LDN Blue

Our fans weren't any better. Hope I don't see more insults thrown at Wayne Bridge again.. Follow follow follow, there were only 2minutes to go..

Like -25- said, I don't want to get the site in trouble.. Google her name.. http://www.google.co.uk/#sclient=psy&hl=en&safe=off&tbm=mbl&source=hp&q=Imogen+Thomas&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&pbx=1&fp=9db8510392bcdda2

Everybody's human I guess.. I don't really care though, he's a great footballer and that's all we should really comment on. Won't be surprised if we don't see him play again though.

I absolutely, positively love the badge I use as my avatar. I fell in love with it - Current one's not too bad though.

Oh man. I was just complimenting him for his professionalism the day before :\

Everton one look very bland..

Racism is just as bad as disrespecting those who sacrificed their lives though. Like I said, it's a minority of fans, I'm certain 99% of Celtic fans didn't agree with those banners.

Born near the capital city of Accra in his native Ghana, Michael Essien has followed in the footsteps of his famous countryman - Marcel Desailly, in his rise to the very pinnacle of the list of world class footballing exports from Africa. After starting his career at local club Liberty Professionals, 'Ess' caught the attention of several European clubs during Ghana's run to a 3rd place finish in the 1999 u-17 World Cup. An unsuccessful trial at Manchester United followed (it would later be famously revealed that he was considered 'too small' to make it as a footballer), and the promising starlet was snapped up by France's SC Bastia. Not yet a regular starter, young Michael was required to fill in whenever injuries struck his teammates, a practice that saw him deployed everywhere in defence. Another such positional shuffle to centre midfield would fortuitously result in the world getting it's first glimpse of the Essien we all know and love today. 3 seasons at Bastia highlighted by a French Cup final appearance in 2002, culminated into a 7.8 million Euro move to one of the French and European giants,Olympique Lyonnais. Interestingly, Paris St Germain had initially won the race to sign the tenacious midfielder, only for Essien to reject personal terms in favour of Lyon. The move catapulted Essien into the big time and his abilities came to the fore as Lyon raced away to consecutive league titles in 2004 and 05. Playing alongside the likes of Juninho Pernambucano, Edmilson and Mahamadou Diarra, Michael established himself as a permanent fixture in the midfield. A more defensive role at his new club required him to put on show his physical qualities, and one of the worst disciplinary records in the French Ligue Un remained the only botch on his trophy-littered short spell there, crowned by the award for the French Player of The Year 2005. Summer of that year brought with it speculation of a move abroad, with much of the interest coming from across the English Channel. Newly crowned league champions Chelsea and perennial contenders Manchester United (the club who had originally rejected him as a 17 year old), did battle for his signature. A bitter and lengthy transfer saga ensued, and Chelsea got their man in August for a whopping 24.4 million £ - the club's record signing at the time, and was handed the number 5 shirt upon his arrival Manager Jose Mourinho obviously knew what he was looking for, because Essien didn't take much time at all while slotting into his new side. He made his debut as a second half substitute in a 1-0 victory against Arsenal, and a full debut followed against West Brom in the league. His disciplinary problems however followed him to these new shores, a situation that saw him collect several yellow cards and also a UCL suspension - something that proved costly when Chelsea were eliminated by Barcelona in the Round of 16 tie. 2006 saw him score his first of many for the club and it was all the more sweeter considering the goal came in a win against arch local rivals Tottenham. His first season in England was fruitful on personal as well as team level. Chelsea successfully retained their league title and Essien picked up BBC's African Footballer of the Year award. The following year really established Essien as a part of the Chelsea 'spine'. While his drive, ferocity, energy and battling qualities in midfield remained intact, he also developed the knack of scoring important goals - none more so than a stunning long range late equaliser against Arsenal at home, an effort that served to maintain Chelsea's impressive unbeaten home record. Another crucial effort away against Valencia took Chelsea through to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League. His importance to the club was underlined when he was voted the Chelsea Player of the Year for 2007 by the fans. The dramatic goal against Arsenal was voted Goal of the Season for 2007. The following year ended on disappointing note for all connected with Chelsea Football Club. Early season was witness to charismatic manager Jose Mourinho parting ways with the club, while end season saw them finish second in 3 out of 4 competitions. Essien's versatility came to the fore once again in a season ravaged by injuries. Regular appearances at centre half and right back underlined his indispensability to the club. He was famously beaten to the headed opener by Cristiano Ronaldo in the Champions League final held in Moscow. But it was a small defeat when compared to what Essien had done throughout the year. Fans of the club were delighted when Michael put pen to paper on a new 5 year contract with Chelsea in the beginning of the 2008-09 season. Unfortunately they wouldn't see much of him during the months that followed, courtesy of an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained while on international duty. His absence was strongly felt as new manager Phil Scolari sought to embark on a successful spell. Essien returned amid much eager anticipation against Coventry in the FA Cup in March 2009. On his second game back from injury, in a Round of 16 second leg tie away at Juventus, he scored a crucial away goal just before half time and followed it up with the only goal of the game against Manchester City in the next league game. His penchant for score dramatic yet exquisite goals continued against Barcelona in the Champions League semifinal second leg tie at Stamford Bridge. The magnificent left footed volley from outside the box won him the Goal of the Season award but unfortunately proved inconsequential as Andre Iniesta's late, late leveller saw Chelsea dumped out of Europe in extremely controversial circumstances. Another season brought along another manager, this time in the form of 4 time UCL winner Carlo Ancelotti. Essien began the season in excellent form as Chelsea raced away to the top of the league in the early months. An anticipated slump in form around December saw them relinquish their lead before Essien departed for African Cup of Nations duty. It proved to be his last involvement for months to come. Yet another injury while being away with Ghana not only ended his club season while also ruling him out of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, it also reduced him to a mere spectator as Chelsea recovered from their slump to lift the Premier League trophy after a gap of 3 years and also the FA Cup - a feat that saw them become only the 7th English team of all time to celebrate the revered 'Double'. There are no two ways about it - Michael Essien is a vital cog in the Chelsea machine, and consistently energetic, driven and committed no-nonsense performances from 'The Bison' will be relied on heavily by Carlo Ancelotti as he masterminds a way back into league contention while still keeping an eye on Chelsea's final frontier - the UEFA Champions League. Click here to view the record

