Another wasted season? Think again

[BlueLion. 21,491]

If we were to win the FA Cup this season, would that be a disappointment? To say we've "only" won a cup competition - would you class that as a wasted season?

I wouldn't. I think with the success of recent years Chelsea fans have become spoilt. Mourinho came here and lifted six trophies in three seasons, and all of a sudden Chelsea were one of the powerhouses of European football, able to rival Milan and Barcelona.

Yet I've been a Chelsea fan for a relatively long time now - I've worn the blue of this club since 1997 and went to see my first match (at Stamford Bridge, anyway) a couple of years later against Newcastle. Back then - just ten years ago - supporters would have bitten your arm off to win the FA Cup. It would represent a magnificent season for this club.

Those who remember those years - and those who remember even further back - will look back on this season with nothing but pride if we win the FA Cup. It'll be yet another trophy-winning year; not bad for a club that has ever been in the shadow of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United.

I appreciate now that we're a 'big club.' I admit I hate that phrase, but I also concede that we are a team with winning ambitions. Back in 2000, a top half finish would be excellent. Now, only a top two finish is acceptable. I appreciate with the money that has been invested in the team since 2003 that we should be winning trophies - but what if we don't?

There have been some magical moments at Chelsea Football Club this season. Terry heading the winner against United, Malouda's last-minute winner at Stoke, Drogba's freekick at the Emirates, that goal that Ashley Cole scored against Sunderland and Terry winning it for us against Burnley.

The FA Cup remains our best hope of winning something this season. Yes, we are back in the hunt for the title, and yes, the pressure will be on United and Arsenal as they have the easier run-in (or on paper, at least). There is no now pressure on Chelsea; a huge weight of expectation has been removed as other contenders now look to be in more favourable positions.

But what if we win neither? What if we're knocked out in the semi-finals by Villa, or even worse, beaten by Tottenham under the Wembley arch? What if we're hammered at Old Trafford, thrashed at Anfield and Bolton give us another good kicking at home?

Well, we can at least give it one last go. And we can get behind the team. I admit that times have changed, but I haven't. Win, lose or draw, I'm still Chelsea. Title, FA Cup or nothing, I'm still Chelsea. I will look back on this season with pride and say that we at least gave it our best shot.

We can curse and moan about dropped points at Hull, Everton and Blackburn, how City somehow did a double over us and how the hell we didn't at least get an equaliser at Villa Park. But at the end of the day, trophy or no trophy, this has been a memorable season in the history of this club. Let's just make sure it isn't another case, á la 2008, of 'so near, yet so far.'

We can win the FA Cup. We're 180 winning minutes away from retaining a trophy that has brought success to this club on five occasions. I have been alive for all but one - 1970 - and every time I see Dennis Wise or John Terry lift that trophy my heart is filled with pride.

But we can also win the Premier League. We're one point behind. Go to Old Trafford and win, and we can beat anybody. We're seven wins away from history. Don't you dare tell me that isn't achievable.

There's still some glory to be found this season - just make sure you don't become too greedy!

Win, lose or draw, I'm still Chelsea. Keep the faith. It's not over until it's over.

[Blueboy 14]

Couldnt have said it any better

People seem to forget we have matters into our own hands, if we win at OT, we are in front again! With this win and a good display against Villa i can see us winning there. Those fixtures are like finals, not normal games. Teams often seem to excel when they play on that level, Come on Chelsea!

[T.T. 1,534]

Well said BlueLion !!!

[BlueLion. 21,491]

It is, essentially, a matter of confidence rather than form. As you say these games are like finals. I know it was only Portsmouth we beat yesterday but the second half was incredibly positive. I even hasten to say we looked as good as we did in January when we beat Sunderland 7-2.

[DYC. 7,542]

With all due respect, but i really hate it when the 'older ' fans/supporters say that ten, twenty years ago we would be so happy if we only won the FA Cup. Of course you would !

Back then Chelsea FC didnt have a squad that matched the likes of Man Utd, Barcelona and such. So of course you would be super excited if you won the FA Cup or League Cup.

But times have changed. Now we do have a squad that that matches the likes of Man Utd, Barcelona and such. Now we are a European powerhouse. Now we do have a fantastic Academy. And dont forget that Chelsea FC is the club with the highest wage bill, a shocking 150 mil pounds. Add that all together and you have a club that should win 'everything' every single season or at least one major trophy.

If we dont win anything than imo you have the right to be disappointed. It's natural. Especially since we seem to fire every manager who doesnt do so. I hope Abramovich has learned from his mistakes and at least gives Carlo the time to build his own team.

But going back to my point. After being disappointed for a while, if you are true fan you snap out of it and cant wait to see what next season will bring us .

[zolayes 14,489]

If we were to win the FA Cup this season, would that be a disappointment? To say we've "only" won a cup competition - would you class that as a wasted season?

