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The Reason Why Craig Burley Hates Chelsea

By Chelsea NewsNo Comments

One commentator we will not be looking forward to hearing cover Chelsea games is a former player. Craig Burley hates Chelsea but as a former player broadcasters love to assign him to Chelsea games.

It is natural for commentators, particularly those that are former players to have a certain element of bias.

Gary Neville is never going to get over-excited over a Liverpool goal, and likewise Jamie Carragher probably dies a little inside every time Manchester United win a game. Fans expect commentators to try to be neutral or at least acknowledge their bias.

One commentator who can’t hide his bias is Craig Burley.

The problem is Craig Burley seems to hate Chelsea

He never says this out loud, instead, there is a passive-aggressive comment here, or a negative opinion there meaning that every time he takes up the mic, there’s a collective sigh from Chelsea fans who have grown weary of his antics.

The sad thing as a player he was actually quite popular with fans during his time at the club, but his constant negativity has soured fans’ opinions of him.

Craig Burley Has Never Forgiven Chelsea For The 1997 FA Cup Final

Craig Burley played in the 1994 FA Cup Final for Chelsea, as we were crushed by Manchester United.

He was with Chelsea during the 1996/1997 season when Chelsea again reached the final. This time however he was controversially dropped and Burley took it badly. Despite Chelsea going on to win the trophy, Burley was not watching instead he was in the bar, drinking with opposition players who also didn’t make their squad.

In his own words, he described being dropped as being “smashed by a hammer”

It appears he has never forgiven Chelsea since. Burley was subsequently sold to Celtic before heading into punditry after retiring in 2004.

This now seeps into his commentary, despite him arguably making a living from being an ex-Chelsea player.

Craig Burley Unlikely To Change

It seems unlikely that Burley is going to change his view on the club, so when he is commentating, we will have to just keep ignoring him as much as possible.

Aug 4, 2023

Chelsea WSL Review 2022/2023 – The Four Peat

By Chelsea AnalysisNo Comments

The Chelsea Women’s team demonstrated resilience, skill, and grit to claim the Women’s Super League (WSL) title for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year.

But the journey wasn’t a smooth sail from the get-go. Let’s look at how the Chelsea women turned the tides in their favour, emerging victorious in the 2022/23 season.

An Unexpected Start

The season began with a jolt for Chelsea, as the newly-promoted Liverpool team defeated them 2-1 in the opening match. Chelsea’s grip on the trophy seemed wavering, but this defeat turned out to be an anomaly rather than the norm.

The Rise to Dominance

The Blues swiftly regained their footing, starting with an impressive 2-0 win over Manchester City at Kingsmeadow. This match showcased the team’s resilience and ability to bounce back, with goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger making a series of remarkable saves. The victory over Manchester City was the first in nine consecutive league victories that quickly overshadowed the early season defeat.

Among these wins, the highlights were a 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in a charged London derby and an 8-0 goal-fest against Leicester City. The winning streak propelled Chelsea back to the top of the WSL table, sending a strong signal to the rivals.

Key Moments and Setbacks

The new year brought a tough challenge against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. The match ended in a draw, with Sam Kerr’s 89th-minute equalizer securing a crucial point and maintaining Chelsea’s three-point lead at the top of the table.

However, an unexpected defeat to Manchester City towards the end of March momentarily set Chelsea back to the third position in the league table. But in true Chelsea style, the team bounced back, kickstarting another winning streak with a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa.

The Final Stretch

Chelsea kept their cool with the title race going down to the wire and continued their winning streak. In the final five matches of the season, the Blues won all, with significant victories over Everton (7-0) and Leicester (6-0).

The penultimate match against Arsenal was particularly emotional as captain Magdalena Eriksson and Pernille Harder bid farewell to Kingsmeadow. But Chelsea celebrated their departure with a 2-0 victory, maintaining their lead at the top of the table.

Clinching the Title

The title race extended to the season’s final day, but Chelsea Women held their nerve, beating Reading 3-0. This victory cemented Chelsea’s position at the top of the table, clinching the WSL title for the fourth year.