Every team has its share of extreme fans. Italian & Spanish football is marred with them!

Indeed. Was made a scapegoat for the whole Kakuta fiasco. Shame it took us another prat to realise he wasn't the bad at all.

Wasn't Delac supposed to be the next Cech. We've got enough backup keepers imo. Taylor, Walker, Blackman, Delac!

Man United

Welcome

some people will do anything for a free meal!

LMAO what the hell?!

This looks good on paper. However we know in theory we're forgetting one important factor, the board. The board we have under Roman, is by far, the most illogical, unintelligent load of suits we've ever had. Countless numbers of decisions have led to us the fans questioning what this club is really trying to achieve. From the sacking of world class managers, to the termination of key players' contracts to the sacking of assistant managers half way through the season. This season it's been highlighted ever more so. They are genuinely, to blame for this season's failures. I really hope they've learnt their lesson, if not, we'll see players sold who should be kept (I'm really thinking Mikel right now), sacking of managers & illogical signings (Kaka to think of one).

I'd love to see us introduce Billy Clifford soon! I remember when we introduced Glen Johnson under Mourinho and everyone was very happy because we thought that would be a trending theme of the Roman-era. Unfortunately it hasn't been.. Despite solid performances (especially in our first trophy, Carling Cup) he was then sold. We've seen more.. Sinclair, Mancinne (probably), Sotch ect. I actually really like Todd Kane, who's our youth right back! He's scored a lot of goals too, and is a good set piece taker. Esk, out of him and Billy, who's more likely to break through?

Spot on Term! The English style is the best! You get a real sense of atmosphere and closeness to your team when you're right near the pitch like we have now!

I'd also agree with that too, been sensational for Everton this year! VdS only got it because of his retirement.

Bale? Player of the year? Minus the Champions League. He's done fuck all. He's only had 1 assist in the league & 7 goals. I'm not hating on him, he can be a very very good winger one day, but he's not the best yet. He's not worth £40million & he hasn't been the player of the year. Hell I'd even give to Vidic!

Let's not get extreme now, she's no Bill O'Reilly

Ah yeah! Always forget that one

Frank Lampard, Scott Parker, Wayne Bridge, Carlton Cole, Avram Grant & Frank Nouble. Quite a few links between Chelsea & West Ham!

Hahaha did he reply to you?

Top post Tomo! Enjoyed taking part in your "greatest ever Chelsea [insert position]" I've been here less than a year, but don't feel like a newbie any more, I feel a part of the TC community and that effect is clearly coming onto you too!