JT Signs for Life

Great news today that John Terry has signed a new five year contract that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2013/14 season. For me and for any Chelsea fan this is fantastic news as it shows that he is committed to Chelsea and Chelsea to JT.

Of course who can forget all the rumour about Man City and the fact that he never came out and said anything. This was the main reason for calls from fans to put the rumours to bed once and for all, including me. But, once he did come out and make a statement that was it and the story was put to bed.

So with the news of the new contract being signed and also John Terry himself saying:

"Its disappointing, considering how long i have been at the club , that some supporters thought i was going. I've been here since i was 14 and for a club to come in and make an offer for me, I was very honoured by that. But to spend so long at Chelsea then for people not to know me as well as they really should do was disappointing. I love the fans , i've got a great relationship with them and i've unfinished business after missing out on the Champions League. Its trophies like this that i want to win!"

To be fair I can't really blame him, but I would like to point out that I am referring to the doubters that have been writing and posting on sites EVER SINCE he came out and said that he WAS staying. I mean seriously! He has come out and said he is staying, said that it was never about leaving but wanting reassurances about key players staying with him at the club. But still so-called fans are banging on about questioning his reasons and motivation?? The same people that will sit at the games or watch on TV and support him, chant his name and cheer when he makes a tackle and even more so when he leads the team out on the pitch!!!!

Sorry people and you know who you are, HOW CAN YOU CALL YOURSELVES SUPPORTERS.

JT is Chelsea, will be Chelsea for five more years and is the life and soul of the club. Its about time you forgot all the crap in the past and get behind him sooner rather than later just like the rest of us!!

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Burnley Buried! The Chelsea Football FanCast 85 available to download now!

Burnley Buried! The Chelsea Football FanCast 85 On the Chelsea FanCast this week the boys review the 3-0 burying of Burnley, and award this week’s Celery and Guinness moments, Chant of the week and Man of the Match. Plus more terrace chants in “We’re out to show the world the way to sing”, more questions answered in “Dear Mart”, more comments from the fans in “You’re on CFFC”, and the weekly news round up!

Dino and Kristian join the usual suspects on the show plus a full complement of Blues Brothers with the welcome return of Stu! The boys applaud both a workman-like and stylish victory over Burnley on Saturday and agree that we could have scored 10.

In the weekly news roundup, the Lazarus like return of Steven Cohen’s World Football Daily show is celebrated proving that you can’t ban a Chelsea fan. Well done Steven – good luck with the new show – never surrender! And talking of well loved things that are back, the boys look at the Champions League draw which looks like an extended summer holiday with visits to Portugal, Spain and Cyprus to look forward to not to mention playing some bloke ‘Hulk’ – let’s hope we don’t make him angry!

With a mere 3 days to go before the transfer window closes, we ask are Chelsea likely to spring a few surprises by getting a last http://www.facebook.com/l/;minute.com signing or have we got enough. The boys also register their concern that so many young players are being loaned out and won’t get the chance to break in to the first team squad. We also look at the launch of Mark Worrall, David Johnstone and Kelvin Barker’s new book: “Chelsea Here, Chelsea There”, about the legendary first game of the 1984/85 season against Arsenal at the Highbury Library, Martin and Chidge having bought copies hot of the press and signed by Kerry Dixon before the match at the CFCUK stall.

In “We’re out to show the world the way to sing”, Chris and Stu dig up an old classic Shed song that’s made a welcome return to both the Shed End and So Bar in recent years. In “Dear Mart” we answer questions on how to get Chelsea shirts to fit beefy guys, who is the best defensive partner for JT, what is it with the Dirty Leeds rivalry and what characteristics make Chelsea fans unique. And finally in “You’re on CFFC” Chidge highlights this week’s correspondence from the Facebook group

The Chelsea Football FanCast: You can’t ban a Chelsea Fan!!!

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Chelsea Here Chelsea There

Chelsea Here Chelsea There by Mark Worrall, Kelvin Barker & David Johnstone.

"Picture the scene, August 25th 1984, Highbury Stadium, London. Thousand upon thousands of expectant Chelsea fans have congregated at the stately home of arisocratic Arsenal to celebrate the return of the Blues to the old first division.

Set against the detailed background recalling life in Thatcherite Britain, Chelsea Here Chelsea There is a flawless time capsule for Blues fans seeking a trip down memory lane or those on the lookout for enlightenment in the ways of the old school.

Mark Worrall, Kelvin Barker and David Johnstone's assembladge of fascinating player interviews, rare and previously unseen photographs and the anecdotal recollections of a broad cross section of Blues fans present on that day give Chelsea Here Chelsea There an endearing nostalgic flavour and the cover photo of Kerry Dixon celebrating his goal is the defining image of 80's Chelsea".

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Its QPR at home in the Carling Cup

Shortly before the game today at lunchtime, the draw for the third round of the Carling Cup (League Cup) was made and we have been paired up against QPR at home which is a great draw for Chelsea.

With most of the youngsters sent out on loan you would imagine that Ancelotti will just continue to rotate his squad to keep players fresh. Maybe this is a chance for Joe Cole, Zhirkov and Sturridge to get a game. You have to say on paper that we have to be confident in this one. Yes its a west london derby but, with the quality Ancelotti has in the squad the 4th round beckons for Chelsea!

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Sheva's gone (finally)

Well its official Andriy Shevchenko, the most expensive flop in football history has returned to Dynamo Kiev today on a two year contract. As reported on here yesterday Carlo Ancelotti had told him that he wasn't going to feature for Chelsea this season in as many games as he would like so he has gone!

Don't get me wrong the crowd always loved him and he always gave his all but his return in goals to the amount of money we paid for him is there for all to see. He never quite cut it at the Bridge, but we will always have a soft spot for him for this goal he scored against Tottenham in the FA Cup replay at three point lane!

So its goodbye and thank you for always trying and good luck for the future!

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4 out of 4 as Chelsea win again!

Chelsea 3-0 Burnley. (Anelka, Ballack, A Cole)

Well what another great performance and another three points for Chelsea that takes us top of the Premier League after the first 4 games on goal difference from that mob in North London. It was a highly impressive display from Chelsea apart from one scare when Lampard lost the ball on half way and the ball was played into Patterson who shot wide when it was easier to score.