In conclusion, the 2022/23 season was a testament to Chelsea Women’s resilience, adaptability, and never-say-die spirit. Despite the early setbacks, they rose to the challenge, delivering memorable performances and asserting dominance in the Women’s Super League. As the dust settles on yet another successful season, we can’t wait to see what’s next for this remarkable team.

May 31, 2023
View from the Shed Lower, which is not the Worst place to sit at Stamford Bridge

FAQ Worst Place To Sit At Stamford Bridge

By Chelsea CultureNo Comments

The worst place to sit at Stamford Bridge depends on what you are looking for from a matchday experience, if you want a sedate and luxury matchday then the Matthew Harding and Shed End are probably not for you.

Previously we have looked at the Best Place to sit at Stamford Bridge

Previously we have looked but let’s face it, some spots don’t quite offer the premium experience we seek. Let’s reflect on the less desirable seats to help you make an informed decision.

The ‘Worst’ Seat Depends on Your Perspective

Undeniably, labelling a spot as the ‘worst’ is largely subjective and depends on personal preferences and what you value most during your visit. Getting Chelsea tickets is hard enough, so just being in the stadium means you have a great view.

Atmosphere

If the raucous energy of a passionate crowd isn’t your cup of tea, then it’s best to avoid the Shed End or Matthew Harding Stand. These areas house the most vocal supporters, and while some fans feed off this energy, it may be too overwhelming for others, who don’t want to hear middle age men swearing at millionaires. A view of away fans making rude gestures at Stamford Bridge

You also have to consider in the Shed End and East Stand the proximity to the away fans, that adds to the atmosphere, but may not be suitable for those with children.

View & Closeness To The Pitch

Interestingly, the seats closest to the action can offer the least desirable views. While you may hear the players’ exchanges and feel immersed in the game, you might find it difficult to follow the action, particularly when play moves to the far end of the pitch.

Sitting or Standing

After lots of campaigning, “safe standing” is now at the Matthew Harding and Shed End’s of the ground. This is great for fans that love the atmosphere, but those that struggle to stand for large periods may find it uncomfortable as although you have a seat you won’t be able to see much as everyone around you will be standing.

Restricted View

There are tickets in some areas where your view of the pitch will not be great and your ticket may be marked “restricted view” so these seats are less reliable.

Comfort & Hospitality

While the West Stand Upper offers heated seating and padding for comfort, the premium services come at a cost. If you’re budget-conscious and prefer a standard, no-frills game experience, these plush accommodations might not be worth their higher price tag.

Cost

The West Stand, known for its stellar views, also carries the heftiest ticket prices. If you’re watching your budget, you might want to consider seats in other areas of the stadium that offer more affordability.

The East Stand

While we’ve covered almost every stand, the East Stand warrants a mention. It’s home to the press, the family section, and the oldest, three-tiered stand at Stamford Bridge. But compared to the energetic atmosphere of the Shed End or Matthew Harding and the luxury of the West Stand, the East Stand might seem somewhat bland.

Wost Place To Sit At Stamford Bridge

The ‘worst’ place to sit at Stamford Bridge is a matter of perspective. If the passionate energy of the crowd overwhelms you, or if you value a wide-angle view of the pitch over closeness to the action, then the Shed End or Matthew Harding may not be for you. Similarly, if you’re cautious about costs, you might want to avoid the plush West Stand. Lastly, while rich in history, the East Stand may not offer the excitement or luxury of the other stands.

In the end, wherever you decide to sit, the thrill of watching the Blues in action remains unbeatable! We look forward to seeing you back in the stands soon!

May 30, 2023
A review of the different categories for Chelsea games in the Premier League

Chelsea Ticket Categories Explained

By Chelsea NewsNo Comments

Understanding the Chelsea ticket categories and pricing is crucial when planning to catch a game at Stamford Bridge. The popularity and demand of the matches often determine the Chelsea Premier League match categories.

If a game is a high category, it will be harder to get tickets, whereas lower ticket categories may be easier to make happen.

You also want to consider the best places to sit at Stamford Bridge.

