LDN Blue

So glad there's football on tonight to distract people from deadline day!

I'll never forget that. Brilliant if they'd ever make it!

Dare I suggest more of a Gronkjaer than Duff (with hopefully more reliability and consistency)

Happy Birthday!

Doesn't look good..

If he turns out to be a worldclass striker......

That, I will most definitely agree to! While it's concerning, you're definitely right that it doesn't mean we should rush them either.

That doesn't stop making it a huge cause of concern.. On both counts

But that's baseless on Piazon.

Even then. From André's comments, it's pretty obvious he won't be playing for us next season.

That's what Jaimin said would happen, the Courtois-plan.

You've based this on 3-4 reserve games....

Lol look at all of you getting excited by Piazon. Question, how many times was Josh 'included' in the squad?

Don't get used to his face. We won't see him again for about 3 years.

Ah, fair do's! True. But it's also a fear that the B teams might outshine such individuals and they would be forgotten about.

Good read, but how does it fit in with the B team idea?

Yeah definitely. When I heard Wigan were signing a Birmingham player I feared it would be Redmond. We'll have a good opportunity to see him now that we've been drawn against them! With the right level of nurturing, he could be an exceptional winger.

Yeah I agree, but I just am not so quick to dismiss Arsenal, because Wenger will be at breaking point this summer.

I agree with all your points, as a Chelsea fan. But as a neutral for both England & English Football, I think it's an (as dave30 said) arrogant idea. It just seems like the 'big boys' flexing their muscles around in the lower divisions because they can't be asked to handle their youth progression in an accurate manner. While I agree something must be done in the reserve league & youth league, this solution seems like it will ruin the structure of English league. I think the Championship is like the most watched 2nd division in World Football (not too sure if that's still true or not).

Perhaps. But at the same time, they need to sell in any case. So if we offer the same, it would look odd for them to say 'no', especially if Hazard has a preference. That's true. But he could also feel like a focal point if he'd move to Arsenal, which is a big thing for any kid's ego. He knows Arsenal are looking to replace the likes of Nasri and Fabregas in summer, so if Wenger sells him his next long-term vision, he could tempt him. But I agree with you in that André is also very convincing. As demonstrated by Mata & Oriol. Must be for Hazard to claim England as his destination!

True, but we'll both offer money. I just have a feeling Hazard would choose Arsenal over Chelsea.

Arsene has a point to prove to some of the Arsenal players. Van Persie is basically holding them hostage (imo, for the right reasons) for him to stay (along with others) Arsene must show ambition at the club. This means some quality signings, but not reckless. Anyone who's been reading the rumour mill for the last 2-3 years on Hazard will know Vouyer's been one of the main chasers of the kid. He will also benefit with the French connection in Arsene & he will probably get guaranteed game time. Now we could be able to promise the same, but the fact is, he will believe it more at Arsenal than he would with us.

It's going to be Arsenal guys.

But what about those Championship, League 1, League 2 etc teams? They work so hard for where they go, in the league there are some quality players. Look at Grant Holt. Before Norwich picked him up, he was at some League 2 team or something and through hard work he's become noticed. It's a fear that B-teams will hamper the progression of players in these lesser clubs, it'll take away some of that competitive glamour & make those guys disillusioned.

This is what I've been saying for a while. There's no way Cahill's in to replace Luiz, it must be for Terry. Ideally Jones would've been the perfect Terry replacement, but Cahill also has a build to replace him. For me, Luiz has to have a permanent place in that back 4, of course performances depending.