A New Year message to Chelsea fans from me!.

I would personally like to wish each and every single one of you all a very Happy New Year!. I have written my look at at 2010 in two parts January - May and June - December so have a look back for yourselves on what has been a fantastic year.

Make sure you raise a glass at midnight and toast yourselves, the Chelsea fans all over the world and our team to having a truly great 2011.

I would also like to thank each and every single one of you who have come to visit my site, posted a comment on here on one of my articles, or continue to come back and post regularly on here. You know who you are and I do too!. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It's your thoughts and opinions that help make the site what it has become.

I would also like to thank the rival supporters who have come on here and posted comments that could remain on here without having to be deleted and also thank you to those who have said kind words about me and my opinions. I always try to state things exactly as I see them.

I never in a million years thought that I would be where I am now with the site. I never ever expected to be given awards and featured on Magazine sites and National Newspapers.

For me personally it has been an amazing year and hopefully will become bigger and better in 2011.

So once again, thank you and Happy New Year.

Carefree & KTBFFH.

Read more ...

CHELSEADAFT'S TAKE ON 2010 PART TWO - JUNE-DECEMBER.

Following on now from the first part of my take on 2010 and moving on swiftly we come to..

JUNE

With rumour and speculation going mad and the build up to the World Cup, Chelsea and their players were very rarely out of the headlines. Harry Redknapp stated he believed Joe Cole has agreed to leave Chelsea on a free transfer, Benitez was sacked from Liverpool and it looked like Torres will be coming to Chelsea. Chelsea then withdrew their contract offer to Joe Cole.

Didier Drogba suffered an injury that threatened his World Cup in a friendly, Michael Essien signed a new contract before Mikel was then ruled out of the World Cup.

I posted that the reason Joe Cole could be leaving was because of Malouda's form. We then had an official announcement that Joe Cole and Michael Ballack would be leaving the club in the summer. With that I asked if Ballack was undervalued at Chelsea. I also posted about Joe Cole, one of the most naturally gifted players we have ever seen. We then had additional news that Belletti would also leave Chelsea.

Being linked with Chelsea in June were: Benayoun, Ibrahimovic, Schweinsteiger, Stephen Ireland, Ozil, Silva and Kaka.

Miroslav Stoch was next to leave the club. Nico Anelka was sent home from the World Cup as John Terry sparked controversy by speaking out at a Press Conference with England. Malouda scored as France crashed out of the competition as JT demonstrated that even without the armband he is prepared to put his body on the line for his country.

JULY

Yossi Benayoun signed for club and I wasn't best pleased. We also signed Tomas Kalas. I personally asked Chelsea to try and sign Wesley Sneijder as Didier Drogba became the subject of a £20m bid from City according to the press. Ricardo Carvalho then became subject of speculation that he could be leaving. Carlo stated Champions League was the priority for the coming season as Joe Cole officially signed for Liverpool as I asked who had the better deal between him and Benayoun.

Chelsea's pre season was a disaster as we lost to Ajax 3-1. Fernando Torres then stated he wasn't happy at Liverpool as the bookies stopped taking bets on him moving to Chelsea. Bruma received his first call up to the national team. A young Brazilian called Ramires pleaded for a move to Chelsea.

AUGUST

Ashley Cole's future was still up for discussion with an article in the press stating that he wanted to leave. Meanwhile, our pre-season was even worse with another defeat this time to Frankfurt 2-1. Carlo then confirmed he wanted to sign Ramires. Torres had a change of heart and decided to stay at Liverpool. Carlo stated that Benayoun is better than Joe Cole and we lost another pre-season game this time 2-1 against Hamburg.

Deco left the club as I stated he wouldn't be missed. We then lost the Community Shield 3-1 to Man United as it was announced that Ricardo Carvalho had left the club. In response to the news I posted a tribute and a thank you to Carvalho.

Ramires signed for Chelsea as we got our season underway with a thumping 6-0 win over West Brom at home. Michael Ballack then revealed the club decided to get rid of him and not Carlo as Chelsea then beat Wigan 6-0 away. Michael Mancienne rejoined Wolves on loan as Chelsea beat Stoke 2-0.

SEPTEMBER

September started with Chelsea naming just 19 players in their squad for the new season. Chelsea then beat West Ham 3-1 away, Zilina 4-1 away, Blackpool 4-0 at home but lost 4-3 at home to Newcastle in the League Cup.

After being told we hadn't played anyone of note yet in the League we came up against our first challenge at Man City and lost 1-0. Beat Marseille 2-0 in the Champions League as I asked the question, "Are Chelsea arrogant?".

OCTOBER

Chelsea unveiled a state of The King of Stamford Bridge Peter Osgood, We beat Arsenal 2-0 at the Bridge, as Joe Cole was having a tough time at Liverpool, I stated to ignore Gareth Bale to Chelsea rumours and Didier Drogba was having issues with the Ivory Coast Manager.

I stated we had a lucky escape as far as Torres was concerned, Malouda stated he will stay at Chelsea just until 2014, Alex was ruled out for three weeks aswell as news of injury for Benayoun. I posted that Ashley Cole was making headlines for the right reasons, Bruma demanding first team football was him having a laugh, Juventus reportedly wanted Ivanovic as Jaime Redknapp asked England fans to lay of Ashley Cole.

We then had news that Benayoun was more or less out for the season, being linked with Lahm of Bayern was a great thing, also we were being linked with Henderson of Sunderland, Essien praised Carlo and so did Mikel as Chelsea then drew 0-0 with Villa away.

Ashley Cole revealed that Carlo convinced him to stay as Wayne Rooney stated he would be leaving United. Chelsea were reportedly back in for Torres in January as Zhirkov stated he didn't want to leave the club. I told Chelsea fans to ignore Rooney coming to Chelsea stories as Chelsea beat Spartak Moscow away 2-0 in the Champions League.

The first rumour about Frank Arnesen leaving appeared, Rooney decided to stay at United as Chelsea beat Wolves 2-0. Chelsea also announced a new 8-year deal with Adidas.