Make no mistake we dominated this one once more with 67% possession of the game and a whopping 27 shots on goal with 17 on target, if it wasn't for Jensen in goal for them (who had a good game dispite the scoreline) it could of been a hell of a lot worse. Chelsea made two changes to the last game with Mikel and Malouda dropping to the bench with Deco and Essien coming into replace them. It looked like we had adopted the Christmas Tree formation as we did at Sunderland the other week with Deco and Anelka playing behind Drogba up front. Lampard, Ballack and Essien lined up across the midfield and you have to say never looked in any sort of danger at all.

Our passing was good and sharp, at times it went astray but that will come with better understanding of the players as the season rolls on, but we looked fit once more and every single player hungry for the ball. It did take us a while to break them down with Jensen standing firm in goal but when we did it was a killer ball from Essien to Drogba down the inside right and his fired cross across the box was too hard for Carlisle to stop and Anelka got the final touch and put it in the back of the net. Half time 1-0 Chelsea and well deserved.

Second half it didn't take us anywhere near as long, with two quick fire goals from Ballack and A Cole with Lampard creating both. It was 2-0 when Lampard was released down the left and his dinked cross to the back post found Ballack who headed home from six yards. The third came when Ashley Cole played a 1-2 with Lampard who chipped the ball over the top, Cole was first to it and flicked it home again from 6 yards 3-0 Chelsea. Once the third goal went in it was game over and pretty much damage limitation for Burnley and Jensen in goal made a couple of excellent saves including a great finger tip save round the post from a low drive by Essien but at this point Chelsea were cruising.

A couple of subs came on but the game was played out with Chelsea controlling possession once more and the game was over.

After the game Carlo Ancelotti said:
"I am happy because we showed good play on the pitch, played very well in the first half and had good ideas to play. We have to maintain this situation and now the play improves with improved confidence. We are very happy. We have a possibility, we started well but we know the season is very long. It will be difficult for sure this season but we have the possibility to step up.

'Every week we work to play well and for a coach it is important to see that the players play well, the most important thing for me is that we are on the right way, to train and to work.' I know very well football and know when we have a possibility to score and don't score. It can be more difficult, the match, but I didn't have to say to my players in the first half because we played very, very well and we were lucky for sure that in the last minute of the first half we scored and the second half was there for us.

'The first half was nearly 2-0, it was not a big problem, and it was important to maintain concentration and quick movement of the ball for all 90 minutes.'

So its another three points for Chelsea that we take into our next game in two weeks time when we travel to Stoke. Let's hope we take the momentum we have now into that game. One thing is for certain about the new Chelsea under Ancelotti, there is a hunger and a fluidity about our game that only reappeared at the Bridge recently under Hiddink towards the end of last season which continues to grow under Ancelotti. This hasn't been seen since Jose's era. Signs are good for Chelsea, Very Good!!!

Goals & brief highlights here!

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End of the road for Shevchenko

Carlo Ancelotti today has confirmed that he expects Andriy Shevchenko to leave the club before the end of the transfer window on Monday. Sheva was told earlier in the week that he does not feature in Carlo's Champions League squad and the fact that he has now been told that he will not be given alot of opportunities in games this season has forced Sheva's hand.

In some ways its a shame for Chelsea and of course for Sheva but with the likes of Drogba and Anelka playing as well as they have been towards the end of last season and the start of this, it was obvious that he wasn't gonna get much of a look in.

There will always be the dig to us made by other clubs £130,000 a week and £30m quid for hardly anything at all and in some ways they are right as lets be honest he didn't really cut it in the Premier League. But, in his defence he was up there playing next to Didier when Didier scored his 30+ goals that season and chipped in with his few.

But even though its the end of the road for Sheva, one thing is for sure, he will be remembered as a crowd favourite as he always acknowledged the Matthew Harding every time they sang his name, even during games!. Most of all he will be remembered for his rocket in the top corner away at Spurs in the FA Cup replay!

Thanks for always trying to give your all and good luck in whatever you do. But in the end it just wasn't meant to be!

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Time to focus on Burnley

There isn't anyone in the country (apart from Burnley fans) who are not surprised by the start that Owen Coyle's Burnley have had to their Premier League season. To have two great results against Man Utd and Everton where virtually all of us would of had them down as home "bankers" is fantastic and they are next at the Bridge on Saturday for the lunchtime, televised kick off at 1245.

They come to the Bridge full of confidence and there is no doubt that they will come to set their stall out to not give anything away and to make life difficult for us. But that's pretty much par for the course these days unless you are Top 6 in the League then you come to the Bridge with a different attitude. But, as I keep saying, this is a new Chelsea that will pass and pass till it grinds you down.

Make no mistake Burnley will have to play to their very best on Saturday to compete with Chelsea. Don't get me wrong, they will compete from the very first whistle but will they have the legs on them to maintain their pressing game for 90 minutes? I doubt it.

Burnley played in the week in the League Cup ( and I am being honest when I say I wasn't really paying attention to their starting eleven ) whereas we have had a full week to train and prepare for the game. The added bonus for us is that we have all the players back fit and in full training so Carlo Ancelotti has a full squad to choose from. But, I can see players like Zhirkov, Belletti and Ferriera being rested to get more training under their belt along with Joe Cole. There is a slight chance one or two of them will be involved but for me there isn't any point.

It will be interesting however to see the side he picks to take to the field and the formation. Whoever he picks will surely be strong enough to take another 3 points on Saturday. Our defence looks like its getting stronger after the clean sheet against Fulham last weekend. Our midfield is the strongest in the league and with Drogba and Anelka up front we look potent.

So I can safely say, hand on heart it will be another home win for Chelsea after a spirited display from Burnley. 3-0 Chelsea!

KTBFFH & Carefree everyone!

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Champions League draw - Not bad at all!

So the video above confirms the draw as it happened and I have to say what a great draw to begin with. John Terry had just collected his award for Uefa Club Defender of the year and then drew the 2nd seeded teams from the pot and first out was Porto and straight into Chelsea's group! What a result compared to some of the nightmares that we could of been faced with!. Then Athletico Madrid and Apoel were drawn out of the pots and into our group and I am happy with that.