Categories and their meanings

Primarily, the match categories can be divided into three parts – Category AA, Category A, and Category B.

Category AA

These are usually matches with the highest demand. This category often includes matches against top teams such as Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and local derbies like against Tottenham. Due to their high demand and popularity, these matches have the highest ticket prices.

Trying to get tickets for these games can be tough, even for members, so consider this if planning your first trip to Stamford Bridge.

Price list for Category AA Chelsea ticketsCategory A

These matches may include contests against teams that are not traditionally considered top-tier but still attract significant fan attention. Matches against teams like Everton, Leicester City, or West Ham may fall into this category. The ticket prices for these matches are slightly lower than those for Category AA matches.

Category B

This category includes matches against teams that traditionally attract less fan attention. These could be matches against newly promoted teams or teams lower down in the Premier League table. The ticket prices for these matches are usually the cheapest among the three categories.

It’s essential to note that while these categories provide a general guideline, the categorization of matches can vary based on various factors. These can include the importance of the match in the context of the league table, historical rivalries, and more.

Planning your visit

Understanding these categories can significantly aid in planning your visit to Stamford Bridge. With this knowledge, you can balance your budget while also experiencing some of the most exciting matches in one of the best football leagues in the world.

Whether you want to witness a high-octane match between Chelsea and Manchester United or prefer a low-key yet thrilling match against a newly promoted team, this categorization system ensures you know what to expect when purchasing your tickets.

So next time you plan to cheer for the Blues at Stamford Bridge, consider these match categories to make the best decision for an unforgettable football experience.

May 30, 2023
Banner celebrating Frank Lampard as Chelsea manager at Stamford Bridge

Frank Lampard vs Graham Potter: Comparing Chelsea Managers

By Chelsea Analysis, Chelsea NewsNo Comments

Frank Lampard vs Graham Potter is a debate that will make  Chelsea fans rage.

But for the sake of argument, let’s compare the two managers

Frank Lampard, a Chelsea legend as a player, faced considerable challenges as a manager despite an encouraging start. Graham Potter, lauded for his modern and tactically progressive approach at Brighton, found transitioning his strategies to Chelsea’s star-studded squad more challenging than expected. As we dissect their tenures, we will consider their handling of squad dynamics, tactical implementations, achievements, and their overall impact on the club.

This exploration isn’t intended to tarnish their contributions or capabilities as football managers but rather to analyse their respective tenures at Chelsea objectively. It’s important to remember that leading a club as massive as Chelsea is daunting, where pressures are immense, and the margin for error is slim.

Given the circumstances, this analysis mostly ignores Lampard’s second spell in charge.

Frank Lampard’s First Tenure: A Bright Start Tainted by Turbulence

Frank Lampard’s reign as Chelsea’s manager brought a sense of hope and excitement to Stamford Bridge. As a club legend and one of the most successful midfielders in the club’s history, fans and players met his appointment with enthusiasm. However, despite a promising start, his tenure was marred by issues that led to his dismissal just 18 months into the job.

Lampard’s tenure started impressively, considering the challenging circumstances he found himself in. In his first season, he guided the club to a fourth-place finish in the Premier League and reached the FA Cup final despite the club’s transfer ban.

His commitment to promoting youth was widely praised, with players like Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham, and Reece James emerging as key figures in the team. Lampard’s ability to nurture young talent was undoubtedly a standout aspect of his managerial tenure.

However, despite this promising start, Lampard’s time at the helm was not without its issues. Expectations were high after a significant investment in the transfer market ahead of his second season. Yet, Chelsea underperformed, with disappointing results leading to his dismissal.

Lampard struggled to integrate the new signings into the team effectively, with big-name arrivals like Timo Werner and Kai Havertz failing to hit their strides under his management. Moreover, Lampard’s tactical approach was often questioned, with critics suggesting that his team lacked a clear playing style.

The pressures at Chelsea and the high expectations placed on Lampard eventually led to his downfall. His dismissal, although shocking considering his status as a club legend, seemed inevitable given the poor run of form and mounting criticism.