NOVEMBER

Chelsea beat Blackburn 2-1, Malouda praised Carlo, Scolari spoke out, Chelsea were linked to right back Srna, Chelsea beat Spartak 4-1 at home, Carlo praised Anelka, Alex stated he wants to stay at Chelsea for good, We lost to Liverpool 2-0, Discussed a move from The Bridge to Earls Court, heard that Borini was willing to sit out his contract and then beat Fulham 1-0.

Ray Wilkins left Chelsea, we then lost 3-0 at home to Sunderland, found out that John Terry has been carrying an injury, I tried to keep everybody calm by posting about our defence, midfield and attack, Stated that it seems as though Carlo has been told to bite his lip and deal with things, We lose to Birmingham 1-0, Then Carlo denies talk of him leaving Chelsea, Ian Wright has his say on Chelsea, We beat Zilina 2-1, Drogba states despite our poor run the players are still the same, Draw away 1-1 at Newcastle and rumours that Guardiola will replace Ancelotti are rubbished by me.

DECEMBER

Bruma stated he would be interested in going out on Loan, Terry gave a message to everyone, Carlo opened the door to transfer activity in January, We drew 1-1 at home with Everton, I asked how much we miss Lampard, Cech spoke out to calm us all down, Ivanovic's agent spoke out about a move from Chelsea if not played at centre back, I rubbished rumours of Chelsea paying £30m for Luiz, Redknapp stated Spurs on same level as Chelsea, We lost to Marseille but still won our qualifying group in the Champions League, I asked if we were afraid to play our football, Had a pop at Drogba once again, Terry stated we do not want it as much as the opposition, Posted a Video of Josh McEachran, Drew 1-1 at Spurs, Stated we won't be signing Tevez, Lampard believed we will win the title, Terry told the fans to stay with us, Drew Copenhagen in the next round of the Champions League, Posted a Drogba video and a Malouda video.

Ramires stated things were going well, I rubbished reports we wanted Modric, Kakuta signed a new contract but still thought he could do better, Terry said we aren't strong enough, Stated that apparently Roman has pulled the plug on signings, Beckham to Chelsea on loan?, Lost 3-1 to Arsenal, asked if we were in a crisis, Sturridge to Liverpool?, Kaka once more linked to Chelsea, Emergency board meeting called at Chelsea?, Cech stated we were making wrong choices as we finished the year off by beating Bolton 1-0.

It's been an amazing year for Chelsea. At times it's been unbelievable and at times with Chelsea being Chelsea they put us through all sorts of problems. Like I say, that's part and parcel of being a football fan.

One thing is for sure, Chelsea have finished the year off with a win, with players back from injury and returning soon, with an easier draw in the Champions League and hopefully with new signings in January, everything is set for Chelsea to kick on and do well again starting on Sunday with Villa at home.

As we move onto a new year and a new start none of us will ever forget 2010 our double winning year!.

KTBFFH.

Read more ...

CHELSEADAFT'S TAKE ON 2010 PART ONE - JAN - MAY.

The year 2010 will always be remembered as the year that Chelsea won their first ever historic double!. It was a remarkable achievement in Carlo Ancelotti's first season as our manager. Chelsea were fantastic and played the kind of football that Roman Abramovich had craved for a long time.

We have had our ups and downs, have some established names leave the club, and made a signing. We have had our name linked with everyone and anyone, had our manager's future called into question towards the end of the year and have seen our season quite literally almost fall apart. It's all part and parcel of being a fan of Chelsea.

Once the clock strikes midnight tonight wherever in the World you maybe, one thing is for sure, you will remember fondly on 2010 as the year Chelsea were back on top!.

Here is a look back at our finest year so far, taking a selection of blog posts I have written to take you back on the journey as a Chelsea fan that was 2010.

JANUARY.

Chelsea came into 2010 not exactly playing well. After a difficult December we played our first game at home to Watford in the FA CUP third round. It was a chance for a fresh start in a new year and made it count beating them 5-0. Next up was Sunderland at home who we beat 7-2. This was followed by a win at Preston in the FA CUP 2-0 and beating Birmingham at home 3-0.

FEBRUARY

Chelsea started the month with a tough trip away to Burnley and we won 2-1. John Terry then found himself in the headlines and was making front page news, everyone had an opinion so I gave mine. The rumours had damaged his reputation and there had been speculation that he could suffer a consequence in the National team. Terry then had it confirmed he would be stripped of the England Captaincy. We then drew away at Hull 1-1 as defending set pieces continued to be a problem.

Chelsea then had great news that Gael Kakuta's ban had been overturned. Chelsea then beat Arsenal at home 2-0 as Petr Cech had kept his 100th clean sheet for Chelsea. This was followed by a 2-1 defeat to Everton where I stated Ancelotti had got it all wrong. After the game Ashley Cole was confirmed being out injured for three months. Chelsea then beat Cardiff at home in the FA CUP 4-1.

Chelsea were due to face Jose Mourinho and his Inter Milan side in a few weeks after the Cardiff game and he had begun to stir things up well in advance.

Getting back to business, Chelsea players were called into a team meeting as the club stated it's stance to the players in no uncertain terms. The following weekend Chelsea travelled to Wolves and beat them 2-0.

Next up was Jose's Inter side. In the build up to the games against them I posted the best Video Tribute by Carefreechris to Jose put together after Jose had left the club just to remind us all of who I stated at the time, was the best Manager we had ever had.

I then posted a video I personally put together of Inter Milan's strengths and weaknesses. It took me hours but if you watch the video yourselves you will see the one area I pointed out as the danger was proved correct as Milito scored as I predicted he could as Inter beat Chelsea 2-1.

Chelsea finished February with a game at home against Manchester City. It was a game built up about John Terry v Wayne Bridge and we all know what happened when the players walk down the line to shake each others hands. We won't know if this situation had an effect on JT at the time, but for me I stated on here on record that Ancelotti needed to WAKE UP as Chelsea were battered and lost to City 2-4. It was the first time I had really had a pop at Carlo and wasn't to be the last.