Its not a group of death but at the same time it ain't a simple group either. I mean we have plenty of previous with Porto and should do well against them in the two group games which of course will be of extra importance to Deco and Bosingwa.

Athletico Madrid will be an interesting proposition because of all the talk about Aguero over the summer. Along with Forlan up front they pose a dangerous threat to Chelsea and the Vicente Calderon stadium with be an interesting experience with the hostile atmosphere it produces. But we are Chelsea and you have to say we have the experience and the know how to deal with all that!.

Then there is Apoel FC and I have to say probably like alot of you I don't really know alot about them but, this is the Champions League and they must not be under-estimated. That's the thing with the Champions League, to get this far they must have something about them so let's wait and see how we get on.

One thing is for sure these days which is alot different from a few season's back and that is that Chelsea are now a team that people want to avoid. 5 semi-finals out of 6 seasons in the competition and you have to say that we do look strong enough compared to the other sides in the group to come through this stage without any real major worries.

The fixtures confirmed are as follows:

Tuesday 15 September
Chelsea v Porto

Wednesday 30 September
APOEL v Chelsea

Wednesday 21 October
Chelsea v Atlético Madrid

Tuesday 3 November
Atlético Madrid v Chelsea

Wednesday 25 November
Porto v Chelsea

Tuesday 8 December
Chelsea v APOEL

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John Terry - UEFA Club Defender of the Year

Its congratulations to John Terry as today he was named UEFA Club Defender of the Year for last season. This is the third time he was won the award, firstly in 2005 and then again last season so this is two-in-a-row for JT and for me its well deserved. He was up against Pique of Barcelona (who is no competition and is overrated in my book) and Vidic of Man Utd.

JT collected his award from Paolo Maldini and when asked about how he maintains his levels of performance, explained "hard work in training every day and the motivation to get my hands on the Champions League trophy with Chelsea". Let's hope that JT can make it three season running come this time next season as the preview show before the draw shows the Blue Boys lifting the Champions League for the first time!

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What now for Shevchenko?

Rumours are rife at the moment that Carlo Ancelotti has told Sheva that he will not be part of Chelsea's Champions League squad to begin with this season and this must be a blow for Sheva. It was reported that Shevchenko turned down a move back to the Ukraine before the season started as he was happy to see out the remainder of his contract at Chelsea but this has to be a blow for him.

Of course Chelsea will lose the likes of Drogba and Kalou in January for the African Nations Cup and this at the moment looks like the only chance that he has to make his mark in the side this season. He has made the bench already this season and has come on for only minutes and I can see this happening more often than not leading up to January.

The problem is that he has Drogba and Anelka in front of him along with Kalou and possibly Daniel Sturridge so he has work to do. The question is how much does he want it at Chelsea now and will he continue to work hard and fight for a place on the bench or will he look to seal a move away from Chelsea once more?. Tough times ahead for Shevchenko!.

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Champions League Draw awaits 27.08.09

So with all the preliminary qualifying rounds now out of the way the draw for the Champions League group stage proper is made tomorrow at 1630 UK time. Chelsea are in the first pot along with the other top seeds in the competition. At this stage in the draw sides are not allowed to play other teams from the same country but all four English sides are in the first seeded pot so this will not come into effect this year.

So we will be drawn along with three sides from the following pots.

Pot 2:
Lyon, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, CSKA Moscow, Porto, AZ Alkmaar, Juventus and Rangers.

Pot 3:
Olympiakos, Marseille, Dynamo Kiev, Stuttgart, Fiorentina, Athletico Madrid, Bordeaux and Besiktas.

Pot 4:
Wolfsburg, Standard Liege, Maccabi Haifa, FC Zurich, FC Rubin Kazan, AFC Unirea Urziceni, Apoel FC and Debrecen.

As we are all aware the draw is a complete lottery and the teams in pot 2 are very dangerous indeed. But with Ancelotti at the helm and our form in recent seasons in the competition we have to be confident that no matter who we draw we will progress to the second stage of the competition.

I honestly believe with the squad we have now at the Bridge and with our long term injuries returning to full training this could be our year!

Fingers crossed for a good draw tomorrow!

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Turnbull - Give the bloke a chance

I have to say I am disappointed in some quarters of the press, blogs and Chelsea fans who are already getting on the back of Ross Turnbull after his performance earlier in the week for the Reserves. Ok, so the bloke made some errors but this is all part and parcel of football and happens to all players at some stages in their careers.

Chelsea have signed him so there must be something about him and working with Petr Cech, Hilario and Christophe Lollichon each day will help him to improve and there is no doubt that given time he will become a trusted and reliable understudy to Cech so let's give the guy a break people!

KTBFFH.

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New Chelsea Fancast out now

Diamonds are forever? The Chelsea Football FanCast 84 (Click picture to take you straight to the podcast)

On the Chelsea FanCast this week the boys review the games against Sunderland and Fulham, and award this week’s Celery and Guinness moments, Chant of the week and Man of the Match. Plus more terrace chants in “We’re out to show the world the way to sing”, more questions answered in “Dear Mart”, more comments from the fans in “You’re on CFFC”, condolences for World Soccer Daily (RIP), astonishment at the Mass brawl in Cobham and disbelief in Chel Tel’s report on the Chelsea Open Day!

It’s been a good week for the Chels with Drogba and Anelka on sparkling form, and Ancelotti proving that the 4:4:2 diamond formation is not Carletto’s only way by showing us a Plan B with the 4:3:2:1 at Sunderland. So we sit top of the league with 3 wins so far, whilst Man U and even more amusingly Liverpool have already lost 1 and 2 games respectively!! We give you all the blinding insight and analysis that makes the Chelsea FanCast like Match of the Day on crack!!

We also report on the sad closure of the brilliant World Soccer Daily podcast hosted by our mate Steven Cohen. It seems that a few so called Liverpool fans have bullied the sponsors and scared Steven so much through their threats to him and his family that he has been forced to shut down a show with 16 million listeners. Disgraceful.