Comparing Lampard’s reign with Potter’s is not straightforward, as both faced unique challenges and pressures. While Lampard struggled with incorporating new signings and delivering consistent results, Potter struggled to manage inherited problems and implement a new tactical philosophy. However, both managers’ reigns ended with Chelsea in a precarious position, leading to their early departures.

Graham Potter’s Reign: A Missed Opportunity or an Inevitable Downfall?

Graham Potter’s management at Chelsea was initially seen as a promising prospect. Coming from Brighton, he brought a unique approach and a reputation for playing attractive, possession-based football. However, his time at Stamford Bridge was marred by a distinct lack of success, leading many to question if he was the worst manager the club had ever had.

Potter’s tenure began with a tumultuous inheritance from Thomas Tuchel. Despite Tuchel’s Champions League triumph, his reign ended with a startling decline in defensive solidity and a series of discord with key forwards. As a result, when Potter stepped in, he was faced with an uphill battle in restoring order and harmony within the squad.

Potter’s tactical philosophy starkly contrasted with Tuchel’s defensive approach, which initially won him some support among fans and players alike. He introduced a new playing style aiming for fluidity and dominance in possession, a refreshing change to the somewhat restrictive gameplay under Tuchel.

However, his strategies did not translate into the anticipated success. Chelsea’s performance under Potter’s management was consistently inconsistent, with impressive victories marred by unexpected defeats. This inconsistency was further highlighted by a weak defensive line, resulting in a string of disappointing results.

The lack of improvement in the team’s performance under Potter’s leadership ultimately led to his dismissal, a mere 18 months after his arrival. Despite his initial promise and differing approach, his inability to effectively manage Chelsea’s plethora of talent and execute a successful strategic plan led many to view his tenure as the worst in Chelsea’s history.

While Potter’s managerial stint at Chelsea was undoubtedly difficult for the club, is it fair to deem him the worst manager in the club’s history? The next section will compare Frank Lampard’s reign, evaluating the different challenges each manager faced and their respective impacts on the club.

Given all the factors discussed above, it is difficult to label either Frank Lampard or Graham Potter as the worst manager in Chelsea’s history. However, several key points can be considered to deliver a fair assessment.

Style of Play and Tactical Approach

Lampard, a club legend, favored an attacking style of play and gave opportunities to several young players from the club’s academy. His tactics were often viewed as naive, and he struggled with consistency, especially in the second season. Despite these drawbacks, he led the team to a top-four finish and the FA Cup final in his first season.

On the other hand, Potter, renowned for his modern approach and possession-based style of play, struggled to implement his tactics successfully at Chelsea. Despite showing initial promise, his tenure saw Chelsea slide into the bottom half of the Premier League table and early exits from cup competitions.

Handling of Transfers and Squad Management

Lampard’s transfer ban in his first season meant he had limited options. However, in his second season, despite significant investment in players like Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, and Ben Chilwell, Lampard struggled to get the best out of his squad.

Potter, taking over after Tuchel’s dismissal, inherited a team that had recently seen significant investment. However, his inability to extract the best from these players was evident, and a lack of squad harmony was a recurring theme during his tenure.

Legacy at the Club

Frank Lampard’s legacy as a player at Chelsea is unquestionable. As a manager, despite a turbulent second season, he brought through promising young talents such as Mason Mount and Reece James and maintained a good rapport with fans throughout his tenure.

Graham Potter, while having a strong reputation before his Chelsea tenure, struggled to win over the Chelsea fanbase. The team’s performances under him, combined with an apparent disconnect between his style of play and the squad’s capabilities, led to his dismissal after a disappointing season.

Frank Lampard vs Graham Potter – Final Verdict

Considering the performances, tactics, squad management, and overall impact on the club, Frank Lampard’s tenure, while not without its challenges, showed promise and left a lasting legacy. However, Graham Potter’s reign was marked by significant underperformance given the resources at his disposal, leading to a downturn in Chelsea’s fortunes.