MARCH

March started off with once again a frustrated post from me after comments from Carlo after the City game. I stated that he was deluded and wasn't watching the same Chelsea I was!. This was followed with a couple of news items about Deco wanting to leave which didn't bother me, Joe Cole getting a wake up call from Capello, JT coming through his first game for England since losing the armband for England. We then had news that Jose Bosingwa was ruled out for the rest of the season.

Getting back to the football and we won our next game in the FA CUP quarter final at home against Stoke 2-0. In the week afterwards player contracts were up for discussion and I asked the question if Roman Abramovich had changed his tune at the club?. Didier Drogba won the African player of the year and David Beckham was ruled out of the World Cup. Chelsea then won their next game against West Ham 4-1 at home.

Next up was the second leg at home against Inter. I posted my second tactical analysis video ahead of the game. Chelsea lost at home 1-0 and Inter had beaten us twice. I stated that the Jury was out once more for Ancelotti and also the fall out afterwards. This was followed by a 1-1 draw away at Blackburn. I stated that Carlo had run out of ideas but little did we know it would be the game that would change our season.

Our unbelievable run started away at Portsmouth. I had been asking for Carlo to make the switch back to 4-3-3 for god knows how long and at Fratton Park he obliged. Chelsea battered Portsmouth 5-0. Chelsea then hammered Aston Villa 7-1 as Frank scored four and took his goal tally at the time to 151 goals for Chelsea.

APRIL

I started the month with a post on what a difference a week makes in football. Our next game was the biggest of the season against Man United. We beat them at Old Trafford 2-1. The tables had turned!. We followed this up by beating Villa in the FA CUP Semi-Final at Wembley 3-0. It turned out to be an even better weekend than we expected. We then beat Bolton 1-0 before losing away to Spurs 2-1.

Michael Ballack was then the topic of conversation as it was claimed he wanted a 2-year deal to stay at Chelsea or he would leave. Chelsea then beat Stoke 7-0 at home as JT had to answer repeated questions about his form.

MAY

Chelsea started off the biggest month of our season with a trip to Anfield. Chelsea won 2-0. Didier Drogba was then named Player of the Year and the end of season Awards Dinner.

Chelsea then took on Wigan at home. A win would give us the title. Chelsea won it in style beating Wigan 8-0 and we were crowned Premier League Champions. I posted a video of Carlo Ancelotti's message to the fans during the celebrations. I still had time to have a pop at Drogba for his behaviour during the first half. Drogba stated he loved the club and about a Fernando Torres possible move to Chelsea?.

Chelsea then beat Portsmouth in the FA Cup Final 1-0 and won our first ever double. Ballack was ruled out of the World Cup afterwards. I posted an apology to Carlo Ancelotti. Frank Lampard then praised the Chelsea fans as Ashley Cole was rumoured to be about to move abroad. Michael Essien was then ruled out of the World Cup.

Stay tuned for June - December!.

KTBFFH

Read more ...

Chelsea 1-0 Bolton - Massive three points!. What's your take on the game?

I never got to see this one last night as am at a mates wedding today so am caught up in all that but I will tell you one thing, the relief I felt after seeing that the game had finished and we had one and got an really important three points was immense!.

With United and Arsenal slipping up things do not seem as bad this morning as they were on Tuesday morning.

Such a massive massive three points for us, I really hope this is a sign that we have turned a corner and can kick on this Sunday against Villa who have their own problems.

Rather than read match reports and talk about it myself which isn't really fair I would rather I hand this post over to you the fans who went to the game, or watched it on the Internet.

So as I say my feeling looking at the result without seeing the performance is a big big win.

I am asking you the fans:

Why not post below your version of a match report or summary, What was your take on the game last night?

Thank god for three points!!!

Carefree & KTBFFH!

Read more ...

Grab a bite to eat at The Masala Zone Fulham Broadway.

Chelsea fans! Why not go and try the brand new Indian Restaurant in Fulham Broadway The MASALA ZONE before or after the game today.

Why not grab a Curry, Rice and a beer for just £12!!

The Masala Zone has been awarded the following accreditations:

Best Restaurateur of the Year - Tatler Award
Amaya: Best Restaurant & Best New Restaurant - London Restaurant Awards
Chutney Mary: Best Indian Restaurant - London Restaurant Award
Veeraswamy: Britain's Oldest Indian Restaurant - Established 1926
Masala Zone: "10/10 for food, service & value for money" The Guardian

So if you need food before or after the game then why not head to The Masala Zone (opposite Barclays Bank) and please mention you have seen this advert on my website "Chelseadaft" for me when you go in. 

The Masala Zone - Real Indian Food!

KTBFFH!

Follow me on Twitter @chelseadaft

Read more ...

Cech - "Making the wrong choices all over the pitch!"

Petr Cech has spoken of the nightmare at the Emirates the other night and believes it's the worst he has seen since he has been at our club. He said:

"We are not used to seeing Chelsea play the way we are playing at the moment, The reality is we aren't doing the right things on the pitch, we are making mistakes and we got punished for the mistakes.

On the second and third goals, it was really unlike Chelsea. I don't remember since I've been here us conceding two goals in one minute like that.

We are making the wrong choices all over the pitch, defensive-wise and attacking-wise. We have stopped doing the things we were doing at the start of the season when we didn't concede goals and we were scoring a lot.

Nobody's happy with the situation but at the moment we can't find the right chemistry on the pitch. We will try to find a solution and keep working. We aren't throwing the towel in yet because we know everything can change fast."

Well it's no surprise that Cech has come out and said what he has and is stating everything we have been feeling since watching that rubbish on Monday night.

Cech says that the players will keep working to find a solution to where we find ourselves, my response is that they need to start working hard in games because that would be a start!!!

KTBFFH

Read more ...

Chelsea v Bolton - Pull your fingers out and have pride in the shirt!.

