LDN Blue

We most definitely do need a new CM, I don't think anyone can deny that. Yes Lampard improved towards the latter end of the season when Di Matteo gave him a big hug and cuddled him in bubble wrap from the harsh reality of the fact Frank shouldn't be playing so much now. I would've loved Modric at Chelsea but he seems La Liga bound, which is better than him ending up at United as far as I'm concerned. That obviously leaves Cabaye, but I don't think we're interested and Newcastle will look for some big, big money for him. I personally think we should pay that big money, because as much as I like Javi Martinez, the guy is a risk for adaptation to the league and he seems Barca-bound too.

Is it me or does the '11' there look ridiculously small?

LMAO! Oh god, now there is one regret from my childhood

Oh lord Top Trumps. To be fair, that was probably the only game you could actually 'play'. I mean with the others it was more or less about trading, top trumps had an actual aim. Hot wheels were the vintage games though!

LMAO exactly! My school went to the lengths of banning them though, because they caused a lot of problems, including people trading inside the classroom. Then came Beyblades and Yu Gi Oh! cards!

I still have all my cards, even the shiny ones

I'd rather do charity with it. Imo, there's a enormous difference between donating and literally "doing your part". -- But I agree with TorontoChelsea here. I feel sorry for the lady and all, she doesn't deserve that, she's simply making the basic living she's trying to do. But at least she's making the living, feeding herself, living as well as she can. As KV said, with the amount of money already raised, why this appeal still going on?

Oh god. Borini in the PL again, you just know he'd want to punish us

Ollie's common sense prevails - It's so easy to go back on topic too, simply say the magic words "going back on topic... [insert on-topic point here]"

It's a great suggestion, the chat box. At least if people want to go completely off-topic it can be done there..

Spike you're very popular around here. The public vote will be very tight as far as I'm concerned! Stop your worrying

As long as they stay away from Luiz, he can be Messi's understudy for all I care

Ah take it as a blessing. He's already confirmed Olympic participation (where one would think he'll play most, if not all, games). The less he played for Espanol now, the less burnt out he'll be when he returns to us in August.

When I read the story "Bosingwa offered to Barcelona" I almost spit out my tea. Though thinking about it, it does make sense in all honesty. He's a poor man's Alves (A really poor man's). Dani's not the most defensively abled in the world, and he doesn't need to be. Puyol & Pique & Mascherano & Sergio pick up the slack. That's why Pep shifts Avles to the wing more often than not. Bosingwa is the same, the burden of his (lack of) defensive responsibilities is something Barca will be used to and not have a problem with. I'd kind of be happy for him at Barca. Cause we'd be rid of him and he'd still be getting top level football.

You know what, we'll actually have to wait till our first pre-season game and play "spot Eddie on the bench"

I forgot where I read but apparently Di Matteo's keen to keep him on. I assume he'd get his own coaching staff? Urgh, typical Chelsea of not sharing such news

Goal says he doesn't have them yet. And Superblue_1986, that I can agree to. However even Di Matteo has earned his stripes with coaching badges. Just because Desailly was a fantastic defender and leader, doesn't mean he'd be the same as a coach, it's a complete different environment. I trust Robbie's judgement though. Any word on Newton's job?

Congrats Shon. Your work on the TC YouTube show is a credit to your work on this place.

Na mate, just saying we don't need to name and shame. Everyone here knows what spamming and trolling is, so let's all avoid it

There's no need for "naming and shaming.", just stop spamming

Bit of a 'meh' one for me. I think he still needs to stay at Wigan for his own personal development. As strange as some of Whelan's comments are, he's right about trying to keep the lad for him to progress. Whelan is a football man, he said Martinez can coach a big club if they came calling and he's saying Moses should move eventually, but he's still 21 and breaking into this squad with Hazard, Marin, Mata & co will not be an easy feat. I'm a fan of the suggestion of signing now and loaning back.

A bit weird about getting Desailly as a coach without him having obtained coaching badges.

SO glad he's moved to China. Would be unbearable to see him competing in Europe and potentially against us after such legendary service to the club. Thank you Drogba!

Submitted an application

About time I got a chance to make a few brief points on this; The two-year deal is a lot more reassuring than the rumored one-year rolling contract. This keeps Di Matteo's mind at rest also the players who will start to be a bit wary come January-March where the media will begin the excruciating rumor mill of will he sign, won't he sign? Will Chelsea offer a deal, or won't they? For the sake of harmony it's also a good choice. Hazard, De Bruyne, Lukaku etc had all gone to the press about wanting RdM to stay in the hotseat, for the club to go against this opinion would've risked some backlash, albeit minor ones because the players know that's how this club operates. The momentum of the end of the last season will play in Robbie's favour a lot and it's a truly testing time for how he starts the season. Good job about the 2-year deal is there won't be that big of a compensation pay-out when it comes to it (should he be fired). Common rumours suggest we're only waiting for Guardiola to return, and even if that's true I don't really care. Di Matteo has the chance to continue his good work at the end of the season and if he does, we won't even need Pep. Good luck to him, hope he doesn't get sacked if it all goes pear-shaped.