Well it’s been one of the best few months at Chelsea winning the amazing unexpected double. Now we have a squad without a gaffa or a drog :(

I just cant imagine the old guard without Drog, Lamps or Terry. The other old guarders such as; Malouda, Kalou, Essien and Ferreira or Bosingwa... will also leave im hoping... That means a lot of changes should be on its way..lol..

Anyway now im just waiting to see what happens with RDM... for me its either him or Guardiola and as we know Guardiola is taking a sabbatical.

- So that means we already have a manager for at least another year??? Is there anyone else in the market???

- Who will replace Drogba??? will we go for another powerhouse or someone completely diffrernt to change the style we have been playing since Mourinho???

- I see at least three big signings followed with a few good bargains like Marin, Bruyne

Anyway want to see what other fans think???

PS: Its my first post :/

There is, as always, a 1000-comment limit in place. Also, as usual, politics, religion or any of the big flamewar-starters are off limits. More off-limits topics are anything too racy, or violent. Remember, there are lots of young'uns on the site, so pretend you're speaking to a bunch of teenagers. Not too dirty, but you shouldn't feel restricted to being totally clean either. Not that you can't discuss "adult" things, but do take them elsewhere!

Since normal service has been resumed, regarding the 1000-comment limit, I'm not going to put it back to 500, which is easy to hit in a day, and this reduces the chance of more drawn-out conversations being ruined by a sudden comment spree. I've called this one Safe Haven because the OT Thread has become something of a safe haven from the storm brewing elsewhere on the site! This isn't a clean slate thread, so you can bring back any topic you like from the previous OT Threads, if you feel like you haven't finished with it.

We need a new topic. I choose... Waffles! It's not binding, though, so feel free to talk about anything you like!

Yay! 150+ words. Let the OT begin!!!

The original Intros thread has long since dropped off the front page, and was horribly cluttered, so I've made a new one, since ITV has brought us so many new members. I'm looking for something more permanent, which can be used as a reference and added to as needed.

Therefore, I just want whatever biographical info you're willing to share and nothing else. No comments on others bios, please! That way we can keep a good record of who are members are without all the information becoming lost in a pile of reactions!

You can converse about things here in the OT Thread to your hearts' content, but I will delete conversations from this one!

For those who are contributing, thank you! If you want to recycle your info from the old thread, feel free to copy it from the original thread here! I hope this is a useful thread where we can get to know who we really are!

Update: Bumped.

Take a look at this petition. Drogba deserves it. He's scored goals in both the FA Cup and Champions League final. He deserves it more than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi (who hasn't even won a major trophy this year). Lets make the journalist who vote for this award sit up and take notice.


http://www.change.org/petitions/those-who-vote-in-the-ballon-d-or-competition-award-didier-drogba-the-ballon-d-or

By now I think most people have already seen the summer's potential targets. While I hope Hulk and Moura - more than any of the others - find their way to London, I think we're in a more pressing situation at the RB position. Ivanovic has no real back up.

I saw the players mentioned who could be bought at this place, but I thought the names currently mentioned are all too big name to play second fiddle to Bane. This is my problem with getting players like Isla or VdW. They might be younger than him, but not really by much, just 3-4 years. Could lead to a Drogba/Torres situation all over again. Alternately, we can make Bane our second choice and get someone really big, but for some reason I don't see that happening.

Given he's 28 now, I figure we ought to be looking for someone who's around 21-22, so that in two/three years, he can really come into his own and be a leading RB. I looked into the Reserves and there's no one really there who jumps out, so I figure we ought to be buying someone.

Suggestions?

http://www.chelseafc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10268~2785353,00.html

From ChelseaFC.com, Drogba is officially leaving. Apologies if this is late but I would love to make a few comments on a brilliant 8 year service from Didier Drogba.

I remember when he first arrived, and his first touch wasn't smooth, his control seemed poor at times, but there were some moments of brilliance. I'm not sure if anyone expected him to turn out to be a legend for our beloved Chelsea FC. His goal to game ratio is far from superb, but the entire Chelsea system under Mourinho was based around him. He brought so much to the team, and designed a new way of playing as a 'target man'. Much like a DM position is referred to as the Makelele role, I hope football now has a Drogba role to refer to.