Well where do you start?, what can you say?. As the final whistle blew on Monday night at the Emirates and after the initial feelings to what I had just witnessed, my thoughts turned to tonight and Bolton at home couldn't come at a worse time for Chelsea.

Bolton are flying and you have to hold your hands up and state that some people were surprised when Owen Coyle left Burnley after what he had achieved half way through the season to go to Bolton. What he has done there has been fantastic, got the best out of the players and they deservedly sit sixth in the League just two points behind us!. The fact that if they beat Chelsea they move above us in the League is such an incentive for their side, they will be giving it their all tonight and you have to say they always give us a hard game.

The fact that we now sit fifth in the League and Bolton can overtake us if they beat us tonight just goes to show the state that we find ourselves in, and that's no disrespect to Bolton at all.

Chelsea have been dire, shocking, laboured and have lost games without a fight which is the most disappointing thing for me. If we get beat by putting up a fight and playing at our best then fair enough, but we have been rubbish and Arsenal on Monday night proved it.

Knowing we have just two days before tonight's game could be a blessing in disguise or it could be a hindrance. Carlo has spoken of Chelsea needing a wake up immediately and with that Chelsea need a drastic change of mentality tonight.

This really is no easy game. Bolton will work hard, make life difficult and pressurise the player on the ball. They have two players up front in form in Davies, who always plays well against Chelsea and the Swede Elmander who has impressed me this season. Anything played up to Davies will need to be dealt with, we have to win the first AND SECOND ball tonight.

Chelsea need to impose ourselves tonight on Bolton. Expect a change in formation and expect Essien to play the holding role in place of Mikel tonight who picked up a knock at Arsenal. Now Carlo has a choice of what to do as Anelka is also back tonight. He can either bring in Ramires to battle in midfield for the ball and stick Anelka in for Kalou who played like an idiot other night and next to Drogba and Malouda, or keep Kalou in the side and move Malouda backwards in the midfield next to Lampard.

I predict Kalou will be benched and too bloody right if you ask me. He was useless and should be dropped altogether. Lampard maybe heavy legged tonight after his first 90 minutes on Monday for three months so remember not to expect too much from Frank.

It's not about individuals tonight, it's not about tactics or anything like that, its about the TEAM tonight. Let's see a Chelsea side work hard ALL GAME, play for each other, talk to each other and pass the ball to each other tonight for once rather than give the bloody thing away!.

Chelsea need to match Bolton's work ethic tonight first and foremost, then once we have done that we need to play our football. I can sit here and talk of the threat's we have all over the pitch like I have done week in, week out but I am getting sick and tired of building us up in recent weeks to watch the shower of shit we have seen.

Chelsea after recent weeks are now faced with a crisis. The manager's future is being called into question, players futures are being called into question and our title hopes are being questioned.

It's up to you the players to get out there and do something about it, for the team, for the manager and for us fans. It's alright coming out in the press and talking up a good game, you lot have been doing that for weeks but when it comes to the game itself we have fallen apart.

It's simple, if we don't play well Bolton WILL beat us!. Chelsea must play well. Show us pride in wearing the shirt tonight, show us what you can do and get a result. Anything else will be a disaster!.

KTBFFH

Chelsea fans! Why not go and try the brand new Indian Restaurant in Fulham Broadway The MASALA ZONE before or after the game today.

Why not grab a Curry, Rice and a beer for just £12!!

The Masala Zone has been awarded the following accreditations:

Best Restaurateur of the Year - Tatler Award
Amaya: Best Restaurant & Best New Restaurant - London Restaurant Awards
Chutney Mary: Best Indian Restaurant - London Restaurant Award
Veeraswamy: Britain's Oldest Indian Restaurant - Established 1926
Masala Zone: "10/10 for food, service & value for money" The Guardian

So if you need food before or after the game then why not head to The Masala Zone (opposite Barclays Bank) and please mention you have seen this advert on my website "Chelseadaft" for me when you go in. 

The Masala Zone - Real Indian Food!

KTBFFH!

Follow me on Twitter @chelseadaft

Read more ...

Emergency board meeting tonight called at Chelsea?

As expected Carlo Ancelotti's future has been called into question once more and the rumours have gained much more momentum since Arsenal on Monday night. Of course Guus Hiddink's name is being touted about again as a replacement for Ancelotti but it is believed he doesn't want the day to day management again. There are very strong rumours that the Chelsea Board will convene tonight to discuss our current situation and The Telegraph has picked up on the meeting to state that Roman even though unable to attend the meeting tonight he will be in contact with the board and declare that he stands by Ancelotti.

It's an interesting article really, as it states that Abramovich met Ancelotti for a couple of hours after the defeat to Marseille and reiterated his support for Carlo, he admitted mistakes were made in the sacking of Ray Wilkins and that he intends to back him in the January window.

We have to face facts here and be realistic, our form is the worst in the Premier League right now and things need to be addressed. I am not saying that Carlo needs to be sacked at all, but if Chelsea do not win tonight against Bolton then you do have to question whether or not he can turn it round.

KTBFFH.

Read more ...

Surprise, Surprise Kaka being linked to Chelsea once again.

The Kaka rumours never seem to go away because of the obvious link between the player and Carlo Ancelotti. The way Chelsea are playing lately there are all sorts of rumours about January again and Kaka has appeared once more.

In this article in the Daily Mail, the report states that if the player cannot revive his Real Madrid career then he will come to Chelsea and this is according to a close ally of Madrid president Florentino Perez.

The key point here is the fact that it's being rumoured that a move to Chelsea will be on the cards ONLY if he is unable to revive his career.

The thing is, why on earth wouldn't you want to keep Kaka if he is in your squad no matter what injury problems he has had?. Do you honestly think that Jose will want to let him leave?. I just can't see it at all.

So once again, although it would be a fantastic signing if he did come sitting next to Lampard with Essien holding, ignore this one.

First Beckham the other day and now Kaka!, remember it's silly season!.

KTBFFH

Read more ...

