if we lean to a 4-4-2 more often

CB
I would say extend Billy Gallas for life as priority number one, but since he is gone, I thank him for a great many years of service. If he can be convinced to see out his contract with us, do it, because one more year of him would be worth every penny. But if not, we need a CB, and if Huth leaves, we need two, preferrably young ones.

John Woodgate might be had for crumbs and is a quality defender if he can stay healthy.
Cristoph Metzelder is another name I would like to see us enquire about
Steven Taylor is a guy who has been impressive lately, and is both young and Premiership ready. Newcastle would probably be pretty reluctant, though

If Arsenal werent our mortal enemies id be all in for Kolo

LB
There is a simple solution here. Sell Del Horno to Madrid when Carlos leaves, stay the hell away from Carlos, recall Wayne Bridge from loan, and promote Jonas Elmer on occasion
(Y)

Forward
All signs point to us having Sheva, and that is fantastic. Its going to be expensive, but for 4-5 years of his ability, id pay whatever.

The trouble comes with Crespo. We could offer him as part exchange, but Milan can sign him for nothing now. We have tabled an offer, and he should let us know soon enough.

Drogba is being courted by Lyon of all teams. If hes really tired of the criticism in England, and if Lyon really will pay 20m for him, then thank you for the service

With all the Sheva chasing, we are losing sight of Tevez, which is a huge mistake. When he shows how good he is in the world cup (im hoping he bombs and we get him cheap :p ) then every team in Europe will be after him. We can pry him from a club like Corinthians, but it will be harder to get him from somewhere like Inter. So lets do it now for god's sake

On top of that, resign Guddy and end the speculation. He is invaluable and adaptable, and more importantly, he bleeds blue. To fill the fourth spot (which isnt really needed, so we can be flexible) ive mentioned signing Mika Forssel from Brum since theyve been relegated. If Carlton is really history, and for his career's sake I hope he is, we can either sign Forssel or promote Sinclair. Carlton played virtually no minutes this year, and considering we would have Sheva, Crespo/Drogba (I assume we will keep one), Guddy in front of him, I dont think it would be too much of a problem

So my team for next year is

Cech, Cudicinni

Terry, Carvalho, Huth, Woodgate? Ferreira, Geremi, Bridge, Elmer

Lampard, Makelele, Ballack, Essien, Diarra

Wright-Phillips, Duff, Robben, Cole

Shevchenko, Crespo/Drogba Gudjohnsen, Forssel

Every summer we're playing the same guessing game, and its becoming fantasy football. I almost wish Shevchenko wasnt coming because of the circus this has caused

Interesting post.

I think it is too early to speculate on line-ups, etc. To be honest I have no idea what Mourinho is going to do, but I don't think we will play a 4-3-3 next season. The options though look limitless. We could play a narrow 4-4-2 with Ballack, Essien, Lampard running riot with Makelele behind them, or play wide with either two being dropped for Duff, Robben, Cole or SWP. Crespo and Shevchenko could play upfront and be a lethal combination, or we could play Shevchenko off Drogba, who can win balls down and feed Shevchenko. Gudjohnsen could play a link-up role and play deep.

I think there are only a few certainties next season.
Cech will start.
Terry will start.
Makelele will be fased out for Ballack and Diarra over the course of the season.
Lampard will start.
Shevchenko will start.

Oh and there are some others.
Maniche is gone.
Carlton Cole is destined to be a neverbeen (not a hasbeen)

If Gallas wasnt so hell bent on leaving, then we wouldnt really need to sign anyone, but its interesting to see that we may be bringing in Kalou from Feyenoord, although I would rather Tevez.

Anyway the musts for Chelsea now
- Get Shevchenko done and dusted before it turns into another Steven Gerrard
- Keep Gallas at all costs
- Keep Gudjohnsen at all costs.

greedy pede :rolleyes: (6)

i actually believe that chelsea is going down... with all thiz superstars...
:chew:


Yup we are going down Dante.....DOWN IN HISTORY :rockman:

Maybe Chelsea will play attacking football next year ! 35 million for Sheva is a lot though , still not like you guys can't afford it.

Kalou is certain to be loaned out, he's a great striker but if Andriey is coming, it's almost certain he's going to be loaned out.


Dellie boy for R. Carlos? R. Carlos is too old, and will be just another benchwarmer, just get Bridge back occasionaly start him.

I also watched FSWR on FSC, and they reported that AC Milan want $38,000,000 USD, thats only 20,000,000 GBD and 29,829,810.00 EUR

A bargain, an absolute bargain.

Tracer.....We already play attacking football man. 72 goals in the EPL last season. Thats the same as Man U scored and 4 more than Arsenal managed. I know its not all about goals scored, but teams play Chelsea a certain way that stifles any attacking instinct.
Any team who goes out to attack for 90 minutes, whoever they might be facing, are a team doomed to failure. Its a game of strategy as much as anything else, and tactics have to be adjusted to suit. You have to score goals to win the league, and to score goals you have to attack. You also need to be able to defend as well. What happens at both ends of the pitch are as important as each other.

A bargain, an absolute bargain.

Tracer.....We already play attacking football man. 72 goals in the EPL last season. Thats the same as Man U scored and 4 more than Arsenal managed. I know its not all about goals scored, but teams play Chelsea a certain way that stifles any attacking instinct.
Any team who goes out to attack for 90 minutes, whoever they might be facing, are a team doomed to failure. Its a game of strategy as much as anything else, and tactics have to be adjusted to suit. You have to score goals to win the league, and to score goals you have to attack. You also need to be able to defend as well. What happens at both ends of the pitch are as important as each other.

Do you think you will playing 4-4-2 next year though ?

Would be a possibility i hope. You are right though, with a striker like Sheva I would think the formations would be a little more attack minded. I still think Jose will be a bit cautious though.