The boys also discuss the ‘Mass Brawl’ at Cobham this week where it appears that Chelsea’s reserves gave as good as they got against a particularly violent team from the UAE, intent on 2 footed tackles, biting, eye gouging and karate kicks. And last but by no means least on the news roundup, Chel Tel gives us his somewhat surreal report from the Chelsea Open Day…

In “We’re out to show the world the way to sing”, Chris takes us through an old classic heard at the Fulham game and the Chelsea fans nod to England’s Ashes win the same day. In a bumper edition of “Dear Mart” we answer questions on which player we’d bring back from the past, what do we think of Michael Ballack, who were Chelsea’s hardest players and how did the Chelsea FanCast team originally meet.

And finally in “You’re on CFFC” Chidge highlights this week’s correspondence from the Facebook group many of whom are dismayed at the closure of World Soccer Daily and the despicable events that led to it.

The Chelsea Football FanCast: More packed than the Fulham defence!

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Chelsea Reserves 0-4 Aston Villa Reserves

Chelsea reserves went down 4-0 tonight to the current reigning Reserve League Champions tonight in front of Carlo Ancelotti.

Not a very good start for new Reserve Team Manager Steve Holland.

For the full report on the first Reserve Match at Griffin Park click here to take you to ChelseaFC.com the official Chelsea Website.

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Cole, Ferreira, Belletti and Zhirkov resume full training

Today Chelsea held an open training session at Stamford Bridge in front of 8,000 fans who came to watch Carlo Ancelotti's first training session and the great news is that Joe Cole, Paulo Ferriera, Yuri Zhirkov and Juliano Belletti all returned to full training for the first time. This is fantastic news for all blues fans and goes to show how strong our squad currently is and will be once every single player is fit and raring to go. Its been a long hard journey for Joe Cole who suffered a setback just as he was due to return to full training.
Also its big news for Paulo Ferriera who has missed most of last season and has been promised by Carlo Ancelotti that he does have a future in his Chelsea. I still rate Paulo and still think he can be a key player for us this season. He can be cover for Ashley Cole when needed and can be there to fight Jose Bosingwa for this starting place. I still stand by the fact that i will never know or understand why Jose dropped Paulo after we won the title the second season out of two?.

Its also good news for Zhirkov that he is back in training so he can get back to full fitness and show the Chelsea fans what he can do. Its been reported that in the training game that took place at the Bridge today that Zhirkov featured playing in front of Ashley Cole with Malouda tucked inside the midfield. This is something that could be interesting!.

Also crowd-favourite Juliano Belletti is back in contention. Ever reliable and a favourite with all of us with bolster the competition for places in the squad. He can cover at the back and in midfield so its another bonus for Ancelotti as slowly the jigsaw that is the Chelsea squad comes together!

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"I Love Chelsea" - Anelka.

After scoring his first of the season against Fulham on Sunday, Nicolas Anelka has gone on record to say all good things about Chelsea and his affection for the club. Anelka had a reputation of "Le Sulk" in the past as he found it difficult to settle down at a club and has moved around from club to club during his football career. But it seems now he has found his club.

"Before I came to Chelsea, I have always stated I wanted to play in a big club," he told L'Equipe. "Today I don't want to move anymore. I am very happy here, to play and score for the club. I love Chelsea, I love the players I play with, I love playing in the Champions League and I want to stay here as long as possible. Now we will see what will happen."

When he was asked about Carlo Ancelotti's squad rotation policy that he plans to adopt this season Anelka said:

"I was not surprised to be on the bench against Sunderland. The coach said; 'I will give some rest to some players', and I was part of that. I enjoyed seeing Chelsea win the game - it was good. The most important thing is to win with Chelsea. Of course everyone wants to play every game, but the manager said some games he will change the players and get some people to rest and we have to accept it. It's important because it's a long season and we need everybody in the squad."

He was also asked about his new partnership this season with Didier Drogba. He said:

"With Didier we are happy to be together on the pitch. When I have the ball I am looking for him and when he has the ball he is looking for me. It is always easier to score goals when we play one for the other."

So it seems that Nico has found his club. After his stunning performance in the Premier League last season where he took the golden boot (Video of all his goals last season provided by Project Football is below) and the fact that he was on the score sheet in the first full week of the Premier League season, it looks as though Premier League defenders need to be on the look out once more as Anelka intends to keep the Blues firing on all cylinders this season.

Nico I am sure i speak for all Chelsea fans, " We love you too!". (full story can be found on Skysports.com here)

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Just how good has our start been?

(This picture has been doctored to not show the side above us for obvious reasons!) So with Liverpool losing their second game out of three and United already losing one of theirs it makes me wonder just how good our start has been?.

Ok so Liverpool lost two tricky games at Spurs and Aston Villa at home but last season they would of had these down as 3 points. United have lost to Burnley after all, and we have beaten Hull, Sunderland and Fulham.

So are we all jumping on the "we are gonna win the league bandwagon?". Well as far as our play in each of those games goes we have to say that we have been very impressive. Ok Liverpool won convincingly the other night and United away on Saturday but each of our wins as been done in some style apart from the Hull game.

People, including me, have said about the fact that these two sides have lost important players in the summer and this will have an effect on them, there is no doubt about that. We have maintained our squad, signed players one or two new deals and have added to the squad with quality, experience and youth and we are looking very strong.

This weekend see's the Blues entertain Burnley at the lunchtime kick off at 1245 on Saturday and we must seize the chance to make it 4 out of 4 in the League before the likes of Liverpool and United play again. United have the trip to the Emirates on Saturday and Liverpool away to Bolton so as we have seen since the Premier League started up again for these two, you just never know!. Its a long old season.

There will be twists and turns, of that there is no question. But to be 6 points clear of Liverpool and 3 of United at this early stage in the season is surely some sort of stepping stone that we need to build upon and set our stall out for what could be a very successful season for Chelsea!

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Afterthoughts: Fulham 0-2 Chelsea

Well I was bang on with my prediction about the 2-0 scoreline but had thought that we would of had a much more difficult game. But let's face it apart from a clearing header that went wide of the post from Carvalho, it was pretty much a stroll yesterday afternoon at our local neighbours. With goals from Didier Drogba (first half) and Nicolas Anelka (second half) we ran out easy and comfortable winners without the likes of Deco & Essien.

