Blue Armour

But can he barge into players like a tractor?

Fully agree. I'll go on to say that if it weren't for relentless fan discontent and the protest, these people wouldnt even contemplate changing their ways or going after a manager like Alonso (or Pochettino before him). We would still be stuck with Rosenior's, Potter's or Gary O'Neil. It will nearly impossible to move BlueCo out until theyve burnt up all the finances (in which case they will bail themselves out anyway), so the least that can happen from shitshow seasons is they wake up and at least move the needle a little. The fact that they've actually given him a managerial title, not just first team coach, speaks volumes to me.

I would love it if that happens, and I will give Xabi the benefit of the doubt because of what he has achieved so far. But I'll believe it when it see it. The belief of the fans has been burnt too many times in succession, to the point where people can't bring themselves to watch the games. Like DDA and others have mentioned, this is all direct consequence from the actions up at the top. The worse thing is we don't know how far reaching some of those consequences are. The worst thing the fanbase can do is become complacent and accept the new normal. Chelsea needs consistent performances on the pitch to make gains. These make a big impact on the telecast driven finances, and this affects everything. Finishing outside of European spots every other season is poor for a club that has invested so much.

These are the little details that will make or break next season..

And you will do anything to gaslight people into thinking everything is a positive. Let's just admit that most of this speculation at this point. Alonso might not be the best, but BlueCo could have done a lot worse in terms of the managerial appointment. If the rumors are true, he will be more than just first team coach and actually have a true managerial title That to me, if true, would be a difference maker. Anything to reduce the influence of Joe Shields and his cronies.

Dont know if Alonso is a perfect fit for Chelsea, but he does come with a higher pedigree than Rosenior or Callum. Ex-Liverpool, but he hasn't bad-mouthed the club like a certain Benitez. Ultimately everything hinges on how much Eghbali, Joe Shields and their cronies have learned from this freak show of a season. As others have pointed out, if their interference in the starting lineups and transfers continue, it will be another disappointing conclusion. The difference with a Fabregas appointment would have meant that, like Lampard, he would have had the Stamford Bridge crowd fully behind him even in shitty situations, because of his legacy as an ex-player. We'll see if Alonso and the boys get that level of support.

Those "experienced" players better not be another Disasi or Tosin. No point in experience for the sake of experience.

Still feels surreal to think of Alonso coming here. Wonder how the Liverpool brigade are taking in this situation

Never trust these lot. Remember the number of days that Enrique and Nagglesmann were linked.

Colors look good, but it will be interesting to see if they will replace the club crest with this CFC LDN logo in all the kits. And slowly phase out the Abramovich era logo from the kits entirely. At least they havent gone back to the Ken Bates logo on the main kits, so thats something.

Hazard and Drogba have urged Fabregas in the past to be the next Chelsea manager. Hopefully they can be the tipping point. While they might not be fans of the current regime., they do care about fans of the club. Imagine if he brings back one or two of the old boys to join him in his backroom staff. Mood would instantly lift around the place.

The cleverly optioned Athletic poll were Chelsea fans voted for Cesc as favorite next option for manager wouldnt have gone unnoticed by the ownership. We know this group does scour through social media to gather sentiment. Maybe this time they will follow through for once.

Come on Fabregas...

Chelsea maybe, but not Egg-boehlys CFC LDN. CFC LDN with the Ken Bates logo and some rando at the wheel.

An interview with Cesc this week.