While it is challenging to label either as the “worst” manager, based on the evidence provided, Graham Potter’s tenure was arguably more damaging to Chelsea in the short term. Regardless, both managers’ tenures underline the pressures and demands of managing a club of Chelsea’s stature, and the inherent challenges that come with it.

May 29, 2023

Remembering The 1994 Chelsea vs Luton FA Cup Semi-Final

By Chelsea FC HistoryNo Comments

To celebrate Luton’s promotion to the Premier League we thought we would remember the most iconic game featuring the Hatters.

The 1994 Chelsea vs Luton FA Cup semi-final was a clash of two clubs about to go on two entirely different trajectories. Chelsea getting to Wembley was rare back in the 1990’s and it was the first time Chelsea had looked capable of winning the FA Cup in decades.

So, as we look back at that memorable 1994 FA Cup semi-final, join us in revisiting a piece of Chelsea history that shaped the club’s identity and was a key marker in the club’s rebirth that culminated in winning the Champions League in 2012.

Although Chelsea went on to lose the 1994 FA Cup final it was a key part of our transformation and a memorable day for the author as it was my first time at Wembley to watch Chelsea aged just 7.

Under the stewardship of manager Glenn Hoddle, the Blues had demonstrated a brand of football that was effective and engaging to watch. Hoddle, a former England international, had instilled a sense of tactical discipline and creative freedom in the squad and setting the scene for the arrival of stars such as Ruud Guillit and Gianluca Vialli.

Luton Town, under the management of David Pleat who was in the stands for the Playoff final, were the underdogs but could not be underestimated. .

Chelsea Starting Line Up

The Chelsea starting lineup for the match boasted a balanced mix of defensive solidity and offensive prowess.

Chelsea XI:Dmitri Kharine, Erland Johnsen, Jakob Kjeldberg, Frank Sinclair, Steve Clarke, Eddie Newton, Dennis Wise, Craig Burley (Darren Barnard), Gavin Peacock, Tony Cascarino, John Spencer

Luton Line Up – Whilst we won’t list the entire team, the opposition featured former Chelsea legend Kerry Dixon!

First Half

From the first whistle, Chelsea came out of the blocks like a team on a mission. Their display of power and pace showed who was boss, both on the pitch and in the aerial duels. Barely into the 13th minute, a pivotal scene marked the beginning of a long afternoon for Luton. Tony Cascarino, Chelsea’s aerial powerhouse, directed a long-range free-kick from Frank Sinclair towards John Spencer, who slid the ball to Gavin Peacock. With a swift left-footed strike from just 10 yards out, Peacock made no mistake in finding the back of the net.

Despite Luton’s attempts to keep their cool and keep the ball moving, Chelsea’s staunch defence didn’t give them much room to breathe, let alone progress into dangerous territories. Their only real threat in the first half came from a shot by Kerry Dixon, which Chelsea’s goalie, Dmitri Kharin, collected with ease.

Second Half

The second half saw Chelsea pick up from where they left off, with another key header from Cascarino just three minutes in. An exchange between Peacock and Spencer concluded with Peacock slotting the ball past Luton’s goalkeeper, Jurgen Sommer, near the penalty spot, extending Chelsea’s lead to 2-0.

Despite Luton’s best efforts, they found it hard to break through Chelsea’s rock-solid defence led by Erland Johnsen and Jakob Kjeldbjerg. With the Blues’ defence on lock-down, Luton found themselves stranded in their attempts to make a comeback.

The match’s closing stages saw a commendable one-handed save from Sommer, preventing Peacock from bagging a hat-trick, but it was too little too late. The final whistle confirmed Chelsea’s well-earned 2-0 victory.

Post-match, managers from both sides were unanimous in acknowledging Chelsea’s supremacy. Glenn Hoddle praised the team’s defensive resilience and the crucial goals that made the difference. He gave Peacock, Eddie Newton, John Spencer, and Dennis Wise a special nod for their outstanding performances.

May 28, 2023

Reviewing Chelsea’s Highest Paid New Signings Under Todd Boehly

By Chelsea AnalysisNo Comments

Chelsea have invested huge amounts in the playing squad in transfer fees and salaries, but results have been terrible.

