LDN Blue

I didn't mean to start that Peace thread to belittle the contributions of our other brilliant members. In hindsight I see that it could be perceived that way as Sloth has pointed out.

YES

Really? Seems Porto did very well to recognise him there though, a gamble that paid off for Hulk going there.

Incredible to remember he started his career in.. Japan!

Guardiola is a fantastic manager. But it's incredible how Chelsea are just not willing to give Di Matteo the chance he's earned. Pep is still a risk, regardless of his achievements with Barcelona. His flaw though, not giving up his philosophy (i.e. Barca v. Chelsea). We've seen what happened to AvB when he did this. Robbie is a safer bet, he's proved that. Even if it doesn't go well, at least it's the respect and reward Robbie deserves!

Be that as it may, the treatment of Di Matteo is shocking.

As much as I'd love to take credit, I think ITV mentioned it during the trophy lift!

Thank heavens members are seeing through the exaggerations of Panorama here. I watched it and was disgusted how the BBC portrayed this as a representation of the entire nations smh.

Anyone clock on? Founded 1905. Won European cup 19/05

Agreed. Look at what United did, all their number 7's (bar OWEN) have been terrific (Beckham, Best, Cantona, Ronaldo..), that's a much better system than retiring numbers.

This is just cruel

CL final was a good indication we can cope. Would be worth trying to get someone experienced on loan though..

I don't believe that's a good idea. He did put in a hell of a shift in Barcelona, but so did Bosingwa, though we wouldn't suggest that he deserves to be a CB for the club (or being here in any capacity). I think Badboy said it or someone, that if we're going to be a top, top, side next season Ramires should be a worst player. That's not an insult to Ramires, if anything it's complimentary. The position I want to see Ramires is here: Mikel - Ramires Mata Now obviously Lampard's occupying that position, but I'll be damned if Lampard's playing all season next year! In different types of games Ramires will be perfect there because of those long, tireless, outstanding runs he makes. Albeit he's done very well in the wide position of that 4-2-3-1, so for someone better (like Hulk or Hazard) to play there would be great for the squad.

Working on commission here Alex?

4 years doesn't mean Cech will be our first choice for all 4 years. 2 at best, with the transition of Courtois coming in.

So now everyone's calling us a joke because the Hazard deal seems to be getting "done" quicker than securing RdM. Can't help but slightly agree, this is appalling

Certainly not. He has to take the backlash of what he's done, which he has.

Probably around July-ish.

LMAO, now EVERYONE'S hating on him. Can't help but feel they hate him more because Chelsea have literally gone from nothing to everything on May 19th or genuinely because he caused so much commotion.

So. ..What've I missed?

But when Torres does it, it's all "over reaction".

Just because he has a release clause of less than £7m doesn't mean we should just throw the money and sign him. That's the money you spend on kids like Marin who appear to be deemed a squad player, with the potential of being a pleasant, explosive, surprise. Not to deny Ba's ability, just think we should strengthen in other areas first and use what we already have in Sturridge & Lukaku (supposedly Torres too.)

Here's the thing. As a footballer, solely a footballer, John Terry is absolutely brilliant. He's still one of England's best centre halves (albeit, England has no other competent centre halves.), he's proven his commitment on the field this season with goal-line clearances, timed blocks, pushing up forward etc. His positioning and awareness, generated through a life-time of experience, has made him one of the most old-school defenders around. But as a role-model, face of the club and all that publicity, he's f*cking shite. He does some really unbelievably stupid things, almost like Joey Barton. I mean his antics at the Nou Camp were a disgrace within itself and season upon season, there's always something off-field going on. As FB said, there has been many pre-season threads doubting John's ability. In fairness, this coming season that might be more true than before, but I don't see any reason why he shouldn't be here. There's more important areas on the pitch where players should leave/be signed. We've got enough cover in defence to phase out Terry with Cahill, Luiz & Ivanovic. Not to mention we'll be getting a new RB with Bosingwa set to be released. In short, let's wait till we see him perform.

It would be pretty cool if Chelsea remained in the Abramovich family for a few generations, that would be stability if anyone ever saught it. But Roman's still hanging around for quite a few more years, so let's not jump the bullet