Sideshow Luiz

Totally agree, they're not. They also weren't as good as their previous legacies either.

This Mourinho thing is a bit reminiscent of Keegan returning to Newcastle or "King Kenny" to Liverpool. Is it ever as good the second time around?

Yes, that's correct. The Fulham shop only uses the thick felt-like ones. Chelsea Mega Store uses the thin plastic lettering.

Totally agree. I'd prefer without the 'stripes' as well, just plain. However compared to the "leaked" photos, it's miles above. Was worried that I wouldn't be able to get the home shirt next year on account of it being horrid. Worries gone.

We typically play the last league game of the season in the next year's kit. I do remember us wearing the new kit in the final of the 2008 CL final. Thought it was a bad idea at the time, and if I remember correctly, so did some of the players.

Feels strange to have 4 days between matches. What are the players going to do with all of that time off?

Even if you size up on them? Or do they taper too much at the waist? There must be some demand or no one would sell them. Of all the places selling them, you'd think that SB would be one of them.

Delighted for the 3 points, but will have to play much better in the run-up to secure Champion's League next year. That play will not get any points at Liverpool, Utd, or Everton.

The piss take regarding the pre-order is the "Order it without seeing it". Usually you'll have some sort of incentive. It's not cheaper, you just get it on release day. I can get it on release day anywhere (in London). What a scam, there isn't a shortage of kits out there. A question: Do you know why they don't stock the techfit shirts at the Megastore? I live a 10 minute walk from SB, bu if I wanted a techfit shirt I would have to order one from chelseamegastoreasia or EZ Football shop. That's kind of messed.

You're right, it's not the type of player he usually goes for. He's usually all about the big names, chases them, then eventually gets them about 2 years too late.

This is where having a continental set-up has it's advantages. I think that our managerial carousel is overblown here in the UK because people are used to the old/traditional set-up where the manager makes the purchases/builds the team. A lot of our recent buys have been long time targets, we've probably gone through about 3 managers between first tracking Lukaku and signing him.

Funny. I came to this thread to link an article from the Guardian for the non-UK people (and some UK I suppose) who haven't seen it. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/apr/05/juan-mata-chelsea-gianfranco-zola The article says 31 assists.

Once you are out of the competition, it's difficult to get back in. Look at Liverpool. We need to finish in the Top 4. For all of Wegner's moaning, he is right. It's kind of a trophy on it's own. I'd rather finish in the top 4 than win EL or the FA Cup.

Lampard was awful today. The press don't seem to write about these performances from him. But, when he scores, it's all "Chelsea are mad to let him go".

I think we need a deep lying playmaker, and have them play next to Mikel. Someone who links up the defence and attack, like an Alonso/Pirlo type. The problem is that there aren't that many of those out there. Most of the time, we are trying to break teams down, and that is not Ramires' strength. His strength is playing box to box and when we set up to play on the counter, he would be first choice in midfield. You could also use him as a sub when protecting a lead. He's at his best when powering through midfield with space in front of him (and his marker in his dust), not trying to thread balls and break teams down. Need players like him, need to be flexible tactically.

To the guys with techfit tops. What is the sizing like compared to the regular climacool replicas? I wear a L in the climacool, so from looking at the megastore asia site, it looks like I should be a 9 or 10 (to compensate for the tightness). What do you guys do? Do you go up a size? Thanks.

We have 10 matches remaining. We still have to play Spurs at home, MU away, and Liverpool away. Worst case = 0 points, can't see us getting any more than 4 points from those matches (that's being optimistic). We need to get all 3 points from the other 7 matches, and hope for multiple slip ups from Arsenal. I'm not confident about finishing in the top 4.

Our defense has taken a sharp downward turn since losing Mikel to the ACON and DL to the trainer's table. The combo of Ramires and Lampard aren't doing an effective job of shielding the back 4. No ball winner in midfield right now.

Laudrup for me.

I'm pretty sure that Pep's going to City. RM's taken them as far as he can. They already have Txiki in place.

When Utd have a policy of 1 year contracts for players over 30, it's a good thing according to the media. It's funny how the story is different with us. I think Lampard is a Chelsea legend, and I will be sad to see him go. However, when it comes to things like this, and the "loyalty" word gets thrown around, let's not forget that Lampard has already been financially compensated for his past performances. The new contract is for future performances.

I think Oscar can play as a deep lying playmaker. I think he has the vision and he's tactically/positionally sound. Move Mata over the the middle and start Moses or Marin on the right. I love Ramires, but he's not going to open anyone up. But, with his energy, I think he would be a fantastic impact sub. Considering our recent results, would be worth a shot, no?

I don't think we need a good CM because we have a lot of rotation options from there IMO. 2 of Mikel, Lamps, Ramires, Essien, Miereles, Romeu

I just think that for the money we can get 2 players and get some depth.

I don't rate him a the kind of money being thrown around. How much of a step up from Sturridge is he? We need some real wingers and depth. For this kind of money I'd rather see us get Iker Muniain and a RB.