While some signings are gradually finding their feet and showing promise, others, like Marc Cucurella, seem to be struggling despite high expectations.

Reviewing Chelsea’s Highest Paid New Signings from 2022-2023

Let’s dive into the performance and prospects of these top earners.

Raheem Sterling – £325k The spirited and lightning-fast England international joined Chelsea with high expectations. Sterling’s transition has been rough so far and the jury is out on whether he could turn it around.

Kalidou Koulibaly – £295k Koulibaly, the highly-paid powerhouse defender, has struggled to settle in. Currently warming the bench with a £295k weekly wage, it’s crucial for him to rise to the challenge, showcasing his undeniable talent and proving his worth.

Wesley Fofana – £200k Our £70 million investment in Fofana was for the future. Despite his season being dampened by injury, we have high hopes that he will bounce back, secure his place in the starting XI, and show the world his incredible talent.

Enzo Fernandez – £180k The world champion midfielder, Enzo Fernandez, joined the Blues with a £106 million price tag. While he’s had some bright moments, we’re eagerly awaiting the full display of his talents. Stamford Bridge is ready for this phenomenal player to shine!

Marc Cucurella – £175k Unfortunately, the £62 million full-back, earning £175k per week, has had a challenging start at Chelsea, and the outlook is far from promising.

With groans greeting his name on the team sheet, Cucurella seems ill-prepared for the rigours of the Premier League. Given the numerous setbacks he’s faced, it’s increasingly doubtful that he’ll be able to turn his fortunes around and make a lasting impact at Stamford Bridge.

The team is in a huge mess now, and we will need the new signings to gel next season under a new manager yet to be determined.

Apr 16, 2023

Returning Lukaku Can Solve Chelsea Striker Problems

By Chelsea NewsNo Comments

Chelsea should keep Romelu Lukaku when he returns from his loan at Inter Milan as he could still be the answer to our striker problem.

After his £97.5m move back to Chelsea in 2021, Lukaku’s performance was poor and he got himself in trouble with a naive and problematic interview. On the pitch he scored just eight Premier League goals and struggled to make an impact.

It made perfect sense when he was packed off on loan in an embarrassment given his record-breaking move.

He’s currently on loan at Inter Milan, but CEO Giuseppe Marotta has confirmed Lukaku will not join Inter Milan permanently.

With the club desperate for a top-quality striker, I hope we keep him at the club in the summer. I’m excited to see what Romelu Lukaku can bring to our team next season if he can maintain his fitness.

Romelu Lukaku At His Best

Despite his struggles at Inter, Lukaku is a quality player who on his day can cause any defender problems, a third spell at the club could finally see him fulfil his destiny at the club.

Lukaku is a powerful and prolific striker known for his impressive physical strength, able to hold off defenders and win aerial duels. His pace and intelligent off-the-ball movement make him a constant threat to opposition defenses.

As a natural finisher, Lukaku possesses a potent left foot and a keen eye for goal, allowing him to score from various positions.

His ability to create chances for teammates, thanks to his vision and accurate passing, adds another dimension to his game. Overall, Lukaku’s combination of athleticism, goal-scoring instincts, and playmaking abilities make him a formidable forward.

During his first spell at the club he was too young, he went away and matured to become one of the most feared strikers in the world. He has a proven track record in the Premier League and we simply have to find ways to give him a positive end to his Chelsea story.

I’m optimistic we’ll have a powerful striker to boost our attack next season.

Image Courtesy: Wshjackson (www.flickr.com/photos/wshjackson/6231302169), Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic | Flickr

Mar 20, 2023

5 Inspiring Footballers Who Continued Their Careers After Battling Cancer

By Chelsea NewsNo Comments

After 535 days away from the game battling cancer David Brooks returned to Premier League action for Bournemouth in an emotional moment for the player, fans and football as a whole.

Although he could not prevent Bournemouth from losing and slipping further into the relegation quagmire, his story inspired everyone and even had opposition fans cheering him onto the field of play.

Health is more important than football, and as Chelsea fans, it was great to hear when a player from the opposition comes back from adversity and plays again.

