Kostas

Romeu had to displace Mikel, who has been established for years, and the gambles that Lampard and Essien were. Up front even if some of the current players sign new contracts the only one who is anywhere near being established is Mata. If we lose the players that are expected to leave we'll have basically 8 players for 3 positions(Torres, Sturridge, Mata, Malouda, Benayoun, DeBruyne, Lukaku, Kakuta). While we are certain to sign more attacking players I expect him to lead the U21 bunch both due to ability and professional experience*. *Both KDB and Kakuta are 21 in the summer, Kakuta is fucked by comparison of their appearances.

Considering De Vissier's age he is more likely to be one of Roman's many advisors (see the Jewish scout whose name I could never memorize). Additionally, the fall out with De Vissier's recommendation Frank Arnesen may have weaken his say in the matters of the club. Guy Hillion has afaik already left the club and while I don't share Justin's simplistic view on our scouting department the fact that we have lost/sacked at least half a dozen head scouts since 2010 and have had no known replacements is one that is at the very least alarming. In fact, the man who according to what we to know, leads our scouts at the moment is the much maligned Michael Emenalo.

Any word on how much get gets p/w?

Priceless.

Two footed and more naturally skilled (= not just flashy) than all our players bar 2, even if shit hits the fan he'll get appearances under any coach as an alternative to Mata. Don't you dare mention Kakuta ; - )

Heh, I'd be pretty comfortable to bet that the only goalscoring stats that are posted more often than his "impressive" achievements are those of Torres and Lampard.

Yeah because it's not like he fired the best manager in the world for questioning his authority and that of the people close to him.. * The chances of an "oligarch" hiring a manager with a history of shifting the blame on his superiors (FSW had the audacity to slate Moratti) are very very slight. It's not like the most logical assumption would be that he'd go from a manager whose groups of players have always overachieved to one that would make our bunch of players underachieve worse than they have for the last 2 years. Not that you need to worry though. Moyes has lost his chance at getting that big a job. *BTW not sure how this season's player power stories created/ or let retarded speculation resurface but reading about how JT (or any player power) got Mourinho sacked might be the dumbest thing since the notion that sacking an assistant manager ruined Ancelotti's Chelsea.

Not sure what the fuss is about since those are mere popularity awards(?)

On RDM's dartboard.

He had to choose between upsetting an established midfield and players he will have to work with in the future and forcing a kid that will be gone in May onto his team. Maybe McEachran just didn't earn a chance.

Hindsight much?

^ A possible interpretation: AVB didn't realise Mata couldn't be a winger in his 4-3-3 until we started getting shit.

Their roles are hardly comparable. Afaik we had our own ex-Spurs DoF that got the boot not too long ago..

I had the impression DeGea has the best stats among keepers this season. His performance against us in the second league game was better than anything Cech managed to do for us in the big games.

Pressing and a higher block was always going to cause more bookings. Not to mention how Foy burried us at the bottom of the fair-play league in one game.

The 2 biggest clubs that work with Adidas, it's only fit we joined them.

Good luck to him. Shame for whoever was their Defensive midfielder.

Not the first time Liverpool are compared to a religious cult. I hope there are at least some Liverpool fans that are ashamed by the image the club and the most vocal supporters have built.

Wanktastic.

DM as in the position (deeplying midfielder) rather than the role(defensive midfielder). On the article, it may had a point about 2 years ago. Now I struggle to think of any Chelsea midfielder who offers less than Lampard.

There is a slight chance the badge is making us biased but at the moment I can't think of any nicer modern football shirt.

The crest doesn't look too much altered so I see no problem there. I wonder however how will the white letters and player number on the back work with the gold.

Absolute class. Best we've had since 04-05. This should make our teamwatchable.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/20120409/finding-coaches/?sct=sc_wr_a1 A brilliant article which underlines the importance of stability not in terms of coaches but in terms of club vision and having people that are willing to lead the club to a specific direction. As I write this the age-old "football-people in the Board" complaint if the first thing that comes to mind. As ever topics like this one are more important than the annual manager wishlists and any thread in the transfer forum.

Am I the only one who remembers Arnesen and the power he had at the club? I can't say I have but I've seen some pretty shocking figures in this thread and on Twitter. Unfortunately most are limited to the PL but I can remember a few cup and CL games which would paint an equaly grim picture. I could certainly agree if you were talking about his team.