Football 360 advert.

Read more ...

Sturridge eyeing up a move to Liverpool.

A rumour that has appeared lately is that Daniel Sturridge is looking to leave Chelsea. Now first of all the rumour appeared stating that a loan move could be on the cards. It now appears that after Liverpool have expressed an interest, Sturridge wants to seal a £5m permanent move to Anfield.

For me and being harsh here, he hasn't really done it for me, is too one footed and isn't ready in my eyes for a start at Chelsea so I would cash in on him.

The permanent move has come about because it's believed that Sturridge has seen how well Jack Wilshire is doing at Arsenal because he is given a chance and wants regular first team football. The player believes that he can form a partnership with Fernando Torres.

I say if he wants out, sell him!.

KTBFFH

Read more ...

Are Chelsea in a crisis?

Carlo Ancelotti has said last night after the Arsenal game the following:

"There is a lot of disappointment because the difficult moment continues, We are losing position in the table. We have to wake up immediately. I think we have a possibility to come back and fight for the title but we cannot have this type of performance in the future, We don't have to think about the title, we have to think about moving on from this moment. We have to prepare well for the next game [against Bolton] and try to win.

I don't know. Obviously he (Abramovich) won't be happy at this moment. I will take my responsibility but this is a question you have to ask him, not me. I'm not afraid about my job. Everyone said I did a fantastic job last year. Now people are asking me about my job.

We have to do better, obviously. It's not usual that Chelsea can't win for six games. I'm worried, obviously, because that's six games we've not been able to win. I didn't see the team playing the way we want and we had difficulty playing our football. We're obviously not so confident playing in this moment. I didn't expect this defeat. I was surprised by this performance. I saw very good training sessions this week, so I was surprised by this performance."

So straight away I am left wondering why on earth did we put in this kind of performance?. We had two full weeks to prepare, recharge our batteries and be all set for last night but we never really got started and too many players under performed and have done for weeks now.

If we look at our form it's relegation form and to say this of Chelsea is shocking to say the least. We have sat here for a few weeks now and the only positives we have seen is our first half against Everton when we drew and our second half against Spurs when we drew that one also.

We have come along way to thinking that these are the only positives, 45 minutes of a game we have drawn. The players are the same, yes we have had injuries and people missing but it was only Lampard's first full 90 minutes of football last night whereas Essien and Terry have played and Drogba has played through his Malaria.

I don't think we are in a crisis yet myself but I have to say I am really concerned with how we are playing, how we have been playing and where we find ourselves.

We miss Alex at the back bigtime, Ivanovic and Terry still need time to work on playing together and in my opinion Ivanovic is better at right back at the moment. Mikel hasn't been anywhere near the player he has been, Essien has been a shadow of himself apart from glimpses in the second half yesterday, Lampard needs time to get match fit, Malouda hasn't had a good game for god knows how long and the same can be said of Kalou, Drogba and Anelka.

So I am asking you the fans the question today:

Are we in a crisis?

KTBFFH

Read more ...

Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea. Credit to Arsenal. Chelsea are now out of it.

Now I want to start this match report by congratulating Arsenal on their performance yesterday. Looking back I cannot pick out one of their players who had a bad game. Every player new the importance of the game and of getting the result last night and went out there and played exactly how they needed to. Chelsea's defensive errors and players who never showed up handed the game to the Gooners and they now have to be considered genuine title challengers. As for Chelsea, our relegation form has cost us and we have to be realistic and say for this season it's over as far as the league is concerned.

Read more ...

Arsenal v Chelsea - Forget everyone else, it's about Drogba!.

It's been a long two weeks without football. There's nothing worse in my opinion than building up to a game and it get's called off. For Chelsea and Arsenal it meant an extra week of recuperation which has enabled the likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard, Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie, time to get themselves ready for what is now the biggest game of the season for both sides but for very different reasons.

Read more ...

Seaman slates Arsenal over Ashley Cole.

David Seaman has spoken out about the treatment Ashley Cole had at the club which you have to say is somewhat surprising. Of course there will be stories and quotes ahead of tomorrow as the press and media build up to one of the biggest games of the season, but for Seaman to speak out against Arsenal it will raise a few eyebrows to say the least.

He said:

“Ashley Cole got dealt with badly at Arsenal and he was hung out to dry a little bit – and that is all I can really say.

The true ­stories never come out. Ashley has been dealt with wrongly by the club and I am not going to go into anything else on that.

I love Ashley as a player and as a man. He is also the best left-back in the world, not one of them, the best left-back. He used to get changed down but one from me, ­because he was number three. I have seen him grow up into the great player that he is now.

And I feel really proud for what he has achieved. I know some Arsenal fans may not like that but I am sorry but I know what I know, and I like him.”

Fantastic quote from Seaman. It's the last comment about knowing what I know that leaves you wondering exactly what happened there.

All I know is that if you look at it Chelsea and Arsenal fans, in the deal that saw Cole come to Chelsea and William "I will score an own goal if I can't leave" Gallas move to North London, we all know who got the better deal!.

After all Arsenal fans we all witnessed the pantomime at Birmingham with Gallas sitting on the pitch like a prat!.

Ashley Cole, even though he took some time, is now back to his best and IS the best left back in World football.

Whatever happened at Arsenal made it possible. As Chelsea fans thank god it did!

KTBFFH.

Read more ...

David Beckham to Chelsea on loan?

There is a report this morning that Chelsea and Carlo Ancelotti are looking to bring David Beckham to Stamford Bridge on loan next month. I have to say I think this one is just speculation and nothing more. Carlo Ancelotti first brought Beckham to AC Milan and because of Beckham's desire to play in Europe and for England again, the press are just looking at possible targets and have come up with this rumour.

We have to remember that Beckham has also said he would never play for another Premier League side apart from United.

Don't believe it is all I will say!

KTBFFH

Read more ...

Chelsea in crisis as Roman pulls the plug!?