Carlo Ancelotti has said previously that he wants to keep all the players fresh and so he made a few changes to the starting eleven from the side that won so convincingly at the Staduim of Light in midweek. The team was Cech, Bosingwa, Carvalho,Terry (C), Cole, Ballack, Mikel, Lampard, Anelka, Drogba. Subs: Turnbull, Ivanovic, Hutchinson, Essien, Deco, Kalou, Sturridge.

We started off well and dominated possession of the ball as we have done so in the other two league games. Maybe the only complaint would be the pace of our game. It seemed as though we were happy to slow the game down and play our passes, not alot was really created of note in the first half. At one stage we had four attempts on goal with none on target and that again was slightly disappointing.

When we hit the target no one can argue it wasn't deserved. Ball was played through midfield to Lampard, who under pressure, flicked the ball to Anelka, who in turn saw the run across the back four from Drogba who took a touch and slotted the ball into the far corner past Schwarzer in goal 1-0 Chelsea.

The second half we played with alot more urgency and once more dominated possession of the ball throughout the second half. A couple of chances were created but again nothing of serious note. Drogba, Anelka, Lampard and Cole looked lively all game and it was Drogba and Anelka who combined to put Chelsea 2-0 up!. The ball was fizzed about in midfield. Ballack played a ball into Drogba who took the ball down with a great first touch, saw the run of Anelka and played the ball between the defence, Anelka was onto it like a flash and knocked it round the out coming Schwarzer and slotted the ball into the net 2-0 Chelsea.

Late on Deco came on for Lampard with 10 mins to spare as we saw the game out and it was another display of controlled possession and dominance. This Chelsea side is looking good, full of confidence and most importantly of all playing well. Could this have the same sort of aura about it as in 2005? Or will like last season, we start well and then crumble? I have to say that we look a different proposition to last season. We look hungry, determined and to be honest playing like this its going to take a really good side to beat us this season!.

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Preview Fulham away!

This afternoon Chelsea travel the short distance to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham in our third game of this Premier League season and after the performance away to Sunderland on Tuesday night you have to say we should be more than confident. But, Fulham is not an easy place to go and get a result as last year proved with our 2-2 draw.

Fulham are coming off the back of their Europa win in midweek and will be confident although they are now without Andy Johnson who is out for 8 weeks after a heavy challenge in the week. But with the likes of Zamora and Dempsey who was the main danger last season they need to be watched.

But, this is a very different Chelsea. The performance on Tuesday night was fantastic and its the most impressive I have seen us play in a long long time. The biggest question for me will be if there will be any changes at all? Maybe Carvalho might come in for Ivanovic after being rested in the week and also Anelka for Kalou but I can't see anything else changing if at all.

Chelsea will more than likely dominate the possession of the game today and its important that we make more chances early in the game and take our chances when we get them. If we can be a bit more clinical then this will be a no brainer for me today. I predict another good performance and another away win this afternoon. 2-0 Chelsea.

Come on the Chels!!

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New deal and a Loan move for Cork!

On Friday Chelsea announced that another one of our promising youngsters has signed a new three year contract and then joined Coventry on loan until the end of December. The report on chelseafc.com said:

"Jack Cork has today [Friday] joined Coventry City on a temporary transfer until 31 December.The England Under 21 international has also signed a new three-year contract with Chelsea. The move is Cork's third loan to a club in the Championship following spells with Southampton and Watford last season. He joins fellow Chelsea reserve squad member Patrick van Aanholt at Coventry. Able to play in midfield or defence, Cork has been with Chelsea since the age of nine. He has yet to make his first team debut"

Jack joins the growing list of youngsters loaned out by Chelsea to gain vital experience. He at Chelseadaft we wish him all the best!.

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Another milestone for Lampard

With his penalty the other night in our 3-1 win away to Sunderland, Frank Lampard equalled Jimmy Greaves' record of 132 goals for Chelsea as he continues to reach milestone after milestone here at Chelsea. Not bad for a midfielder eh?. Lampard is now fifth equal highest scorer ever for Chelsea but its not his main focus as he continues his Chelsea career. He told chelseafc.com:

"I'm delighted with that. Jimmy is a goal-scoring legend and I'm sure he did it in a lot less games than I did. I'm very pleased to be up there with him and just want to keep on scoring goals for Chelsea, especially important ones that help us win games. Personal ones [achievements] are nice, but not as important as silverware.

When you look back on your career you look at what you won as part of a team. I'm much more proud of winning Premier Leagues and FA Cups with Chelsea. Although the records I've gained and am getting now was something I never thought of when I joined Chelsea. Getting Player of the Year and scoring records are very nice for me personally."

Forever the team player and focused on the team's plight first before his own Frank is looking as sharp as ever and will he make it another 20-goal season for Chelsea to make it 6 seasons in a row?. Let's hope so and with his goals it leads us to glory this season!

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Sunderland 1-3 Chelsea: Christmas comes early!

Tonight Chelsea put on a show of dominance of possession football that the Premier League will stand up and take notice. Besides Darren Bent seizing on another deflection that comes straight to his feet to slot home, tonight was all about Chelsea and our new "Christmas Tree" formation. Carlo Ancelotti made 4 changes to the side that took to the field to face Hull on Saturday with Ivanovic coming in for Carvalho, Deco and Ballack in for Malouda and Mikel and Kalou in for Anelka.

Carlo deployed a new Christmas Tree formation which saw us line up in a 4-3-2-1 formation with three in midfield of Lampard, Essien and Ballack, with Deco and Kalou playing just in behind Drogba as the lone striker and my god did it work. Deco had a field day and is most people's man of the match. He was outstanding but to be honest so was every single other Chelsea player apart from Cech who had nothing and I mean nothing to do.

Bosingwa and Cole were excellent at getting forward down the flanks. Terry and Ivanovic saw to it that Bent and Jones up front hardly got a sniff at all. Lampard and Ballack were getting on the ball so much more and Essien was moping up and coming to get the ball off the back four to feed the likes of Lampard and Ballack. Deco was an inspiration tonight and hardly put a foot wrong all game, Kalou was busy as always and they supported Drogba who was unlucky not to score from a header over the bar from Six Yards from a Ballack flick on and then heading over once more as Cole fired in a cross from the left and under pressure, Didier headed into the ground and over the bar.