A collective thank you just doesn't seem enough, So I'd love to hear everyone's favourite Drogba moment (not including the CL win!).

To start, my favourite Drogba moment has to be his half volley on the spin against Everton. An absolutely beautiful goal!

Chelsea has a bright future ahead with all the young talent and the veterans we are going to have by the time there in the squad. Here is a look as to where I rank every individual (Including the signings I would make)
GK:
Petr Cech – In the second half of the season Cech has proven to be vital, and he’s here to stay. Cech is young for a keeper, and as long as he keeps his head on straight (if you... get what I mean) he has good years ahead of him in the blue of Chelsea.
Thibaut Courtios – There is a young lad who wants to take over as number 1 keeper at Chelsea, and this is that man. Courtois is not ready though as most can tell, and I want another loan as sitting on the bench would do nothing for his development. I wouldn’t be against another season at Atletico, but I would prefer premier league if we get the opportunity. Surely some premier league clubs will want him, and we should let him go there.
Ross Turnbull – Because of Cech, Ross has failed to really have impact. He’s good though, damn good, and would be a great back-up, but his contract runs out at the end of next season and wouldn’t want to renew it.
Hilario – Good 3rd choice, and with his contract running out at the end of next season, we should let Hilario spend another season here as 3rd choice and go back to Portugal next season, my as well have a 3rd choice that doesn’t need development.
Matej Delac – In the future, after some big club loans, he could be in our first team. We have got to remember in this position we have 3 players who could be major stars, they have to prove it now.
Jamal Blackman – Jamal is the 3rd possible future keeper. Proving what jaw-dropping ability he has in reserves and I think it’s time for a loan. This man will build his way up into a world-class player in my opinion.
Rhys Taylor – If the 3 with potential develop like we want them too, they wont want 2nd or 3rd choice, that’s where Taylor comes into things. I think he should go for a season loan and come back to take up the back-up spot with Turnbull and Hilario leaving, then watch out for development from there.
Sam Walker – Should leave this Summer, we don’t need him.
Mitchell Beeney – Havent seen too much of him, I would say develop him in reserves when he graduates and look at progress from there.
James Russell – Not sure why he’s here, probably not as a player even though his listed as one. Heard he coaches the youth goalkeepers but I would want someone more experienced, just release him.
DL:
Ashley Cole – This naturally born talent is incredible. He as it all and is proving it again. Just like Cech, he didn’t perform to his high expectations early season but is proving it again. Same people want him to leave for the youngsters to get a chance, THAT’S HILARIOUS!!
Ryan Bertrand – A couple months ago, I wanted Bertrand to go on loan to a premier league club, but I think he is ready! He has done so well and can develop greatly under Cole, keep him here and get him as many starts as possible, and give Cole a rest.
Patrick van Aanholt – To me this is the man if Bertrand doesn’t rise to his potential. He is definitely going on a loan, I just think his too good to play for Vitesse, but maybe not quite there for premier league. But I wouldn’t be surprised if a premier league club came calling, we should thank and accept that call, or any big club calls.
Aziz Deen-Conteh – Don’t really think he has a future here with PvA and Bertrand, still a good player. Let him play in reserves for another year then loan him out and see how he does, anything can happen in Football.
George Saville – Joined us young and has played many different positions. I think in DL he is like a left sided Ivanovic, like Aziz, I would say let him develop, loan him, let him learn from Brana and see what happens.
DR:
Branislav Ivanovic – This man is a great right back. Can put the cross in there, has a great head but most importantly can defend brilliantly. He works hard and fully deserves to be in our squad.
Sime Vrsaljko – This is our first new signing, Sime Vrsaljko. He is from Dinamo Zagreb, there have been reports of Arsenal and City wanting him but we should go all out to get him, he is worth it. His own manager even said he has more overall talent then Modric did at his age!
Jose Bosingwa – Jose’s killing me! He has done so well in recent months but, I just don’t think his Chelsea quality and I would look to sell him, tough decision though.
Paulo Ferreira – A lot of people are saying keep him his a great 3rd choice, but when would he get the chance and if he did, I would rather it go to and up and comer. I would sell him.
Kenneth Omerou – Kenneth has been quality out on loan and I believe he should play here. He is on loan until the end of next season, hopefully he will be played in right back and come back ready or at least close to a premier league loan.
Todd Kane – To me Todd Kane is one of the best youth players in our ranks. Future right back for me, after a lot of loans, for next season I would loan him out, can’t wait to see him progress!
Nortei Nortey – Havent seen too much of him, think his been injured. I saw him a bit, looked impressive, let him graduate and see what happens in reserves.
Samuel Bangura – Don’t like to say this to youth, but, Samuel doesn’t have a future at CFC. Think it’s best if we release him to be honest.