Last night the DAILY MAIL has broken a story that Roman Abramovich has pulled the plug on any potential signings for Chelsea next month after the club made a "reported" £40m loss last season despite winning our first ever double with Premier League and FA CUP glory!.

Now this goes against what Carlo had openly said about speaking to Roman about potential signings. I do find it to be surprising but thinking about it, as long as we can keep everyone fit, Carlo could be told that you believed your squad was good enough at the beginning of the season, so should be good enough now!

As we all know, right now Chelsea are being linked with everyone and anyone at the moment. With the transfer window approaching next week, expect even more rumour and speculation.

The problem being, with signing people in Jan and depending on who is available, unless it is someone who a club is looking to get rid of, or someone who is out of contract at the end of the season, you are looking top pay top fee's again to sign them, including buying them out of their current contract.

If you look at our first team when everyone is fit, then it needs to be someone special, a big name worldclass signing to break into it. I can't see that happening right now anyway.

We keep hearing that Roman is about to splash the cash again but this report states something different.

For me, there is no crisis at Chelsea despite what the press want you to believe!.

KTBFFH

Read more ...

Ancelotti speaks on Arsenal and the title race.

Carlo Ancelotti has spoken ahead of tomorrow. He said:

"Arsenal knows very well our skills and ability, and we also know their ability, their skills. Obviously we want to try the same game we played against them and reach the same result.

Arsenal has fantastic ability to play fantastic football, maybe they concede something defensively and we have to use our ability to find the right space to create difficulties in their defensive line."

It is an important game obviously because both teams are involved in the fight for the title. Arsenal, Man City and Tottenham has the opportunity and skill to fight for the title until the end. I think it will be a race with balance because a lot of teams have the possibility to win, not just Chelsea and Man United.

I don't want to say that the game against Arsenal is more important than Bolton, it is the same," Ancelotti explained. "We have to do the best to take three points. It is a very important period.

I think we used well these 15 days to train and I have confidence that my team moved on from a difficult moment. Manchester United are having fantastic results. They didn't lose a game so they are able to obtain results continuously. We don't want this gap increasing, so it is important to obtain a result."

There is no question that this is a huge game tomorrow. Carlo is right, we cannot afford anymore slip ups now and we need to get our form back on track starting tomorrow night.

Chelsea need to expose their shaky defence and with our big guns back, you can bet Lampard, Drogba, Anelka, Malouda and Michael Essien will be looking hit them where it hurts tomorrow.

KTBFFH

Read more ...

Ashley Cole "We have to get back on track!"

Ashley Cole has spoken of tomorrow's game and has sent a warning to the Arse. He said:

"We've been disappointing in our last six games and it's a big contrast to how we started the season, but we have a lot of big players back to fitness and it's going to give us a boost.

Any team who has their top players out is going to be affected. The players who have come in have done a good job but you're always going to miss JT, Lamps and Essien. We seem to play better when they are all in the team, hopefully we can start to push on.

They're major players for us and we have missed their personalities, desire, will to win and leadership. We have been unlucky in games, even though we haven't been playing well. We have still had a lot of shots and chances.

It has not gone our way but, now the big guys are back, hopefully we can turn our season around because it is getting to the important part. We're fourth in the table, we have to get back on track and start winning again."

I keep saying it about our injuries and Cole has said the same. All Chelsea fans know that even if we had just one of them missing it would make a big difference but to have the three of them out at the same time, it hurt us.

With these two weeks we have had to prepare for the game, we should see a fit and firing Chelsea tomorrow!

KTBFFH

Read more ...

The Xmas Special - Commando Style! The Chelsea FanCast #142

Our Christmas gift to you: The Xmas Special - Commando Style! The Chelsea FanCast #142. So, when you've stuffed your face with turkey and drunk your self stupid, what better way to annoy the relatives by listening to the FanCast, and singing along of course :) Happy Christmas from all of the FanCast boys and thanks for your support in 2010!! UTC & KTBFFH...

The Xmas Special – Commando Style! The Chelsea Football FanCast #142

Chidge and the boys discuss the postponement of the game against the Mancs, the upcoming game against ‘The’ Arse, and have a Christmas themed sing song, Dear Mart and You’re on CFFC, all washed down with plenty of Xmas spirit!

Chidge is not happy about the postponement of the game against the Mancs, whilst ChelTel, Chris and Ross are the voice of reason regarding the decision and also the fact we were all confident of victory! Turning to Next week’s game against the Arse the boys predict a return to form with the sight of our traditional whipping boys. We’ll also be picking out some top bets from Paddy Power and offering an exclusive offer for the Arsenal game which you can access by clicking on http://www.facebook.com/l/037aceP9m_zLWQycthjjunfD1Cg;www.paddypower.com/chelseafancast

We have a review of the year for the match awards this week as we have a look back at our double winning year and reveal our choices for Man of the Year, Chant of the Year, Guinness moment of the Year and Celery moment of the Year. A test on the dubious memories of the boys if ever there was one!

After all that we have a Christmas themed “We’re out to show the world the way to sing!” with some classic songs from the Chelsea terraces.

In the absence of the AWOL Dr Mart, Chidge dons the surgical mask to answer your Chelsea related questions in ‘Dear Mart’. To wrap up, the boys read out the best posts from the week in ‘You’re on CFFC’.

A very merry ‘blue’ Christmas to all our listeners and a happy trophy laden New Year. Up the Chels!

The Chelsea Football FanCast: The Xmas Special – Commando Style!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

CLICK HERE FOR THE CFFC SITE.

Read more ...

Ancelotti - "Arsenal fear Drogba".

Carlo Ancelotti has spoken ahead of Arsenal on Monday and believes that they fear Didier Drogba. The Arsenal fans have had their say on my site earlier in the week and it's a fact that Carlo was keen to point out to the listening reporters. He said:

“Arsenal have fantastic ability and are able to play fantastic football, but maybe they concede something defensively, so we have to use our ability to find the right space to create difficulty in their defensive line.