Here we celebrate the incredible journeys of five footballers who have spent time away from the game due to cancer and returned to the game.

Eric Abidal

The former Barcelona and French national team defender was diagnosed with liver cancer in March 2011. After surgery, he made an incredible return to football just two months later, playing in the UEFA Champions League final, which Barcelona won.

In 2012, Abidal underwent a liver transplant and spent over a year recovering. In July 2013, he returned to professional football, signing with AS Monaco.

Jonas Gutierrez

Argentinian winger Jonas Gutierrez, known for his time at Newcastle United, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2013. After undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, Gutierrez remarkably returned to the pitch in 2015.

In his first season back, Gutierrez played a pivotal role in helping Newcastle avoid relegation, scoring a crucial goal in the season’s final match.

Joe Thompson

Whilst not a household name English midfielder Joe Thompson has one of the best comeback stories in the game. Thompson was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2013 and fully recovered after undergoing chemotherapy. Tragically, in 2017, cancer returned, and Thompson faced yet another battle for his life.

Against all odds, Thompson defeated cancer for a second time and made a sensational return to football in League One. In May 2018, he scored the decisive goal for Rochdale to keep them up on the last day of the season.

Santi Cazorla

Former Arsenal playmaker Santi Cazorla faced a devastating setback when he was diagnosed with rare skin cancer in 2016. The diagnosis came after a series of injury troubles and surgeries, which had already put his football career at risk.

Cazorla underwent extensive treatment, including multiple surgeries, and defied the odds by making an incredible comeback in 2018 when he signed for Villarreal. The gifted midfielder continues to defy the odds and is still playing at the age of 38.

David Brooks

Wales winger David Brooks returned to action for the first time since his cancer treatment as a substitute for Bournemouth in their 3-0 Premier League defeat at Aston Villa. Brooks was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma in October 2021 and in May 2022 said he was “cancer-free”.

The 25-year-old came on for Adam Smith in the 79th minute at Villa Park for his first appearance in 536 days. Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neil said Brooks’ return was “huge for everybody” at the club. Brooks, who has won 21 caps for Wales and featured three times at Euro 2020, last played for Bournemouth against Peterborough on 29 September 2021.

 

Mar 19, 2023

History Of Why Chelsea Wear Blue

By Chelsea FC HistoryNo Comments

Blue is synonymous with Chelsea Football Club; the iconic royal blue is central to our folklore, flags, songs, chants and kits.

Let’s look at the history of why Chelsea wear blue, the choice of colour and how it has come to represent the club’s spirit.

Why Chelsea Wear Blue

Chelsea have been wearing blue since our inception in 1905.

Chelsea’s adoption of the colour blue was influenced by its historical connections to the British monarchy and the local aristocracy. 

The land around Stamford Bridge was built on land once owned by the Earl of Cadogan. The Cadogan family’s coat of arms featured blue and the famous lion found on the modern club badge.

These combined factors explain why Chelsea chose Blue.

Blue Is The Colour

For Chelsea supporters, the colour blue is more than just a visual representation of their club; it embodies our passion, loyalty, and unity. 

As part of Chelsea’s 1972 League Cup Final run the song “Blue is The Colour” was released and despite losing the game, this tune became the official anthem of Chelsea Football Club.

Chelsea Blue Over The Years

Chelsea’s blue kit has evolved in terms of design and shade over the years. 

From the early years, the club’s kit featured a lighter blue shade known as Eton blue, derived from the prestigious Eton College, an independent boarding school in Berkshire, England. 

In the 1950s, under the management of championship-winning manager Ted Drake, Chelsea switched to a darker shade of blue known as Royal Blue. 

The change in colour was part of a broader rebranding effort to modernise the club and foster a more professional image. 

During this period, the club also redesigned its crest, incorporating the Cadogan lion rampant, a symbol of strength and courage, which remains a core part of Chelsea’s identity today.

Whilst the shade and design may change slightly from year to year, when it comes to Chelsea Blue will always be the colour!

 

 

Mar 19, 2023