LDN Blue

Actually, iirc, Viveash spoke more of those kids that are on loan right now such as Christensen coming back and being ready for the first team. He and Hoddle agreed that the players from last night are making great progress and hopefully they'll get the chance Christensen and co have gotten this year on loan. But as Hoddle stressed, they've got to be used when they come back from a loan! Palmer was great though, the free kick I think everyone expected it to go in

Lets not forget the embarrassing deadline day approach for Marquinhos

If we didn't have Zouma I'd say yes. But I think we can only afford to have one less than experienced youngster being 1/2 CBs. You'd think someone like Christensen would be recalled, and that Conte would want to have a look at Ake, Kalas, Omeru. Rumours also say Stones is still under consideration. Back when he was at Blackburn I really saw him as JT's heir. Injuries and mismanagement by SAF have cost him. Not too late by any means, he can still reinvent his career, but not at Chelsea.

Genuinely amazed at the poll results so far, I like you optimistic bunch.

In Conte we've got a man who's spent the last 6 years with the GOAT in Buffon. If he signs off on the sale of Courtois, well then good luck to the Belgian in his future endeavours. It's not like there's a shortness of talented, young, goalkeepers out there? I'd rather he stayed and built a dynasty worthy of replacing Cech, but if he chooses to bail then oh well. Chelsea was here before Thibaut was born, it'll be there after he leaves.

This is a strange post lol. For most Chelsea fans it's pre-season now. You've been here long enough no-one cares re pre season . Fans like me are just disillusioned by the club, yay we've got a head coach, how long until the next one arrives? because nothing changes from top-down, yes men will continue too say yes.

Hm, I'm not sure. Yes, Yaya is a better footballer than Oscar but that's not the point. If this is our 'transition' season, what need is there for people like Yaya and Zlatan if they're only sticking around for one year to take us for a ride? If it's the case that we can attract young effective talent then I see your point, especially if Terry's leaving us this season as predicated. But I think this would be a signing for the sake of making a signing, not necessary.

What's the point for a season? I get he's experienced and explosive but this season has shown exactly what happens when players don't give a fuck. Yaya's the type to think he's above the club any personnel. Foh with that attitude, it's boring and do we really want more drama?

This is the problem. We're going to be his last 'big' move before he fucks off into the wilderness of China or MLS and it means we'll pay his astronomical wages. What's the point if we know he's unlikely to be bothered over the pettiest issues? We've already got a squad full of heartless fucks, adding Yaya would do more harm than good.

Knowing Roy Hodgson as we do, there's no chance in hell Forster starts over Hart at the Euros lol. Almost as certain as Rooney playing, even if he recovers the day before the tournament begins

Also anyone pay attention to the wording of his role? "First Team Head Coach", they rarely refer to him as a "manager" unless speaking of his role at Juve.

Would love him to be signed if we sell Courtois. But I don't see it happening, lad still has got 3 years on his deal.

Could we not just have kept the "Who Will be the next Chelsea manager" open? We'll need it again in 6-18 months

It doesn't help that Kante already said he won't commit and even Ranieri said they're powerless to stop him leaving. What big club would ever be 'resigned' to losing one of their most important players? Agree about Vardy, think he'll stay out of sentiment and also he'll be indebted to them just as much as they are to him. For a lot of these guys, they'll have no experience of managing european and domestic duties. Sure they'll get a few shrewd signings, maybe some older CL veterans in their late 30s? I hope they can stay consistent and be there fighting next season, but they're going to keep the underdog label unless they get a financial sugar daddy this year.

Meh, same usual ITK shit. Wasn't he meant to have 'signed' a month ago?

Agreed. The problem that Leicester and West Ham will have is, despite getting a bigger portion of TV-pay out because of their success, is trying to keep up in arguably the most anticipated transfer window in a long time. Chelsea, City, United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham will all be strengthening. Teams backed with financial muscle and that have got a history of consistently spending big too. Players won't discount Chelsea and United/City because they're out of Europe for a season. Money talks.

Glen Hoddle on the board or in charge of the academy. Wouldn't mind it at all, one of the few English football men I actually rate highly. His intelligence and analysis is usually on point, rarely says something stupid.

Sorry, isn't Hazard injured? or was I watching a different match? Loool

I don't think he's that good, looked average to me. I know he's young and he comes with a big reputation, anyone who's seen him in the Bundesliga care to give an opinion?

Michael Ballack according to Glenn Hoddle, no a bad shout either.

Perhaps. Today's not the best game to judge it, look at this Villa team they're woeful lol. But yeah, he should have more exposure for sure it's not like we're playing for anything.

Question is, is he coming back at Chelsea or elsewhere?

In place of Cahill or Terry?

Better, much better. His natural position has to be where he started today, I think he's really limited sitting deep with Mikel, Matic or whoever the fuck will come as our double-pivot. Playing higher up the pitch you could see the freedom he had to stay that high. Could've walked away with a hat trick today in all honesty. Proud of him!

In their defence, JT's the one who decided to go public about this so early lol. Of course the club's going to be backtracking and delaying the inevitable. Terry chose to call them out in the media about it, unlike Lampard he's not the same backing from the neutrals, and the club are keeping their cards close. I'm resigned to him leaving. Chelsea don't care what anyone thinks outside that board of yes-men.