I think they are a little bit afraid of the performance of Drogba, because he’s done very well against them. If Drogba plays at his best, we’ll have more opportunity to win. We want to try the same game that we played against them, and we hope to reach the same result.”

Source:Telegraph
I think we all know he has done well against the Arse. Without question we need Drogba to be at his best once more come Monday. He showed signs of it at White Hart Lane and I am sure he will up and at it at the Emirates.

If Didier Drogba is up for the challenge, it could be a long night for the Arsenal and believe me, they know it!.

KTBFFH

Read more ...

Arsene Wenger - "We do not expect Chelsea weakness".

Arsene Wenger has spoken of Monday night and states that he doesn't expect a Chelsea weakness. He said:

"Chelsea have gone through a period where results are a bit less good but that can happen to anyone in this league," he said. "We have seen recently that any team, when you think they are on the brink of breaking through, can have a hiccup. Maybe it's just the quality of the league.

You never know whether it's the best time to play Chelsea. Every game is specific and a new start. They have a little bit less confidence than they had in October but we know that winning will be down to our performance.

We know that on Monday we will play against a top team and we do not expect any weakness on their side. We want to put a top-level performance in at the Emirates and show we are masters at home."

Source:Espn.
I think Wenger has got this spot on. I think Chelsea fans know it, Arsenal fans know it and above all else, the Arsenal players know it.

The fact that Chelsea have had a full two weeks to prepare for this game will give our players a much needed break after playing during the summer in the World Cup, will enable them to recharge their batteries, get the team spirit back strong again, and most importantly of all, allow Frank Lampard more time to become stronger.

Arsenal will have to be at their best to beat Chelsea and judging by Arsenal comments on here earlier in the week they aren't expecting to!.

KTBFFH

Read more ...

Chelseadaft featured on the Mirror Football website!

It's always an honour as to be contacted by established Publication, but when Mirror Football contacted me earlier in the week about an article they are running called 'All I want for Xmas" and asked me to pick one player that I would realistically want Chelsea to sign in January and also one dream signing, I had to get in touch.

The article is now live here so check it out. Have a look to see the two players I chose and post your comments on here to let me know if you agree or not!.

If you disagree, who would be your two picks. Remember one has to be a realistic selection and the other your dream signing.

KTBFFH

Read more ...

JT says we aren't strong enough - Do you agree?

It's like they have been waiting there with pens at the ready for another Chelsea player to come out with a quote to swarm all over. Instead of taking the whole interview into context, the headlines you are seeing all over the net this afternoon is that Terry says that "Chelsea aren't strong enough!" blah blah blah.

John Terry actually said:

"We've missed some key players at key times and it is a case of keeping everyone fit now over the Christmas period, where we have two games in three days. In the past, we had a big squad and could rotate and put other players in. We don't have that now, we have quite a young squad and it's a time for everyone to stay together like we always will.

Once we've turned that corner, we can move on from there and wait for other teams to slip up, which they will do. We have a tough game away at Arsenal, which could prove to be very difficult, but we're just one game from moving on. Recent form isn't something you can pinpoint, but we know it hasn't been good enough and we'll improve.

Teams go through bad spells throughout the season. Arsenal have dropped points at home, and we've done the same, games we should have won. Sunderland at home was a poor performance but I don't think, overall, too much has gone wrong, we've had some tough games. We dropped points against Everton last year, we lost at Tottenham last year and still came out champions."

I think it's fair to say that it's been the Key players getting injured or suspended and the total amount of players missing that have hit Chelsea hard. I don't think for example the squad isn't strong enough at all really as this is the first time in years we have had to deal with the amount of injuries we've had this season.

As he says, now those players are making their way back we should be stronger and get ourselves back to the top of the Premier League.

Terry mentions the hard game that us Chelsea fans know we have on Monday night even though the Arsenal responses I have had on here in THIS POST are somewhat surprising.

I think Carlo will invest in the squad in January and I have asked you if you had the money who you would bring into the club so if you haven't already have your say here.

What do you think? Is it a case of us being weaker this season, or unlucky with alot of injuries to key players at the same?

KTBFFH

Read more ...

Joe Cole's time at Liverpool not so great now!.

It wasn't so long ago that Joe Cole stated he had joined "The biggest club in the country" which really pushed my buttons at the time, when he signed for Liverpool in the summer. Joe stated that he See's his future playing "Just in behind the striker" and the general opinion was that this had played a part in leaving Chelsea as he couldn' ever get a start in that position.

Well well, just five months later and with Liverpool languishing down the League and Joe struggling for form, Roy Hodgson appears to be getting frustrated with Joe this week. First stating that his form needs to improve and now today stating that Joe needs to be able to play anywhere and not just in the position he wants.

Hodgson is quoted in the Guardian this morning saying:

"Joe has to come to terms with the fact that he has come here after an unsuccessful period at Chelsea with high hopes of taking Liverpool by storm and unfortunately it's not happened.

If he says 'Well I'm not playing in my right position', then you'd have to ask him what his right position is. If he says the only place he can play is behind the striker, then he is limiting his chances of playing here.

We also have Gerrard and [Raúl] Meireles who can play in that position, and at the moment quite often we are playing with two strikers. I would be sad to hear him saying something like that, because he would be suggesting he can't do what he has done so often for England and Chelsea, which is playing in a different position."

Now stepping away from my biased Chelsea view of course and looking at the player that is Joe Cole, you have to say the guy has that much talent you would want to slot him into your side in any of the attacking midfield positions.

Whether or not that's out wide or in the middle like Chelsea have with three there, you would want Joe to be a part of it as he has undoubted ability. I always have been a fan of Joe Cole and at times would be stating on here that Chelsea and England need Joe Cole playing.

I am of the opinion (and Liverpool supporters would probably not care anyway) that you should stick Joe Cole out wide left for Liverpool in front of Paul (my mother hates Scousers) Konchesky, put Babel out wide right in front of Glen Johnson and put Dirk Kuyt up top with Torres. That leaves Meireles and Gerrard in the middle of midfield, leaving them with plenty of options to get the ball forward or out wide.