DC:
John Terry – What a leader, what a career Terry’s had and we thank him so much. He will be vital next season and the season after I think. But he will be challenged for a first team spot, and heavily challenged.
David Luiz – Sideshow Bob is such a rollercoaster, but we love him! Composure can be lossed with David, but he is fast, has a high work rate and is good going forward. Weird to say this about a 25 year old but with a bit more development Luiz will be one of the best in the world.
Gary Cahill – When he arrived in January, MOST Chelsea fans were quick to try to bite off his head, look what’s happened. He was one of the reasons we progressed past Barcelona and to Munich. He has impressed everyone and will be a major challenger for next years starting role, who saw that coming?!
Jeffrey Bruma – To keep these guys fit, I would actually not like to loan out Bruma. He could play a lot of matches and has a lot of ability. He has a massive future at Chelsea and is a future starter, without a doubt.
Tomas Kalas – Tomas could possibly start for us one day, and I think I know the steps to get there, if he performs right in these loans. Let him play off-season with the first team, then loan him out to an Italian club. If he impresses there enough, maybe premier league will come calling. If not, another season in Italy then Premier League.
Sam Hutchinson – What a miracle Sam has had. He made his return to complete the miracle against QPR as a sub and I believe he should now go on a loan. Not premier league yet, I think a good championship side and build on that.
Nathan Ake – Ake has a bright future. If his patient with us and doesn’t want a move too early he could be a future starter. Give him another year in reserves with an FA Cup appearance or two, then let him go on loan. Ake has a tremendous future, definitely one to look out for.
Daniel Pappoe – Don’t believe he has much of a future, asses him after another reserve team year whether to sell or loan him.
Rohan Ince – Rohan really doesn’t have the credentials for Chelsea, a loan to a club to give him one last chance can’t hurt.
Alex Davey – Been impressed with what I’ve seen, want to see him graduate, spend another year here and go out on loan.
James Ashton – We should just sell him, I guess a last ditch loan is possible but I would rather just get him out of the squad.
Archange Nkumu – Another person to sell, just doesn’t impress.
DMC:
Cheick Tiote – Cheick is one of the best DMCs out there, and we need him! Since Makelele, we haven’t been the same, Tiote could be a great replacement. Very hard in the tackle, aggressive and his long shots, he would be perfect.
Michael Essien – After these injuries, I think Michael has had it. He is far from the Michael Essien we all know and I’m sad to say this but, he has to be sold.
John Obi Mikel – Mikel has done so well recently but just like Bosingwa, to me, it’s not enough. He is clumsy and just doesn’t fit this double-pivot roll. Bye bye John.
Oriol Romeu – We got a great steal from Barca for Romeu, we are doing that a lot now of days. He is a future starter but still has to develop, and he will stay at Chelsea getting a lot of appearances.
Nathaniel Chalobah – He has a bright future, can go forward and stay back brilliantly. This is his position, not DC, hope he can get a major loan deal.
Billy Clifford – I think Clifford should get a loan next season, cause he has a bit of potential. We won’t go to one of the bigger leagues yet because he hasn’t proven anything, but that’s what this coming loan is for.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – This guy could end up in the first team, immensely skilled and after he graduates in 2 years I’m looking forward to some loans!
Danny Stenning – Think it’s time to say good-bye to Danny, just isn’t talented enough to play for us.
CM:
Gylfi Sigurdsson – Has really impressed on loan at Swansea from Hoffenheim and would be brilliant here. We need someone like him in CM and Gylfi will be a vital part of this squad.
Frank Lampard – At 32 and Sigurdsson coming, Frank will now have to accept his a back-up. He will get a lot of starts and heaps off the bench, so he couldn’t be too worried. (hopefully)
Raul Meireles – Meireles will not be used too much in this squad. Will get time occasionally off bench cause of injuries in CM, AMC or DM, versatility is the thing keeping him in the squad.
Josh McEachran – Okay, the Swansea loan did not work to say the least. But he still needs a premier league loan, this time to someone who will give him game time!!