I wouldn't. I think with the success of recent years Chelsea fans have become spoilt. Mourinho came here and lifted six trophies in three seasons, and all of a sudden Chelsea were one of the powerhouses of European football, able to rival Milan and Barcelona.

Yet I've been a Chelsea fan for a relatively long time now - I've worn the blue of this club since 1997 and went to see my first match (at Stamford Bridge, anyway) a couple of years later against Newcastle. Back then - just ten years ago - supporters would have bitten your arm off to win the FA Cup. It would represent a magnificent season for this club.

Those who remember those years - and those who remember even further back - will look back on this season with nothing but pride if we win the FA Cup. It'll be yet another trophy-winning year; not bad for a club that has ever been in the shadow of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United.

I appreciate now that we're a 'big club.' I admit I hate that phrase, but I also concede that we are a team with winning ambitions. Back in 2000, a top half finish would be excellent. Now, only a top two finish is acceptable. I appreciate with the money that has been invested in the team since 2003 that we should be winning trophies - but what if we don't?

There have been some magical moments at Chelsea Football Club this season. Terry heading the winner against United, Malouda's last-minute winner at Stoke, Drogba's freekick at the Emirates, that goal that Ashley Cole scored against Sunderland and Terry winning it for us against Burnley.

The FA Cup remains our best hope of winning something this season. Yes, we are back in the hunt for the title, and yes, the pressure will be on United and Arsenal as they have the easier run-in (or on paper, at least). There is no now pressure on Chelsea; a huge weight of expectation has been removed as other contenders now look to be in more favourable positions.

But what if we win neither? What if we're knocked out in the semi-finals by Villa, or even worse, beaten by Tottenham under the Wembley arch? What if we're hammered at Old Trafford, thrashed at Anfield and Bolton give us another good kicking at home?

Well, we can at least give it one last go. And we can get behind the team. I admit that times have changed, but I haven't. Win, lose or draw, I'm still Chelsea. Title, FA Cup or nothing, I'm still Chelsea. I will look back on this season with pride and say that we at least gave it our best shot.

We can curse and moan about dropped points at Hull, Everton and Blackburn, how City somehow did a double over us and how the hell we didn't at least get an equaliser at Villa Park. But at the end of the day, trophy or no trophy, this has been a memorable season in the history of this club. Let's just make sure it isn't another case, á la 2008, of 'so near, yet so far.'

We can win the FA Cup. We're 180 winning minutes away from retaining a trophy that has brought success to this club on five occasions. I have been alive for all but one - 1970 - and every time I see Dennis Wise or John Terry lift that trophy my heart is filled with pride.

But we can also win the Premier League. We're one point behind. Go to Old Trafford and win, and we can beat anybody. We're seven wins away from history. Don't you dare tell me that isn't achievable.

There's still some glory to be found this season - just make sure you don't become too greedy!

Win, lose or draw, I'm still Chelsea. Keep the faith. It's not over until it's over.

EXCELLENT

[5354 204]

I am trying to keep faith in winning the League Title.

GO Chelsea! <3<3

[Kostas 1,468]

We're a huge club now.

Winning the FA Cup is just not good enough,especially when this season Liverpool are struggling for the 5th place and Manure were playing without defenders for some weeks.

We had the chances to run away with the league but we blew it and I can't be happy about that.

I'll keep the Blue Flag Flying even Higher if we were relegated but that doens't mean I'm satisfied with winning just the FA Cup this season.

I will look back on this season with pride and say that we at least gave it our best shot.

Debatable,IMO we were fucking around for most of the season.

I'm Blue through and through and I'll be even if we were to play in the Conference,but this season has been exactly that,another wasted season.

[.Cee 50]

I agree with Kostas.

We can curse and moan about dropped points at Hull, Everton and Blackburn, how City somehow did a double over us and how the hell we didn't at least get an equaliser at Villa Park. But at the end of the day, trophy or no trophy, this has been a memorable season in the history of this club. Let's just make sure it isn't another case, á la 2008, of 'so near, yet so far.'

If we don't win the league, then it'll be another case like the one in 2008. Only it'll make me feel worse because we basically let Man Utd win the league 4 times in a row.

[ZanSnake 1,211]

I agree, no matter what we should stick with the team as the fans as say 'we always behind, through thick and thin'

[Steve 10,227]

If we were to win the FA Cup this season, would that be a disappointment? To say we've "only" won a cup competition - would you class that as a wasted season?

I wouldn't. I think with the success of recent years Chelsea fans have become spoilt. Mourinho came here and lifted six trophies in three seasons, and all of a sudden Chelsea were one of the powerhouses of European football, able to rival Milan and Barcelona.