Jose Mourinho once slated Joe Cole after he scored a deflected winner for Chelsea at Anfield by stating he needs to work harder and maybe just maybe it seems this still rings true of Joe these days.

For me Joe can be just as influential out wide as he could be playing inside but it's difficult to back the guy when he insists on limiting his chances of playing but stating he wants to play in one position and being "unhappy" at playing in another.

One thing is for sure, in these days playing in the Premier League and for clubs like Chelsea and Liverpool it should be about playing for the shirt, giving it your everything, making sure you are playing and doing enough week in week out.

At the moment he isn't so I am asking you the football fan reading this:

Do you agree with Roy Hodgson? Where would you play Joe Cole?

KTBFFH.

Read more ...

Nani rules out Arsenal and Manchester City. Its Chelsea or Manchester United for the Title!

You will wake up to the Nani interview this morning printed in the Daily Mail about how he is doing replacing Ronaldo at United blah blah blah. However, he has made a comment this morning that will get football fans thinking and I am wondering if he has a point or is he talking nonsense?

He said:

"I no longer see anybody winning the Premier League outside of Manchester United or Chelsea. Hopefully it will be United."

So does he have a point?. Looking back at the last six years it has been one or the other but you have to admit with Arsenal building something at the Emirates over time and with age on their side, the tables could turn in their favour.

You cannot rule our Manchester City now either this season purely because of their spending power (expect a big clear out from them in January too by the way)as they can pretty much continue to strengthen their side in every window.

The only team that is part of the "Big Four" that you can count out for definite is Liverpool. They are a long way off getting back to challenging as they did a few seasons ago.

What you have to remember is that football is football and anything can happen. For example anyone can beat anyone on their day. Who would have thought Blackpool would beat Liverpool away?. West Brom would do the Arsenal at the Emirates and Sunderland beat Chelsea the way they did at Stamford Bridge!?.

So I am asking you the football fan reading this, no matter what club you support:

Is Nani right? Is it only a two horse race?

Carefree & KTBFFH

Read more ...

Arsenal favourites to beat us?

I was alerted by an article on Arsenal Mania about the game on Monday night and it got me thinking to say the least.

The article stated the following:

"This is really the best possible time to be taking on Carlo Ancelotti's side and you really get the feeling that if we take all three points then pundits will openly declare that Chelsea are starting to come apart.

Chelsea could very easily sneak an early goal and then sit back and try to defend it. The way they've been playing lately, you'd expect us to be able to break them down"

Now you have to read the full article as they are talking about odds at the bookies backing up what they are saying but at the same time they make some controversial points if you ask me.

First of all, is it really the best possible time to play Chelsea? We have been smarting after being poor for well over a month now but, We have JT and Lampard back and have also had an additional week on top of the previous week to prepare for this one. Added to that, Didier Drogba is back amongst the goals.

Chelsea have had to wait for two weeks now to put right the wrongs of the last few games so expect them to make a statement on Monday night. However, if we do lose would it really be Chelsea falling apart? I can't see it to be honest.

Secondly, it states that Chelsea could sneak an early goal and then sit back and try and defend it. Well you have to say when JT is back there and we have our tried and trusted three in midfield of Lampard, Essien and Mikel then Chelsea look solid. The problem Arsenal have is they lack a killer ball so when they play side to side all the time like against us or United the other week it's easier to defend against.

I have to say Arsenal are a massive threat of course and have plenty of options in their side. Added to that players who could turn a game by themselves and they cannot just be brushed aside. You have to work hard to beat Arsenal.

I do really think, and I am not being biased here, just taking everything into account with the fact that we have been rubbish and Arsenal can't keep a clean sheet, that I can't see how you can make anybody outright favourites for this one.

Do you agree?

KTBFFH

Read more ...

Spend Roman's Money !!!

(In light of speculation surrounding Chelsea and the apparent "monies" Roman Abramovich has to spend in the January transfer window)
You are now Carlo Ancelotti. You have just had a meeting with Roman Abramovich and he has confirmed that he understands the situation with the squad and injuries and is willing to spend "Whatever it takes" to make sure Chelsea remain strong throughout the full squad to cope with possible injuries and suspensions.

So you have an open chequebook for January. Bearing in mind Champions League registrations etc and to be aware of who could play and who is unable to because they have already played for someone else the questions I would like you the fans to answer are:

What players would you bring in, allow to leave either permanently or on loan and give your reasons!?

KTBFFH

Read more ...

DEBATE: Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United slammed by Beenhakker.

Feyenoord Sporting Director Leo Beenhakker is livid with Chelsea, Arsenal, United and English clubs in general after reports have appeared in recent days stating that Chelsea are about to grab on of their hottest youth properties Nathan Ake.

Nothing has been confirmed by Chelsea at all officially but it seems that a deal has been struck for Ake to sign professional terms at the club after turning 16 in February meaning that the Dutch club will receive a reported £228,000 compensation pay out.

Beenhakker said:

“What can you do? This is bad news for Feyenoord. English clubs are the great white sharks of football. Arsenal, Man United, Chelsea, they’re all in the game.

Premier League clubs spoil the market with their behaviour. Other clubs in Europe aren’t doing these kind of things, but the English sides just don’t care.”

(Source:Express)
In light of his comments I thought it's time for another debate on here.

The fact that he has named Chelsea, Arsenal and United stating that we are all in the game in no uncertain terms states to me anyway the ill feeling within Europe of the Premier League and the money that is involved in our game.

We have the best league in the world and if you are a youngster with a chance to come to England and join one of the biggest teams in Europe then why wouldn't you?.

We all know our clubs have Academy's and of course your club will look to get hold of the best youngsters to bring them through into the first team to save the club money at the end of the day.

As a supporter of English sides do you agree with the way we have our scouting systems set up?, The transfer policy of our clubs and the way in which we go about our business?.

Do you agree with Beenhakker?

KTBFFH

Read more ...