Conor Clifford – I love Clifford, has such a future if he keeps on developing. I would loan him out to a good team, Bundesliga maybe.
John Swift – Swift is very comfortable on the ball in the centre of midfield and is very creative, he has a future. Loans need to start to get him to become world class quickly
Lewis Baker – There will be such tough opposition at Chelsea if McEachran, Swift, Clifford and Baker all live up to potential, Sigurdsson would be here as well. Baker has been flying under the radar but he has impressed me immensely in the reserves and under 18s. Like the last two, loan him out to an average club to start off the loans.
Anjur Osmanovic – Although he has impressed me a little bit in the youth, the competition is too tough. He should graduate to reserves, possibly play a season there, and be sold.
AMC:
Juan Mata – WOW! In his first season here Mata has been a stunner. Sure he had a bad path at a stage but you can’t always be at your best in what is it, 50 games his played this season? He is tremendous and will lead this line-up for years to come.
Yossi Benayoun – I still cannot believe we loaned him out to Arsenal. Really? Although he has performed quite well, with Mata and the youth here, I would let him go. I wouldn’t mind too much if he stayed, but I think he should be sold, and not to Arsenal!
Gael Kakuta – He has impressed a lot At Dijon, and could play very well here. A lot of people are calling for a premier league loan, but I would keep him here unless we keep Benayoun for another season.
Lucas Piazon – Piazon has impressed immensely since joining in January for the reserves! I would say he is ready for a major loan already, and I would be delighted if a premier league team came in for him in the off-season.
Ulises Davila – I’m not sure on Davila. Has not played very much on loan, but has returned. Maybe even at 21, we should take it slow. Let him play a season at reserves to judge him, give him a loan somewhere like Spain or Germany and then England, he’ll be in his prime if he is good enough for first team.
Amin Affane – Affane has of what I’ve heard done very well in training, and has done very well in reserves. Let him start the loan process and see how it goes.
Ismael Seremba – Has showed creativity and spark in reserves, not sure though. Keep him in reserves another season, access him, and then sell or loan him out.
Jeremie Boga – Have seen a bit of miny clips of him and heard his like Kakuta and McEachran combined, but far from their ability. So I would expect him to graduate, possibly play a season or two in reserves and like Seremba, loan him out or sell him.
AML:
Kevin de Bruyne – Has a bright future along with a couple other Belgium’s at Chelsea. He will fight for a place in the starting 11 next season and has ability to make it his. He has amazing ability like shown at Genk this season and I can’t wait to see him play in a Chelsea shirt next season.
Marko Marin – He will come here in the off-season for a reported 6.5m pounds which is nothing these days. Here is a bargain buy who had a bad season but that’s because of the players around him. He did so well with Ozil in the middle 3 when he was at Bremen and that formation was identical to ours. Now with Mata playing the Ozil role, he may come back to his old self and start epically at Chelsea.
Florent Malouda – He is just really poor now, sad to see him play, cause frankly he cannot. Also hated how he was one of the main players in the celebrations on the FA Cup final, you do nothing on the pitch! He has to leave.
Saloman Kalou – Just like Malouda, has NO ability. He definitely should not re-new his contract!
Iuri Medeiros – This 16 year old is tipped as a future star and we should buy him since we really lack youth In AML. He is at Sporting at the moment and should come preety cheap, he would be a great Emenalo buy!
Reece James Louden – He is youth with no future at Chelsea, maybe the bottom Npower leagues, he should be released.
Adam Nditi – Just like Louden, he has no future here and should be released.
AMR:
Ramires – I used to think of Ramires as the fast Brazilian with not much skill, well my mind has certainly been blown recently!! He has owned this wing position and he is the man who switches defence to attack. He should definitely start.
Daniel Sturridge – Now this is a season of two halves. He owned first half , then did terrible. He is too selfish and I just don’t think his ability he could reach is much over Kalous. I would say sell him while we can still get a good price and buy the following as a replacement.
Andre Shurrle – Now Andre has tremendous ability and won’t cost too much either. We have been rumoured to him and I would love for him to come and Sturridge to leave. This could be a massive couple of deals as it comes to the late stages of next season.
Milan Lalkovic – I have hope left in Milan, but I’m losing it quickly, he needs a premier league loan or else it may be too late.
Tom Howard – He graduates this off-season, I would let him play a season in reserves then sell him.
Joel Valencia – Since we lack right wing youth, Joel would be perfect. He is massively under-rated and will not cost too much. He should play a season of youth, then reserve, then when he graduates start the loans, he could become a future starter, he has immense potential.
ST:
Fernando Torres – El Nino has shown recently that he is doing better and is ready next season. He has been in form, fits our system well and would be great with us.
Didier Drogba – What a legend Didier is and always will be. He is leaving on a massive high and I think he should leave. He is not good enough to play consistently early season if needed, and would also free up room for the next man.
Seydou Doumbia – Drogba’s Ivorian teammate is a great player. Sure his not like Drogba but he is definitely physical enough for premier league and could be consistent. He would cost a lot but not too much, he should be brought.
Romelu Lukaku – This is the man to replace Drogba on the long term. He has power, athleticism, pace but plays a bit like Torres. He needs to learn to play like the big man he is, like Drogba, and I think a premier league loan should happen next season.
Patrick Bamford – We signed Bamford for 1m pounds, now that’s a bargain. He is said to be the greatest finisher at Chelsea by fans that have been at Cobham and is different to every other striker we have. Bamford isn’t flashy, he is just a good clinical finisher. He need a good loan and I think Spain would be best next season.
Islam Feruz – I look at him and think this kid has a major future. Brilliant buy from Celtic, very agile striker, a bit like Torres but without the brilliant finishing. Should get a loan to a relegation threatened club I think in another country and get him to improve his finishing a bit so he can be the next Torres!
Marko Mitrovic – Can spend another season in the reserve’s for final judgement.
Adam Phillip – He is 20 now and is nowhere near good enough, should be released.
Jhon Pirez - Just like Adam, has to be released.
Bobby Devyne – Young but a no go, released.
Walter Figueroa – Just read above and there’s the answer.
Alex Kiwomya – There is a 15 year old striker sitting in our youth ranks, this is that man. From what I have seen of him he is magic, and he just may be able to build away to the first team. He should spend 2 or 3 years here before a loan, and then look at this future star strut his stuff in Europe!
And there you have ladies and gentlemen, my full view of the Chelsea FC roster. Hope you understood this and enjoyed this read. Comment on what you would change and like this, thanks you for reading!!

Cruyff: Nobody is happy that chelsea won."Only Chelsea fans will be happy with this, for the rest, nobody can be happy with the outcome of the Champions League final." Cruyff said to De Telegraaf."what especially bothers me is that a football team can forget everything and still win"

"i'd choose the steps we take at ajax,towards the football we want to see"

"And then if there's no Champions League win? Better not to have the trophy in this way."

WOW!!!!!!!!! Mr Cruyff,you were one of my favorite players from the past!!!! but i dont know why there is so much rubbish talk going on from all the legends of the past.

Spain renowned for there TIKI-TAKA stuff scored only 8 goals to win the 2010 WC (The least by any winner) and bored the hell out of most viewers, put messi out of that barca squad and see how many they can score......defense is an integral part of football and any team that cannot change its style of play against defensive opponents is one dimensional.

Chelsea played as a unit and were tactically spot on against bayern and barca who were better teams in terms of personnel, they deserve all the success and accolades.

Well that didn't take long, did it?

via static.guim.co.uk

Continue reading this post »

This post may seem a little random in relation to recent events, but I thought now might be as good a time as any for a quick poll. I want to see whether people think Frank Lampard will one day become Chelsea all time top Goalscorer.

Continue reading this post »