Yet I've been a Chelsea fan for a relatively long time now - I've worn the blue of this club since 1997 and went to see my first match (at Stamford Bridge, anyway) a couple of years later against Newcastle. Back then - just ten years ago - supporters would have bitten your arm off to win the FA Cup. It would represent a magnificent season for this club.

Those who remember those years - and those who remember even further back - will look back on this season with nothing but pride if we win the FA Cup. It'll be yet another trophy-winning year; not bad for a club that has ever been in the shadow of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United.

I appreciate now that we're a 'big club.' I admit I hate that phrase, but I also concede that we are a team with winning ambitions. Back in 2000, a top half finish would be excellent. Now, only a top two finish is acceptable. I appreciate with the money that has been invested in the team since 2003 that we should be winning trophies - but what if we don't?

There have been some magical moments at Chelsea Football Club this season. Terry heading the winner against United, Malouda's last-minute winner at Stoke, Drogba's freekick at the Emirates, that goal that Ashley Cole scored against Sunderland and Terry winning it for us against Burnley.

The FA Cup remains our best hope of winning something this season. Yes, we are back in the hunt for the title, and yes, the pressure will be on United and Arsenal as they have the easier run-in (or on paper, at least). There is no now pressure on Chelsea; a huge weight of expectation has been removed as other contenders now look to be in more favourable positions.

But what if we win neither? What if we're knocked out in the semi-finals by Villa, or even worse, beaten by Tottenham under the Wembley arch? What if we're hammered at Old Trafford, thrashed at Anfield and Bolton give us another good kicking at home?

Well, we can at least give it one last go. And we can get behind the team. I admit that times have changed, but I haven't. Win, lose or draw, I'm still Chelsea. Title, FA Cup or nothing, I'm still Chelsea. I will look back on this season with pride and say that we at least gave it our best shot.

We can curse and moan about dropped points at Hull, Everton and Blackburn, how City somehow did a double over us and how the hell we didn't at least get an equaliser at Villa Park. But at the end of the day, trophy or no trophy, this has been a memorable season in the history of this club. Let's just make sure it isn't another case, á la 2008, of 'so near, yet so far.'

We can win the FA Cup. We're 180 winning minutes away from retaining a trophy that has brought success to this club on five occasions. I have been alive for all but one - 1970 - and every time I see Dennis Wise or John Terry lift that trophy my heart is filled with pride.

But we can also win the Premier League. We're one point behind. Go to Old Trafford and win, and we can beat anybody. We're seven wins away from history. Don't you dare tell me that isn't achievable.

There's still some glory to be found this season - just make sure you don't become too greedy!

Win, lose or draw, I'm still Chelsea. Keep the faith. It's not over until it's over.

Glory Hunter

[boshman 1,073]

If we were to win the FA Cup this season, would that be a disappointment? To say we've "only" won a cup competition - would you class that as a wasted season?

I wouldn't. I think with the success of recent years Chelsea fans have become spoilt. Mourinho came here and lifted six trophies in three seasons, and all of a sudden Chelsea were one of the powerhouses of European football, able to rival Milan and Barcelona.

Yet I've been a Chelsea fan for a relatively long time now - I've worn the blue of this club since 1997 and went to see my first match (at Stamford Bridge, anyway) a couple of years later against Newcastle. Back then - just ten years ago - supporters would have bitten your arm off to win the FA Cup. It would represent a magnificent season for this club.

Those who remember those years - and those who remember even further back - will look back on this season with nothing but pride if we win the FA Cup. It'll be yet another trophy-winning year; not bad for a club that has ever been in the shadow of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United.

I appreciate now that we're a 'big club.' I admit I hate that phrase, but I also concede that we are a team with winning ambitions. Back in 2000, a top half finish would be excellent. Now, only a top two finish is acceptable. I appreciate with the money that has been invested in the team since 2003 that we should be winning trophies - but what if we don't?

There have been some magical moments at Chelsea Football Club this season. Terry heading the winner against United, Malouda's last-minute winner at Stoke, Drogba's freekick at the Emirates, that goal that Ashley Cole scored against Sunderland and Terry winning it for us against Burnley.

The FA Cup remains our best hope of winning something this season. Yes, we are back in the hunt for the title, and yes, the pressure will be on United and Arsenal as they have the easier run-in (or on paper, at least). There is no now pressure on Chelsea; a huge weight of expectation has been removed as other contenders now look to be in more favourable positions.

But what if we win neither? What if we're knocked out in the semi-finals by Villa, or even worse, beaten by Tottenham under the Wembley arch? What if we're hammered at Old Trafford, thrashed at Anfield and Bolton give us another good kicking at home?

Well, we can at least give it one last go. And we can get behind the team. I admit that times have changed, but I haven't. Win, lose or draw, I'm still Chelsea. Title, FA Cup or nothing, I'm still Chelsea. I will look back on this season with pride and say that we at least gave it our best shot.

