Chelsea Fans Open Letter to Abramovich

[Fulham Broadway 16,987]

Roman Abramovich owes Chelsea fans some answers

An indication of Chelsea supporters' fears over the club's future is eloquently contained in an open letter sent by a lifelong fan to Roman Abramovich this week.

By Henry Winter

Last Updated: 8:46AM GMT 30 Jan 2009

Seeking clarification: Roman Abramovich has been given an unltimatum by a lifelong Chelsea fan Photo: GETTY IMAGES The angry missive reflects rising terrace concern over the squad's lack of depth and doubts about the owner's commitment.

During the transfer window Chelsea have lost top-class understudies in Wayne Bridge and Carlo Cudicini and, as yet, no one has come in. Bridge sources point out that Abramovich simply wants Chelsea to be more self-sufficient, generating income rather than relying on his largesse. Oligarchs are also being discouraged by the Kremlin from parading their wealth at a time of widespread hardship in Russia.

But with Manchester United threatening to disappear over the horizon, and Chelsea over-reliant on Frank Lampard, Luiz Felipe Scolari could do with some money to spend, whatever the coach's protestations that he is happy with his playing options. He can't be. Chelsea are a couple of metatarsals away from meltdown.

So why is Abramovich not sanctioning transfers? What are his plans for the club? One supporter sought clarification.

"Most fans would understand if you said your finances had taken a major hit in the economic downturn, and that you are no longer able to fund the club,'' wrote Tony Russell, a Chelsea follower of 40 years' standing (and sitting).

"But, Mr Abramovich, to have your management inform us that the squad doesn't need strengthening, and is good enough to mount a trophy-winning challenge, is not only preposterous, but quite frankly insulting.

"You would do well to remember that whilst you might own the club legally, morally it belongs to the fans, who are its heart and soul. You should definitely not be playing fast and loose with our emotions or indeed insulting our intelligence.

"I would like to reiterate my eternal gratitude for the brief spell of success you have brought to the club, but it's high time you came clean and informed us of your intentions, and either sell up or do the job properly.''

Chelsea fans owe Abramovich a lot – but he also owes them some answers.

Telegraph

Agree, what with reports of Ivanovich off to Fiorentina this morning and discarding Carlo and Bridge, the squad needs strengthening. By the same token you dont want to fuck the oligarch off too much, as he might (ha ha ha ) have some masterplan off bringing youth through the ranks.....

[Badboy 1,526]

:lol: :lol:

[Elliott 7]

Oh great, now we're all marked

[warnie_666 1,081]

Our Squad will be exhausted by March-April and we will be out of EPL, UCL, FA Cup by then.

You heard it here first..........

[misschief 24]

So, if we're out of contention for everything for a year or two, so what? We were out of contention for bloody years before Abramovich came in anyway. Big deal. If the intentions really are to start bringing younger players through the ranks and let them play and learn to become great players from the sprinkling of more experienced (not to mention expensive) stars, so be it. I'm really starting to see the value of that as an alternative to buying trophies like we did initially under Abramovich - which is obviously highlighted in the extreme by Citeh's ridiculous wealth these days.

Let's put up with the barren transition years and get a bit of pride back by actually bloody earning anything we win. Or am I just way too idealistic now?