But this was pure class tonight, make no mistake. Our control of the ball and passing was superb. We look a different class from Sunderland and thats no disrespect to them at all. Even Sunderland manager Steve Bruce said after the game:

"Sometimes you just have to admit that you have been beaten by a very, very good team. There's no disgrace in that.

"We tried our utmost, they gave everything they could give and in the end, we just couldn't cope with Chelsea.

"That is what we aspire to. That's why they win Premier League titles and challenge for the Champions League - a class act. They were frightening weren't they?"

If you get a chance on Chelsea TV or Football First on Sky to watch the game in full then I suggest you do. Its an exhibition of passing and keeping possession of the ball. But, the only downside to our play in the first half was it took until the 37th minute for Ballack to have our first real shot on target when a half cleared corner fell to him 10 yards out and on the volley he fired towards goal only for it to be cleared off the line by Cattermoles knee!

But as I said we went behind to a freak deflected goal once more. Bent fired the ball into Jones on the edge of the box who spun and shot towards goal. Terry blocked his shot and the ball deflected wide to the Chelsea right for Bent to run onto, having just come off the touchline and he took a touch and drilled it into the bottom corner and made it 1-0.

Being very honest this was their only chance in the game and he took it well. But, we continued to dominate the game but come half time we went in 1-0. So out we came for the second half, no changes and we started pretty much from where we left off. Corner after corner came in from either side and it was in the 51st minute when a slightly miss-hit corner from Lampard found Ivanovic's run to the near post, he ducked low and flicked the ball on throught the mass of bodies in and around the box, Ballack 6 yards out at the back post spun on a sixpence and guided the ball home left footed into the bottom corner underneath Lee Cattermole and to be honest he could of stopped it.

Once the goal went in you felt as though there would only be one winner and we took the lead in the 61st minute when the ball was played into Drogba's feet right corner of the penalty box and he spun around one defender and carried the ball into the box with some nifty footwork, he then drew the challenge from the defender as he flicked the ball past him, defender sticks his leg out Drogba goes over (genuine) and its a stick-on penalty which ever reliable Lampard steps up and slams it into the bottom right corner, Fulop in the Sunderland goal dives the right way but its past him before he can get near it and Chelsea are 2-1 up!.

On 70 mins or so the icing on the cake as far as Chelsea are concerened. Again some great inter-play between our midfield and Bosingwa on the right comes to Deco just outside right hand side of their box, he takes a touch away from goal and sets himself, he is now right corner of the box and he strikes the ball back across goal, Drogba gets out of the way and its past him like a flash, onto the far post and off the post into the opposite corner. Great strike, keeper no chance and we are 3-1 and the game is over.

Sturridge, Malouda and Shevchenko come on over the next 15 mins for Deco, Drogba and Kalou and a couple of half chances for Sturridge, one wide and one saved by Fulop see the game out and its a great 3 points for Chelsea.

This really was Deco's best game in a Chelsea shirt, like the rest of the players he was hungry for the ball to move it quickly and play in another blue shirt and lets hope there is plenty more of the same from him as the season progresses. Carlo Ancelotti said about him:

"He doesn't want to change and we don't want to change.

"He is working very well now, he is very motivated to stay and play. This is a very important season for him before the World Cup and he played very well.

"You have to maintain control of the game and we have done that in those three matches. Even when we were behind, we were in control."

This was a great result for Chelsea and a fantastic performance. Let's take the confidence from this game onto the weekend and hope for more of the same at the Cottage!

KTBFFH & Carefree everyone!

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Chelsea sign Nemanja Matic

Chelsea have also today confirmed the signing of Nemanja Matic on a four year contract. Matic is a 21 year old midfielder and you can find out more on him here!

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Its goodbye to Claudio Pizzaro

Chelsea have announced that Claudio Pizzaro has joined Werder Bremen on a permanent deal and we wish him well for the future. Claudio failed to shine really at Chelsea and you have to say that this deal is good for all parties. Good luck to you!

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New Chelsea Fancast out now!

The Chelsea FanCast boys discuss Drogba’s renaissance in the 2-1 win over the Tigers from Hull, and in particular the curios case of the “Cross come Shot”!

In a tough day for the boys with no trains and a minging hangover for Chidge, most of the banter focuses on the pantomime villain that is Stephen Hunt. The boys also discuss the rather laboured victory over supposed strugglers Hull, it’s clear that Carlo ‘The Don’ Ancelotti will be under no illusion now that no team in the Premiership can be taken for granted. It will be interesting to see how Chelsea and the 4:4:2 Diamond approach the game against Sunderland on Tuesday.

The boys wrap up the post match banter come analysis by nominating their ‘Man of the Match’, ‘Chant of the Match’, ‘Celery Moment’ and Guinness Moment’ – all new themes for the FanCast this season!

In “We’re out to show the World the way to sing!” the FanCast Choir boys give a rousing and all action rendition of the infamous “Bouncy” song. What we used to call ‘music and movement’ at School!!

In the Chelsea FanCast’s answer to a psychotherapy session, Dear Mart answers questions on Andre Pirlo (and why we don’t need him!); has any team played more times than Chelsea in the ‘new’ Wembley; and what are the boys favourite match day drinks and songs.

Finally in “You’re on CFFC” Chidge has a look to see what you lot have been posting on the Facebook site.

The Chelsea Football FanCast: Guaranteed to cause a Hull breech quicker than Didier Drogba!

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Preview: Sunderland away

The same fixture last season saw Chelsea take the points with a 3-2 victory at the end of last season. Lampard was rested, Carvalho and Deco weren't even playing but was a great victory at the Stadium of Light and another three points will be needed tonight. But, this is no easy game for Chelsea.

Ok again on paper looking at our first set of games in the Premier League and on paper you would expect three points for Chelsea but Sunderland under Steve Bruce, who have already picked up their first three points with a win away at the weekend will be no easy game in my eyes. With Jones, Bent and Campbell as options up front they will pose Chelsea problems tonight but it looks as if Malbranque and Richardson (two key players for them) will be out injured. So as long as we can maintain stability at the back we should be able to dominate possession of the ball and impose our game on them and it will be down to them how they deal with us when we go forward.

I can see maybe a couple of changes for tonight's game. I think to strengthen against the height we are up against in Jones, that Bosingwa will make way for Ivanovic. I can also maybe see Malouda being rested and Deco coming in. Apart from that will be more or less the same side with Drogba and Anelka continuing up front.

Chelsea at the moment need to get the players right and their positional sense for the 4-diamond-2 as its more than likely whoever we play against will look to attack us down the wings and expose the likes of Lampard, Essien down the flanks. This is why i think Ivanovic will come back in at right back.

You have to say we are still waiting for Drogba and Anelka to click up front and at times they have looked like doing so but still lacking that extra understanding which in time will come. I can see Sturridge coming on at some stage as Ancelotti looks to keep players fresh for the run of games we have got coming up.

The main thing is that we start well and get hold of the ball and create. Deco for me has been great since Pre Season started and he can provide that killer ball that the likes of Drogba and Anelka can run onto and get their shots away on target. I think Frank maybe has been playing too far forward so whereas he is able to make late runs in the box, he is too far forward and being picked up and marked and finding himself isolated. So this is where for me Deco plays behind the front two and Lampard plays left/right and makes his runs from there.

Whatever happens and who plays we need three more points against a difficult test tonight. Let's hope we get them and take 6 points into the weekend!

Come on the Chels! KTBFFH & Carefree!

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More youngsters on loans from Chelsea

QUOTED FROM CHELSEAFC.COM

"Reserve team midfielder Liam Bridcutt has today (Friday 14th August) signed on loan for Stockport County until January 2.

The 20-year-old has previously had temporary spells with Yeovil Town and Watford, and captained the second string in last season's FA Premier Reserve League.

The League One side are at home to Bristol Rovers on Saturday afternoon"

Also added to the list of youngsters gaining first team football experience is Shaun Cummings, again this one is taken from Chelseafc.com

"Reserve team defender Shaun Cummings has today signed on loan for West Bromwich Albion.

It means the 20-year-old defender links up again with Roberto Di Matteo, for whom he played 35 times last season on loan at MK Dons.

Cummings, who can also play up front, is eligible for West Brom's trip to Peterborough tomorrow night."

Both these boys join the list of other youngsters who have joined sides from different divisions to gain first team experience!.

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Afterthoughts: Chelsea 2-1 Hull City

Well first of all I am back in the land of the living after the weekend I just had at and around Chelsea (needed a day to recover) so in this time its a bit too late for me to write a detailed match report so I am just going to go forward with my afterthoughts on what a lot of people would look at on paper and think that's a straightforward three points for the blues. But weren't we all wrong bigtime!

Credit to Hull who came to Stamford Bridge with a game plan to defend and remain solid and say to Chelsea "Come and break us down!". You ask anyone in the league if you are playing against a well organised and disciplined two banks of four then it will be difficult and Phil Brown has a hard working side at his disposal. So it was never an easy game for Chelsea. Remember last season (alright albeit towards the end of Scolari's reign) they did the same and frustrated us with a 0-0 draw at the Bridge.

I thought we started off well and should of been at least two goals up early on in the game, give it a couple of weeks into the new season and Didier would hammer that volley into the top corner of the net let alone the Matthew Harding!. But its just typical that with all of our possession, and some half chances we had created that the villain of the piece Steven Hunt pops up unmarked and taps in from 6 yards!.

This of course endeared himself to the blues fans even more than we already loved him! But once this went in it was a case of here we go again!. Within ten mins Didier stepped up and well and truly made up for those earlier misses with a great free kick. I must admit whenever we have a free kick in that position you always look to Lampard first, but since he has been copying the Ronaldo style he hasn't scored that many, so when Didier lined the ball up it wasn't really a surprise. What a great free kick and we were back on level terms. Keeper had no chance!

Second half again was all about Chelsea's possession of the ball, with Mikel off and Essien moved to the holding role (where he looks much more comfortable), Ballack on for Malouda and Deco on for Mikel we looked much more balanced. We had untold pressure on their back four with corner after corner, but it just seemed that we weren't going to break them down. Myhill made a good save from Bosingwa, Kalou on late for Anelka should of scored with a header from 6 yards, Kalou and Deco had curling efforts to the far corner that went wide, but we were really dominating the game.

Don't get me wrong Hull had the odd chance and the closest they came to scoring was when Carvalho deflected a cross which nearly caught Cech out but he scrambled back on his line and tipped the ball over. With a couple of long injury breaks in the second half the sight of 6 minutes added time lifted the supporters again and just when you think its not going to be our day something happened that can only be described as a fluke. Didier himself has even admitted to it. But we had possession of the ball again, half cleared and the Didier found himself with the ball at his feet so took the ball wide left and "dinked" a cross come shot over Myhill from the tightest of angles to seal the much deserved win for Chelsea.

Yes it was a cross, yes it was a fluke, but they say in this game that you always need a bit of luck if you are going to be successful so we will take that one all day every day!!



Overall I thought we played far to slow at times and there wasn't enough urgency about our play. Again the 4-diamond-2 formation will be discussed over and over again, but it does take time to bed in and for the players to settle down. Essien still looks wanting on the right for me, Lampard was ineffective on Saturday behind the front two like he was in the Community Shield so this is something that I am sure Carlo will work on. But for now, we have three points and we move onto tonight's game away at Sunderland!

KTBFFH & Carefree everyone!

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Preview : Chelsea V Hull

So tomorrow its Hull. The boys are back and the Premier League is upon us. As I have just posted on here I am very confident of our chances in the League this season and what a start we have tomorrow. This time last season with a new manager in charge (Scolari) we hit the ground running pummelled Portsmouth 4-0 and everyone was raving about the side and Deco in particular. Last season the same fixture was 0-0 (Under Scolari) and this will not happen tomorrow.

This time round I can see nothing but the same kind of result, same kind of feeling about the coming season but with a very different approach. Ancelotti has come in and being Italian its about defending first and building from that. So i can't see Hull posing us any problems whatsoever tomorrow and I think our midfield will run a mock tomorrow.

The defence will take care of itself, but with one exception, will it be Ivanovic or Bosingwa at right back? With Alex out injured tomorrow it will be Terry and Carvalho with Ashley Cole looking solid if you ask me.

Our midfield is where the discussion will rage through all the bars and stands tomorrow until the official starting 11 is announced. For me Lampard is a certain starter like he is for everyone else. Who is the three he goes with tomorrow? I will put my neck out and say he will go with the same that started the Community Shield. That means it will be Mikel at the base of the diamond, Malouda left, Essien right and Lampard at the point of the diamond behind Drogba and Anelka.

Drogba and Anelka finally have their chance to play together and tomorrow will be an ideal opportunity to strike up the most feared partnership in the league and I believe they will come out all guns blazing tomorrow!

As for the best its a take your pick from the remainder of the squad. Whoever he picks on the bench will come on and maintain the strength in the side so I have no worries about tomorrow at all.

But, before I go let's have a look at Hull. Hull could give debuts to new signings Stephen Hunt (remember him!), Kamel Ghilas, Seyi Olofinjana and Jozy Altidore. But they will start the new season without Ian Ashbee, Jimmy Bullard and Richard Garcia all have knee injuries.

I predict another 4-0 tomorrow with Didier, Anelka and Lampard opening their account for the season.

Come on the Chels! KTBFFH & Carefree!

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A New Season - Where we are at!

So with the new season starting tomorrow its time before we look at the game to have a look at our squad and where we are at the moment. With three new signings that have come into the squad in Turnbull, Zhirkov and Sturridge added to that the likes of Shevchenko and Pizzaro returning from loan we are in good shape up front if you ask me.

Also as I have mentioned before with Ferreira and Joe Cole looking like that are due to return from injury, with Deco and Carvalho back in the fold and playing we are looking alot stronger than we did last season.

With all the rubbish that surrounded John Terry finally put to bed, with the World Soccer Challenge trophy in the bag and the Community Shield added to that we are looking fit, hungry and ready for the new season.

I believe we have the strongest squad in the league and i have to say its not just Chelsea fans that think this. I had an alert come through to me the other day and i was surprised as to what I was reading considering it was from a Mickey Mouser! It read as follows:

"Chelsea are truly an enigma to me. How they haven’t been winning the title instead of Manchester United is beyond me, because they have better players, better goal scorers, and a more intense style of play. What they lack, I guess, is the belief that they belong at the top of the mountain.

That said, the constant shifting of management makes it hard for Chelsea to gain an identity, and I think that they’ll spend this season adapting, and perhaps winning a cup but finishing behind United and Liverpool again. If you ask me, though, there is no better core of players in the Premiership" (this was taken from lfc-news website).

So let's just check on the squad. For a start in Petr Cech we have one of the best goalkeepers in the world. We do have the odd wobble with Cech now and again as the first goal in the Charity Shield proved but over the course of the season he goes to prove himself and his clean sheet record will be second to none. Hilario will be a worthy backup and sturdy as ever, and with Turnbull coming into the fold he adds extra competition amongst the keepers. So we look strong to me.

Our defence is very very strong and arguably the strongest in the league. At the moment the only position that is slightly weak is left back. Ashley Cole has been fantastic last season and is already showing that he is playing the same as he finished off. But, there is a lack of support in that position. Ferreira and Zhirkov can play there, but with Ash there and not being injury prone we should be ok there.

Right back position is now a straight fight between Ivanovic and Bosingwa with it looking like Ivanovic has got the nod for the start before Bosingwa even though he looked isolated on Sunday in the Community Shield. So we look strong there again.

At posted previously we looked very strong at the end of last season under Hiddink with Alex filling the void next to John Terry and you have to say Alex was fantastic. But, we have Riccy back and playing well. Yes there was all the chat about Riccy wanting to leave, but he hasn't yet, and he played really well against United.

So we look very strong there with if needed Ivanovic coming into fill the void. The only thing I worry about, and maybe so do most of you Blues fans is if John Terry was out. If Terry was out then we do seem to lack the organisation at the back, well its not as good as it is with him there.

Our midfield IS the strongest in the league no question. When I am saying we are the strongest I am referring to International Experience, Premier League experience and just the fact they are World Class players. With Carlo playing the 4-Diamond-2 formation its a real toss up as to who starts.

Our midfield as you all know consists of Lampard, Deco, Joe Cole, Zhirkov, Malouda, Ballack, Essien, Belletti and Mikel. Those guys are pure class and and you ask any other manager in the Premier League if they had a chance to have a midfield like that they will bite your hand off!

Think about it, we have to play 4 out of the 9 players. So we have strength in depth. No other side in the league can suffer injuries and still bring the same quality to the starting eleven. United will rely on the likes of Carrick, Andersson and Fletcher this season. If they get injured they will rely on the ageing Scholes and Giggs and will they be able to play 90 mins week in week out at real Premiership pace?.

Liverpool will be relying on Gerrard and Mascherano alot this season. Ok they have bought Aquilani but he is injured and has no Premiership Experience. So if Gerrard and Mascherano get injured they do not have the same quality. So for me, we have the best midfield squad depth and this will be key for us for success this season. This could be key for us this year.

Our frontline as already stated looks very strong and has more than enough squad depth with Drogba, Anelka, Sturridge, Shevchenko, Pizzaro and Kalou. With two to play out of the 6 each week we look very strong once more. The only side that comes close or rivals us up front will be Man City.

Now the only concern I have is Ancelotti. This season will be his first as we all know and let's be honest in the back of our minds we are all thinking lets hope he will be no Scolari. But with Wilkins and Clement (recently promoted by the club) working with him to guide him it could be a great season if he hits the ground running. There is the argument that Scolari failed as he came from International Management whereas Ancelotti obviously has been purely a club manager.

Listening to the Chelsea Fancast. Scolari failed as he didn't have a plan B, so let's hope that Ancelotti does and the option of switching back to a 4-3-3 that brought us so much success.

So there we have it, I am extremely confident about our chances in the Premiership this season and I am not the only one!.

Are you as confident as I am ?

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