We can curse and moan about dropped points at Hull, Everton and Blackburn, how City somehow did a double over us and how the hell we didn't at least get an equaliser at Villa Park. But at the end of the day, trophy or no trophy, this has been a memorable season in the history of this club. Let's just make sure it isn't another case, á la 2008, of 'so near, yet so far.'

We can win the FA Cup. We're 180 winning minutes away from retaining a trophy that has brought success to this club on five occasions. I have been alive for all but one - 1970 - and every time I see Dennis Wise or John Terry lift that trophy my heart is filled with pride.

But we can also win the Premier League. We're one point behind. Go to Old Trafford and win, and we can beat anybody. We're seven wins away from history. Don't you dare tell me that isn't achievable.

There's still some glory to be found this season - just make sure you don't become too greedy!

Win, lose or draw, I'm still Chelsea. Keep the faith. It's not over until it's over.

Well said my friend. Maybe the best post i have read on these forums!

[YankinBlue42 72]

As a new fan, I have only ever seen Chelsea as a powerhouse, so I unfortunately would feel great disappointment if we come out of this season empty handed. Maybe we aren't able to get the PL with our schedule, but the FA cup waiting there for us. Keep the faith!

[Term-X 7,891]

We're a huge club now.

Winning the FA Cup is just not good enough,especially when this season Liverpool are struggling for the 5th place and Manure were playing without defenders for some weeks.

We had the chances to run away with the league but we blew it and I can't be happy about that.

I'll keep the Blue Flag Flying even Higher if we were relegated but that doens't mean I'm satisfied with winning just the FA Cup this season.

Debatable,IMO we were fucking around for most of the season.

I'm Blue through and through and I'll be even if we were to play in the Conference,but this season has been exactly that,another wasted season.

agreed.

[zolayes 14,489]

agreed.

youre sig might have been witty the first time ..now its just tedious

[warnie_666 1,081]

I like to be optimistic. But your argument that Chelsea's fans have been spoilt and that Chelsea's old times were much worse and that winning an FA cup should be a great season just doesnt make sense for the following reasons:

Team is bankrolled by Roman Abromovich's billions

We have the highest Wage Bill amongst all the Top European Clubs.

Expectations have risen ever since Roman came in. Its no more the Bates Era or the one before.

You, me and our club would be the butt of all the jokes for having won just an FA cup when Lampard is earning 140k, Terry is earning 150k, Drogba earning 140k, Ballack earning 140k and so on.

This team by Roman was built to acheive something much bigger. And winning an FA cup is just a consaltion for a Club thats one of the Top 3 in Europe.

Now then, You'r argument makes an absolute sense had our team been built on a homegrown talent. Or a team full of youngsters ala Arsenal. Or a team built without Roman's billions. In that case reaching an FA cup would be an absolute acheivement and a very good season.

[.Cee 50]

I like to be optimistic. But your argument that Chelsea's fans have been spoilt and that Chelsea's old times were much worse and that winning an FA cup should be a great season just doesnt make sense for the following reasons:

Team is bankrolled by Roman Abromovich's billions

We have the highest Wage Bill amongst all the Top European Clubs.

Expectations have risen ever since Roman came in. Its no more the Bates Era or the one before.

You, me and our club would be the butt of all the jokes for having won just an FA cup when Lampard is earning 140k, Terry is earning 150k, Drogba earning 140k, Ballack earning 140k and so on.

This team by Roman was built to acheive something much bigger. And winning an FA cup is just a consaltion for a Club thats one of the Top 3 in Europe.

Now then, You'r argument makes an absolute sense had our team been built on a homegrown talent. Or a team full of youngsters ala Arsenal. Or a team built without Roman's billions. In that case reaching an FA cup would be an absolute acheivement and a very good season.

:goodpost:

[Term-X 7,891]

I like to be optimistic. But your argument that Chelsea's fans have been spoilt and that Chelsea's old times were much worse and that winning an FA cup should be a great season just doesnt make sense for the following reasons:

Team is bankrolled by Roman Abromovich's billions

We have the highest Wage Bill amongst all the Top European Clubs.

Expectations have risen ever since Roman came in. Its no more the Bates Era or the one before.

You, me and our club would be the butt of all the jokes for having won just an FA cup when Lampard is earning 140k, Terry is earning 150k, Drogba earning 140k, Ballack earning 140k and so on.

This team by Roman was built to acheive something much bigger. And winning an FA cup is just a consaltion for a Club thats one of the Top 3 in Europe.

Now then, You'r argument makes an absolute sense had our team been built on a homegrown talent. Or a team full of youngsters ala Arsenal. Or a team built without Roman's billions. In that case reaching an FA cup would be an absolute acheivement and a very good season.

:goodpost: