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Melbourne CFC's rumours posts with other poster's replies to Melbourne CFC's rumours posts
20 Mar 2014 17:57:08
Ed002 if you have time. As I'm sure plenty of media will claim Hazard will go to PSG in the window. I know things change over time, but would you think Spain is a far more likely attraction, still, to the player?
I don't think he'll leave for a second - in the next window, and don't think the club would listen to offers, if he expresses no desire to leave. Just curious as to if PSG is at all a likely future destination?
{Ed002's Note - I wouldn't think a move to PSG is likely.}
04 Apr 2013 02:10:55
Ed002, do the club still hold an interest in Fernando Reges? Do you see him leaving Porto in the summer?
Cheers {Ed002's Note - I think interest has probably gone and he is unlikely to move in the summer.}
1.) Cheers mate. Are you able to say who the club is looking at as a replacement for Essien as interest in Fernando has gone? {Ed002's Note - Essien has been out on loan and may well leave in the summer. Typically clubs do not look to replace players who are out on loan or otherwise not in the plans of the club with like for like-for-like players.}
2.) Understandable. I appreciate we have probably a few targets, but who have we turned our attention to after Fernando interest wained? I'm of the impression that Paulinho is no longer in the plans.
Cheers for the quick replies {Ed002's Note - There are no lists which the club work down from the top. It really doesn't work that way.}
3.) I fully understand that Ed002. I won't push the issue any further. Thanks again
26 Feb 2013 08:39:57
Ed002 with De Bruyne telling the club he does not want to make cameos off the bench and wants to be a starter when he returns, has their been interest from PL clubs to take him on loan? I know a lot can change between now and the summer, but had clubs shown interest before his Werder move?
Cheers {Ed002's Note - I am not aware of EPL club interest - and it seems far to early for that to be considered by most clubs.}
1.) Have you seen the way he's been playing?
Melbourne CFC's banter posts with other poster's replies to Melbourne CFC's banter posts
11 Feb 2026 00:22:58
I do think it’s worth saying that I’ve been extremely impressed with LR. I, for one, was not looking forward to his appointment. I had never watched his team play but he didn’t come with a pedigree that I thought our young team could’ve benefitted from. I didn’t like how political he was in his articles for the Guardian. I think politics has no place in sport and don’t enjoy people giving their opinions on things outside of sport when I tune in. However, he has done extremely well in interviews, doesn’t shy away from our mistakes and seems genuine when he says what matters is winning.
He hasn’t had much time to work with the team but it seems clear the players like him and he has us playing with a much better tempo than Maresca was able to do. He obviously wants the younger players to get chances which is huge for us.
If we won, we’d be 4th and unbeaten in the league since his arrival. Happy to feel like my initial hesitation was wrong.
1.) 11 Feb 2026 07:45:15
Apparently we have dropped 15th at home this season from winning positions. Maybe we have “mental weaknesses” in our side, whatever that is.
Josh last night made a mistake, he will learn from that mistake and become a top player. I hope that’s with us.
2.) 11 Feb 2026 09:13:54
It’s an age and / or experience thing Tom, the know how to take your foot off the pedal and see a 2-0 lead out comfortably. No matter who the coach is, the main thing that will improve this is experience on the pitch, gained or bought.
3.) 11 Feb 2026 09:37:10
Tom, those 15 points dropped at home from winning positions would put us 3 points clear of Arsenal at the top of the league! An experienced and settled centre back pairing sorts that. (And guess what, Maresca asked for that at the start of the season) .
The rest of our side is fine, from Sanchez in goal to Joao Pedro as our main striker, we just need the centre backs sorting and we challenge.
4.) 11 Feb 2026 09:47:45
Won’t be with us how many does he need to drop like him in net, he’s just another good player and you need to be to play in premiership but he’s not Chelsea good like I’m used to Cahill Terry calvalho gallas etc and that will go for a lot of the young ones there good and given playing time, so good moment but not enough in my opinion.
5.) 11 Feb 2026 10:34:20
Hey Melbourne, hope you're well mate.
Just wondering a bit more about the politics in sport question (and not trying to start something, just curious) – does that mean that Black players shouldn't speak up about racism in your opinion? And what about nation states with horrible human rights records owning clubs? Should people involved in sports not comment or talk about that? Where's the dividing line?
6.) 11 Feb 2026 11:34:52
We are 11th in table based on home results alone in EPL which is same number as Leeds but we have better GD. In other words we're bang mid-table mediocrity in fron of our home crowd. In contrast we're second I think in an aay table and only behind Arsenal. So must surely be an element of greater anxiety among own players - perhaps especially younger or more fring to first team ones perhaps - at the Bridge you'd think as well as question of many teams being harder for us to break down.
Had hoped Delap would provide stronger presence in the box for crosses in when teams emplying low block and/or assist Pedro as an aerial threat but to date Delap has disappointed. To extent that it may be good to give Guiu more off the bench game time instead of LD perhaps.
7.) 11 Feb 2026 12:07:41
Why are you using home table positions. The only position that matters is the end of the season and we are still 5th in the league and 1 point off 4th.
Again just seems reactionary after a draw. Yes we throw away a lead. To which I blame moi. Don't give the pen away and then we don't panic.
But the football is faster and easier on eye than merasca.
8.) 11 Feb 2026 12:29:44
Finchy, I agree 100% with your post.
Lots of twists and turns to come.
9.) 11 Feb 2026 13:45:46
Finchy i think you missed that I mentioned our positions in both home and away tables to suggest - 11 and 2 respectively - to suggest that nerves in front of home crowd plus tactics employed by teams coming to the Bridge in EPL might help explain difference and dropped points at home. In contrast our young players do better than almost other teams in away games.
I agree about our football being generally v good last night and had already posted to that effect also that Moi rash challenge and crazy 5 mins that ended in Leeds second goal spoiled what was otherwise a v good performance.
Of course we're in 5th and only one point off 4th yet with tough fuxtures ahead a win last night against a side still in relegation battle and who had only got 7 points from all previous away fixtures was - for most of us I'd think - disappointing even if generally played well and had 70% plus possession.
Of course we move on and still have fine chance of Champions League football. But shouldn't we fans hope that the Bridge could be more of a foetress and points accumulator than it has been in recent seasons. Particularly if we do have a pretty good side!
10.) 11 Feb 2026 16:24:50
No i didn't miss it, It's pointless looking at home or away points though as we aren't 2 or 11th.
More than likely the remainder of the season leeds will take points off teams in the top 6 due to them being a decent side and fighting to stay out of relegation battle.
And us playing tougher teams is sometimes better as they at least attack us. Leaving an open game. Which will suit our football better than a team sticking 10 behind the ball.
11.) 12 Feb 2026 00:33:45
Hey EdW.
I think for the most part when people take a strong stand on anything, they say it to get social points rather than because they really care. So if you’re in sports, you risk marginalizing a part of the supporter base by taking a stand in any direction.
Racism is a really good example. Liam wrote an article about how Trump was making decisions and acting in a way that put his daughter’s future at risk. I’m sure he felt it was true. It does, however, open up questions like how he feels about Enzo being a leader of this team? Is he a good example for the younger players? Or, alternatively why does he praise him for being an incredible human?
I’m not giving an opinion here, so hope no one takes offense or reads tone into places where it’s not, just showing how when you bring politics into sport, you could potentially disrupt a club. And if you write about something you’re supposedly so passionate about, can be shown to be spineless quite quickly when it’s more beneficial for you to look the other way.
12.) 12 Feb 2026 08:38:09
EdW, you ask: where is the dividing line. That is the problem about mixing politics and sport. You mentioned nation states with bad human rights records owning clubs. People of a different persuasion could argue that American venture capitalists shouldn’t own clubs in the EPL and so it goes on.
13.) 12 Feb 2026 11:21:49
Or maybe Russian oligarchs.
I probably should care but if I’m honest I don’t. Although, I would draw the line if our owners were involved in the chemical industry! ?.
14.) 12 Feb 2026 12:08:30
Hi Melbourne and Jimbo,
I take your point about social points when it's casual, not sure about when it's a 'hard stand' (those in detention for Palestine Action on hunger strike, for example, would be a hard stand in my eyes) .
I mean, I agree with your questions about Rosenior, and I think it was certainly a weird decision by Maresca to make Enzo captain in the wake of his singing on the bus. But I guess you can come into a job and ask the questions behind closed doors – people are capable of change, and perhaps Enzo has just learned something he didn't know before (which would be the mark of a good person) . Having teammates from different countries is a positive in that situation.
I can't see that you can't mix politics and sport. The two things are inherently connected because politics is inherent in everything. Surely taking a stand on issues that affect one's life is perfectly justified? If you don't take some kind of stand, make some kind of comment – especially in relation to things you love, rather than despite a relation to things you love – then what have you got? The attitude of 'sit down, be quiet' gets us where exactly?
Things don't have to be either/or. Nuance is possible, even in the world of sport. I can still support the club whilst believing that venture capitalism is destructive, and having been unsure of the new owners in the first place for that reason (the previous ownership is an entirely different knot to unpick) . But broadly I'd argue that simply looking away, not thinking about these things because it's easier, is far more destructive in the long run.
It's about what you care about. For a lot of (white) football fans, on a deep level, that's clearly not racism. I note that when the breakaway Super League was proposed, many Premier League club's fans suddenly found their protesting voices. Should fans have called the power of money inevitable and simply taken the Super League lying down? Was that not political?
There have been so many people on here talking about the locality of fans, that 'real' fans have been forgotten – and that fear of clubs being taken away from their original purpose as hubs of local interest is absolutely valid. But the argument isn't against a Chelsea fan watching the game in Australia or Ghana. It's against the monetisation of football against the interests of (local) supporters – it's against global powerbrokers. Isn't that political? Not thinking about that, confusing one for the other, all you end up doing is making generalisations about some person you don't know who lives half way across the world – and what does that achieve in relation to ticket prices, or a Sunday evening trip back from Newcastle?
15.) 12 Feb 2026 14:46:52
I will shout loudly at the bridge if I hear a racist comment and I have reported people to the club stewards and insisted that the individual or in one case individuals be removed.
I personally have zero interest in our owners nationality or there so called “football” pedigree. Owners come in all shapes and sizes and I very much doubt that the majority of them got there money for being nice.
I have supported the club despite the ownership. That will always be the case.
16.) 12 Feb 2026 19:38:10
EdW, you make some valid points, However, a lot of people enjoy sport as an antidote to the complicated world we live in and their own personal struggles. People who are high profile enjoy a privileged position as in the digital age their comments reach a large audience. I don’t know what LR said except what I have gleaned from this site but if he mentioned his daughter that smacks of self- interest.
Aslo, most people don’t care what these type of people comment on.
If this this site became politicised, I would certainly leave.
Tom, you’re right owners come in all shapes and sizes: the Nottingham Forest owner could do with eating more salads?.
17.) 12 Feb 2026 21:07:32
Jimbo, I would have no problem with any person expressing there concerns if they felt the child or any member of there family were threatened by the behaviour/actions of others.
18.) 12 Feb 2026 21:22:14
Tom, I'm glad you shout down racism at the Bridge. Hopefully you'll be well enough to keep up that good fight soon.
Jimbo, I take your point about sport being a form of escapism. Incredible, in some ways, to think someone would seek an antidote to their personal struggles in some of the dull football we've seen in the last few years (not just Chelsea, but post-Pep, post-VAR football) . Almost like its own subtle form of torture, at times.
19.) 12 Feb 2026 21:47:28
Tom, it’s not clear to me what harm LR envisages his daughter would come to. My point was about high profile people boring the pants of us with their personal beliefs. As I said bringing his daughter into it - is self-serving.
20.) 12 Feb 2026 21:50:07
EdW you are spot on about boring football. However, old habits die hard and like Saint Luke some of us have to support hopeless causes.
21.) 12 Feb 2026 22:34:05
Jimbo, I think if he has concerns about his family’s safety he is entitled to express those concerns.
His concerns, whatever they were, may well resonate with others who may well be happy that a person has been given an opportunity/platform to echo there concerns.
I’m also not sure that any of that makes sense!
22.) 13 Feb 2026 01:43:38
Really well thought out reply, EdW.
The struggle for people of color is one I don’t have experience with so it’s hard to put myself in their shoes and understand the feelings deeply. I do live somewhere where racism exists and is somewhat accepted, however the culture is very different from the west.
As I said I’ve been very impressed with LR and hope he has a very long and successful spell with us.
23.) 13 Feb 2026 13:14:32
Thanks Melbourne, and I think you're right to pinpoint a lack of same/similar experience as one of the key difficulties in these issues.
10 Feb 2026 21:09:59
I guess we know why Josh hasn’t been able to get a look in recently. Wondering why we recalled Sarr though especially as Anselmino hasn’t played for Strasbourg and Sarr hasn’t got a minute for us.
Really need a calm head at the back as every CH we have has huge mistakes in them.
1.) 10 Feb 2026 21:59:26
Baffling. 40 year old Thiago Silva would be starting every game here.
2.) 10 Feb 2026 22:41:04
Completely agree Melbourne and even if the SDs having say in rotation and substitutions Fofana should surely have come on at half time and probably Cucu kept on for whole game but not played atvall Friday night. Hato looks ok comimg forward though not as good as Cucu an caughr out of position a few times when Leeds countered.
He will probably get better but we have to qualify for Champions League and EPL games need to be prioritised over FA cup tie I'd think and Cucu and Fofana rested for that. I would also like Guiu to be given some game time ahead of Delap give Delap not exactly setting the world alighr with current form.
3.) 10 Feb 2026 22:48:41
As much as I loved Silva and I’m still convinced he will be back at our club in some capacity next season, he wouldn’t have started every game this season.
4.) 10 Feb 2026 22:55:08
JBS, Cucarella is injured. I was happy enough with Josh in the first half and it wouldn’t have been on my mind to substitute him at half time,
5.) 10 Feb 2026 23:23:41
Thanks re cucurella subbed reason Tom I foolishly believed the tv commentors who said thet has been told he wasnt injured. Anyway I can only hope his injury not serious. Is Reece also srill injured? We missed his calmness and experience on field second half.
6.) 11 Feb 2026 06:49:12
Reece is sickness. He will be fine but I can’t imagine him playing in the Cup game.
7.) 11 Feb 2026 12:02:23
OK thanks Tom good to know that Reece not injured but a pity sickness kept him out of last night's squad.
01 Feb 2026 23:33:26
Interesting that Jacquet chose LIverpool. Have never seen him play so hard to judge on whether it’s a good or bad signing. All I know is if he does well the boo boys will blame the ownership for not signing him and if he flops they will get no credit for deciding against outspending Liverpool.
Hopefully Sarr settles well and our defense is sorted anyway.
1.) 02 Feb 2026 04:48:19
Melbourne, I thought all the noise was his preference was CFC. I guess that’s just what it was, all noise. Like you and every other poster I haven’t seen him play, so it’s hard to make any judgement on the lad.
I can’t say I know much about Sarr but our manager does and that can only help.
2.) 02 Feb 2026 06:31:04
Melbourne, you took the words right out of my mouth mate, be interesting to hear what the boo boys say now.
3.) 02 Feb 2026 07:19:12
I. has thought Chelsea was his preference so foolishly beloeved the noise. Not for the first time. He has looked wonderful on highlights reel - a physically powerful and fast tacklercand passer as said when I first looked and he may turn out to be VDD mark 2 with a sl8ce of orine Rudiger but who knows. He is still v young. Anyway I'd guess that Liverpool may have offered better wages or more mobey to Rennes if he chose them or more guaranteed gsme time? Again, who knows and may partly do to with financial matters or fact LFC believed they needed him.
more. Anyway if this has happened we can but move on. But CH has obviously been a problem position for us this season as we all know.
{Ed001's Note - I have never seen him play, but from what I have heard your problem with selling the club to players is the rotation. Players don't like to be dropped when playing well, they want to play to build up a rhythm, rather than being constantly in and out of the side.}
4.) 02 Feb 2026 09:08:35
Ed, do you think our CB options create the rotation issue? Fofana has to be rotated because of injuries, he can’t play two 90mins in a week. If Colwill were fit, I’d assume he’d be treated like Caicedo or Enzo, starting most games. For me, a settled CB partnership is key to a top team, but, the rest of the CB’s are, at best, middle of the road or developmental options, never going to form part of a settled defence.
I do think the writing was on the wall about Jacquet earlier in the day, when it became apparent that Anselmino was going to Strasbourg and we were re-calling Sarr. Haven’t seen too much of Sarr or Jacquet, at all, but plenty to suggest they’re at a similar level and we have high hopes for Anselmino too. So, this could be the best long term option for us.
{Ed001's Note - possibly now, but under Maresca he liked to rotate everything. Personally though, I don't understand why you were even in for Jacquet, you should always prioritise what you have already and then only buy to fill a gap.}
5.) 02 Feb 2026 09:11:24
One thing we have to change is the leaks to journalists … sick of romano posting constanyly avout players we’re interested in- blatantly obvious this is wncouraged by the club and drags out the saga for ages, and then like in this situation the players chooses a different option and we look incompetent as a club.
Ome day its ‘only wants chelsea’ and a couple days later he's signed for liverpool.
6.) 02 Feb 2026 09:17:34
ED01, Are Liverpool now following the Chelsea model of buying young promising players with the potential to be "the real deal" as oppossed to "so called" experienced players?
{Ed001's Note - that is, to a large degree what we have done since the Klopp arrival due to the need for them to be able to adapt to the demands of his style of play. So it is just something we stuck with, other than the odd exception in Virgil for example.}
7.) 02 Feb 2026 09:26:32
In fairness ED001, most of the time, the rotation is forced on us through injuries.
{Ed001's Note - Maresca would have rotated anyway, which is what worries players as they feel it is being forced on the head coach by outsiders. Whether that is true or not, it is the perception from outside the club that the head coach is under orders to rotate to keep players fresh.}
8.) 02 Feb 2026 09:34:00
Greenaway
I'm. happy if Sarr is coming to us, it will be nice yo see "our: youngster play rather than paying £60mil for a summer Jacquet.
9.) 02 Feb 2026 09:41:24
It’s hard to know the reason he chose them although I did see the initial reports of him having a preference for Chelsea. Wouldn’t be a good sign if he decided against us after we recalled Sarr, as some have reported, as it doesn’t exactly point to confidence in his own ability. He didn’t cover himself in glory against Monaco, nutmegged for one goal and out of the position on another two, although he may not have had his mind on the game in fairness.
Sarr also gave PSG a goal so there’s that.
10.) 02 Feb 2026 09:43:13
Interesting comment from you Ed001 as ever!
Yes I understand this from players perspective. It might speak to the difficulty that some of our recent signings have had in adapting to playing for CFC. Obviously fair bit of rotation needed in 60 plus game season and cos of niggles/people coming back from injuries that need to be managed but it is true that we have done more rotations than any other club and sometimes seemingly crazy ones like a whol new left side combo in first hal v West Ham that made all of BB, Hato and Garnacho look bad - though Garnancho also looked bad for losing ball even more than the others and not tracking back enough or with enough energy.
I guess that there are some players who find this rotating in and out even more difficult than others.
Young players in particular need game time to improve, gain experience and confidence. Perhaps especially if coming into EPL from another league. Gittens may be a case in point here, and hard to know if it is this or insufficient quality.
Equally constant and at times pretty extreme rotation means that partnerships eg in defense at CH or entire back four don't develop easily or well. Again for young players this is perhaps harder than for more experenced ones. And some young players at CFC including Guiu brought back from v brief loan spell at Sunderland have not been given much game time at all. Likewise Josh A.
One benefit of generally low level opposition in Conference League was that some could get gaem time there and Guiu did well. But then little or no game time in EPL.
11.) 02 Feb 2026 10:35:28
I haven’t got a clue why the player chose to to another club. I also have no idea if he is a good player. As it was widely reported that other clubs were interested maybe that rumour of supposed multi club interest came from the selling club.
Apparently he is not joining us now, so I couldn’t care less.
12.) 02 Feb 2026 11:28:53
well tom it was widely reported by the usual club propagandists that he was only intetrested in chelsea and we were elading the race. so what happened, now they fall back on 'internal solutions' and ' we have sarr available' . when in reality they got beaten to the signing by liverpool.
13.) 02 Feb 2026 12:19:50
Been away for awhile but still reading.
Some make me laugh on here firstly moaning about us buying another unproven player for 60m then when it turns out he is going to Liverpool we have been beaten to him by another club.
You never wanted him in the first place.
Just proves the ownership or sporting directors can't win lol.
14.) 02 Feb 2026 12:31:18
Quite possibly the club decided spending the money wasn’t worth it and would be better to give the young lads we already have a chance to prove themselves over the next 6 months.
I personally am very happy they recalled Anselmino when it became clear that Dortmund wanted to sign him permanently and were in the kids ear. Shows the club do have plans for some of the younger players that were bought and aren’t just looking for quick flips.
It’s clear that kaz isn’t a fan of the owners, no matter what decision is made. Previously it was that spending 60m on Jacquet was a dumb risk, and now it’s we got beaten to the signing by Liverpool. Owners can’t win in some eyes.
15.) 02 Feb 2026 13:07:27
Kaz, the other day you were slating the club for wanting to pay £50million for him, now you are whinging they didn't buy him and missed out to Liverpool? sounds to me you just have a downer on our club.
16.) 02 Feb 2026 13:48:44
Totally agree with youvabout Dortmond, they turn young players heads then don't want to pay decent fee.
Hope we never send a young player to them ever again.
17.) 02 Feb 2026 14:57:51
This is all just pundit rumours. Apparently Chelsea were not happy with the “we want to buy AA” comment.
The other lad chose to play for another club. That’s his choice. I would hope he did it after considering all his options.
Kaz, I have no idea what a “club propagandist” is. I would like to think we have an in-house marketing department. I’m also guessing we have journalists we feed certain information to but I’m also guessing most clubs have a preferred journalist outlet.
I can’t see what the big deal is. Player chooses to go to other club, hardly unusual.
Finchy, spot on mate it’s impossible for the owners, SD’s and managers to make all the fans happy. This potential signing is typical of how us fans use events to match our agenda’s.
18.) 02 Feb 2026 16:21:19
I'm perfectly fine with not getting him. the issue i had was we fed journalists all this info of then player only wants us, deal close and in the end Liverpool got it done.
Less talking more action needed. With the sarr anselmino debacle + about 50 transfers.
Just makes it seem likr they don't have a clue as many suspect. too many cooks spoils the broth.
19.) 02 Feb 2026 17:36:25
I have no idea if WE fed journalists and my guess is you haven’t either. It could just as easily be his club trying to push up interest.
Anyway makes no difference. Not one single poster knows anything about the lad.
20.) 02 Feb 2026 18:22:25
Kazblue since when has anyone at the club ever said a player only wants chelsea blah blah blah.
It's all paper talk for click, likes or what ever young people want nowadays.
How you are turning it around to the club I have no idea.
21.) 02 Feb 2026 19:19:15
finchy. if you don't think the club uses romano to leak info/drip feed stuff out then i dunno what else to say
its pretty clear to anyone that looks at his posts on chelsea that certain things are fed through him (as is the case with plenty of clubs/journos) nowadays.
22.) 02 Feb 2026 20:19:38
Kazblue, I personally think FR is a bit of a fraud in the sense that others seem to get information and then he puts it out on his site but that’s probably just me.
I would think his contacts are more likely to be agents than clubs.
There is nothing to say that Chelsea have anything more than the same “controlled” information leaks than any other club.
The public information on this particular transfer could have been disclosed by numerous sources. I’m not sure how anyone can be certain but if you’re convinced it’s Chelsea that’s fine.
23.) 02 Feb 2026 20:40:10
Like Tom I don’t care that we didn’t sign Jacquet. He may turn out to be a top class defender but he didn’t sign for us- I am only concerned about players we sign. I feel sorry for Anselmino, he was apparently doing well at Dortmund and now he is being shipped out to a Mickey Mouse club in Ligue 1.
As for the tapping up rumours if there is substance in them a formal complaint should be made.
24.) 02 Feb 2026 20:59:14
Jimbo, I’m only guessing (as usual) but when a club loans out a player to another club I guess there is always a risk of a subliminal tapping up if that makes sense.
Apparently a senior person at Dortmund made a public statement about wanting to sign the lad. I’m sure ish, if that desire to sign him had been made privately then the lad would likely still be in Germany.
25.) 02 Feb 2026 21:12:50
Jimbo like you he hasn't signed i wouldn't want to sign him when we have sarr and AA out on loan and haven't even kicked a ball for us.
As for AA and Dortmund I for one. If all the paper talk is correct. then I am glad we took him away from them. As they always want to charge us the earth but want to get our players cheap.
26.) 02 Feb 2026 21:16:06
And to reply to you Kaz yes I do believe the club aren't the ones to leak stories. Why would they as it gives other clubs the heads up.
But just for you. I was outside frankies sports bar when we played West ham. I saw Todd speaking to Romano. Telling him "he wants to bring in another sporting director " heard £90 million is the fee.
27.) 03 Feb 2026 09:42:46
I totally agree with people's comments re Dortmond, rotten club and I hope we never send a player to them on loan again.
I also agree, we have youngsters in our ranks already with probably as much "potential" as zjacquet, let's give them a chance to prove it.
28.) 03 Feb 2026 12:00:57
100% agree with your opinion bill.
29 Jan 2026 10:04:37
Still don’t really see how LR is setting us up to play outside of hoping for moments of magic. It was a good second half against a tired opposition. LR made positive subs which was great, albeit with Gittens and Garno looking fairly lost. If you said old mate would have won all games bar one after 6/7 in charge, I’d say he’s doing an incredible job. Having watched the games it’s not so straightforward but results are what matter.
Next few weeks really important for the league if we want to have a strong push for CL places.
17 Jan 2026 04:07:22
Been a long while since I posted, however I have always checked in from time to time to get a sense of how you guys feel the club is going. Thought I’d give my two cents as many are upset at the current ownership.
Firstly, I think they have a fantastic strategy for the mid to long term. Hoovering up potential world class future talent is amazing. Players like Estevao, Quenda, Penders and Paez have the potential to hold us in good stead for the next 5 year block. Signing them early, knowing that the current results may not be the greatest and CL football is no guarantee is also smart business, as you’re not reliant on CL to attract players. Obviously, this comes with a painful present, which hopefully they adapt slightly and put a little more focus on the now. Quenda looks the business and will slot right in next year, as will Emegha. Attack sorted. Penders imo is probably another year away from being capable of a league tilt, however still would run Sanchez close currently.
I think my biggest issue with the ownership is with their decisions on managers. Maresca was unproven, although was well liked by our young group and managed to get some results via horrible, boring, slow football. Too early to judge LR, however, he fits the same mold of an unproven micromanager that seems to think he is a footballing genius. This crop of youngsters needs someone who has achieved and can unlock their potential, not someone who will pigeonhole them into rigid tactics.
Our defence is atrocious, has been for a while. Two world class wide backs can’t cover for the guys holding down the center. LC return will add some much needed leadership and stability, if he returns at the same level. The holes are so glaring that it doesn’t make sense to assume the owners are blind, more so that the player type (young, huge upside) they look for hasn’t been available. Hopefully that changes soon, or Sarr can return and be an upgrade (haven’t seen enough of him) .
The owners are businessmen. They will not make rash decisions that go against the strategy they believe will work best for us in the mid-long term. This is a good thing. We don’t want to fall so far off the perch that we mirror United and their lack of strategy. Hopefully LR can turn things around this year and I fully expect that next year we can run Arsenal and Citeh close.
1.) 17 Jan 2026 08:52:14
Melbourne, I enjoyed your post enormously and I agree with the vast majority of it.
2.) 17 Jan 2026 08:54:27
Welcome back Melbourne CFC and thankyou for your post which was so refreshing to read, well thought out articulate.
3.) 17 Jan 2026 09:31:07
The strategy of getting the players like estevao, Quenda, paez etc is fantastic and even though a c couple of them might not make it, it is worthwhile to take the gamble on them. I don't know many chelsea fans who have a problem with that.
The problem lies with signings like Kellyman, casadei, Gabriel etc who are unknown and brought in for 20m hits. It just doesn't make sense to me. Yes there will be misses but right now there's a lot of misses.
We have spent 1.5billion (more than that) and started that game against arsenal with a front 3 of Neto, Guiu and Gittens and ended with Garnacho Delap. I just do not see how it is possible. Where has the money gone?
4.) 17 Jan 2026 09:41:32
Interesting post Melbourne and completely agree both about our central defense and gamble with young inexperienced managers.
There is surely also a gamble in relying almost entirely on buying young players some of whom are exceptopnally talented like Estevao and Palmer and thinking they will be content to stay eith us - or likes of Cucurella would be - if we cannot challenge for the EPL or ECL until several years time?
So we do need to fix the problems on the squad and in terms of manager now. But will these owners/ SDs be prepared to tolerate any experienced manager who may have strong opinions and be prepared to voice them if they are at odds with said owners and SDs whether on transfers, team selection or who should be in the dressing room after matches?
5.) 17 Jan 2026 10:10:37
The money spent hasn’t disappeared, it’s been invested in players.
The owners will surely give the manager time to install his own methods. So called experienced managers all had to start somewhere.
6.) 17 Jan 2026 10:31:10
I don’t disagree, Standard, however, if your strategy is signing unproven potential, you will take 3 Gittens per 1 Estevao. Most of the players signed that flop are moved on young enough that fortunately someone else will cover a chunk of the initial outlay.
If in 3 years, we’re still stuck fighting for CL places, it’s fair to strongly criticize the project as a failure, I think. I’d say it’s too early currently.
I hold the same fears, JBS, that those that shine won’t want to stick around. Fortunately the owners are capable enough of signing players to extremely long contracts which means we hold the chips in negotiations should they grow bored.
The PL is so flush with cash, that it’s prudent to plan longer term. Multiple sides spend upwards of 200m a year. Signing proven talent doesn’t guarantee success ala Liverpool this year and 28 year olds hold their value for far shorter times in the current landscape.
7.) 17 Jan 2026 10:57:24
THough would add that LR obviously will be given time now - and should be once appointed - to show whether he can rise to the formidable challenge of being a successful manager for us if particularly when appointed mid-season.
8.) 17 Jan 2026 11:15:21
Then we are in agreement Melbourne. I agree it's a wait and see, my concern is losing the identity we have of always winning a trophy no matter the circumstances we find ourselves in. Last 20 years we've been winners, and with CWC win (which was absolutely massive) we still look good in that aspect.
I do wish there was a bit more balance but I agree. I also do have faith in Rosonier and think hell suprise a few.
9.) 17 Jan 2026 12:10:52
Melbourne, I agree with a lot of what you say in your posts, However, I don’t necessarily agree that we hold the chips regarding players wanting to move on. True, we have long contracts which maintains a player’s value. Experience has shown that if a player wants to a move he will get it. Of course, we will get a transfer fee but would we be able to obtain a player of equal quality and experience;I doubt it. Also, I fear the money would be wasted on even more young players who are not PL ready.
As for Liverpool, things haven’t worked out but I believe most of their signings were good. I suspect that even with these issues, Liverpool will end up above us. Liverpool still have ambitions to win big trophies. I think their main problem is Slot and if he is replaced they won’t be appointing a novice coach with no experience to “learn on the job”.
10.) 17 Jan 2026 12:17:34
Where has this idea come from that they're smart businessmen in football? …they may be successful in 1000 different areas …has mo bearing on how they run a football club
It has been disasterous on and off field since they rocked up…. I get wanting to be positive and defending the club but guys come on its like mass brainwash cos weMve been told how ‘shrewd’ and smart these owners are ….
11.) 17 Jan 2026 13:08:38
Kazblue, I have to agree with you. Given the financial status of the owners, it would be fair to assume they are astute business men but that doesn’t mean they can build a successful football club: the assumption that they can by some people is surprising.
12.) 17 Jan 2026 13:52:46
I’m not of the opinion that the owners are going to succeed in football, just that they have a strategy they are sticking to, which may turn out to be good. Time is needed.
I agree that Liverpool made good decisions, my point was only that it hasn’t resulted in immediate success. Slot won the league in a canter last year and 6 months ago would’ve had his pick of jobs on the world stage. Things change fast in football.
We got fkd by Roman being forced to sell. It was heartbreaking, however, the current owners have shown they are willing to spend to a level far beyond others, which in itself is a huge positive. Whether they have made the right decisions to produce success remains to be seen.
13.) 17 Jan 2026 14:13:39
I also think they deserve credit by showing they want to win. We were lucky in that regard. They are putting money in for success and I don't think that can be argued against.
14.) 17 Jan 2026 18:08:15
At least one of our owners has a history of building a successful sports franchise. So, I don’t see the assumption he can build a successful European sports franchise as “surprising. ”.
15.) 17 Jan 2026 20:33:47
American sport couldn't be more different from english football- as seen by his gaffes on UCL/formation etc
I don't see the assumption that cos his american sports team did well it would translate and so far we are yet to really see positives from this strategy being followed. happy to wait and see but won't blindly support mistakes when they're so obvious.
16.) 17 Jan 2026 21:04:48
It’s not “blindly” it’s just stating a fact and that is rare on this site.
An owner has experience in building a successful sports franchise, I can’t see how that hurts his attempt to build one in Europe. It doesn’t guarantee success but I personally think it can only help.
17.) 17 Jan 2026 21:43:23
Kazblue, once again I agree with you. American sport is entirely different. It is franchised like KFC, they move teams to different cities hundreds of miles away. The culture of European football is entirely different and is not embraced by our owners.
A prime example: CFC Ldn”. What a load of bollx. I think most of us knew where our club are located as did every other football fan.
18.) 17 Jan 2026 22:12:21
Of course it’s different. Nevertheless he has built a very successful sports franchise and inny opinion that can only help.
The sports are different but the tribal differences exist in American mainstream sports. I wouldn’t have a clue if our owners have “embraced” the culture of European football. I hope not, it sounds painful.
19.) 17 Jan 2026 22:54:25
Tom my point being i could have experience in building bridges- ask me to build a dam and id have no idea!
20.) 17 Jan 2026 23:50:40
Tom, exactly: “sports franchise “. What’s that got to do with football? I’m surprised we are not CST ( Chelsea Soccer Team) rather than CFC.
21.) 18 Jan 2026 08:51:26
You might see it differently but I strangely see football as a sport.
I assume a tradesman or architect could be involved in building a bridge or a dam. I also assume a builder of an office block could build a block of flats. I wouldn’t expect a plumber to be able to build an aeroplane. I can’t see it being a heavy management lift from one sport to another. Look at this country we have similar sports management involved in Darts, Boxing and Snooker.
22.) 19 Jan 2026 00:06:00
Tom I was emphasising “franchise “ and what it’s got to do with football. I have no interest in darts or snooker but there is no similarity in boxing.
Melbourne CFC's rumour replies
10 Feb 2026 00:55:49
Tris’ memory may be better on this but didn’t Alvarez say himself that he was hesitant on a return to England last year when Liverpool was reportedly interested? I was of the impression he didn’t settle very well when with Citeh.
Top class player so would be an awesome addition if he has warmed to the idea. Maybe the capital would be a better fit.
{Ed001's Note - it is his gf, she hated the weather and wanted to leave.}
26 Jan 2026 09:56:37
Would be very happy if Josh gets loaned to Palace and we get to see him play consistently for the rest of the season. Not sure how others are getting games in front of him this season anyway tbh. Badi almost cost us another goal and Fofana just isn’t it if we intend to challenge.
23 Jan 2026 04:13:18
Reece is Chelsea. If we got relegated I’d expect he’d stay with us. Cole is a very good player, who is having a stop start year and may need surgery to fix whatever is wrong. No guarantee he returns to his best although would love to give him the chance to become a legend here.
If he requests a transfer due to missing Manchester, it’s a good thing he got signed onto a long deal last year.
18 Jan 2026 05:16:29
If I’m not wrong, in the summer Guehi was asked if he would be interested in returning to us and shut it down instantly.
01 Jan 2026 12:37:36
He 100% didn't miss the press conference because of a board meeting. What an absurd take haha.
Melbourne CFC's banter replies
13 Feb 2026 01:43:38
Really well thought out reply, EdW.
The struggle for people of color is one I don’t have experience with so it’s hard to put myself in their shoes and understand the feelings deeply. I do live somewhere where racism exists and is somewhat accepted, however the culture is very different from the west.
As I said I’ve been very impressed with LR and hope he has a very long and successful spell with us.
12 Feb 2026 00:33:45
Hey EdW.
I think for the most part when people take a strong stand on anything, they say it to get social points rather than because they really care. So if you’re in sports, you risk marginalizing a part of the supporter base by taking a stand in any direction.
Racism is a really good example. Liam wrote an article about how Trump was making decisions and acting in a way that put his daughter’s future at risk. I’m sure he felt it was true. It does, however, open up questions like how he feels about Enzo being a leader of this team? Is he a good example for the younger players? Or, alternatively why does he praise him for being an incredible human?
I’m not giving an opinion here, so hope no one takes offense or reads tone into places where it’s not, just showing how when you bring politics into sport, you could potentially disrupt a club. And if you write about something you’re supposedly so passionate about, can be shown to be spineless quite quickly when it’s more beneficial for you to look the other way.
10 Feb 2026 21:57:44
The caicedo challenge really cost us some momentum, as it was smooth up until that point, with some really nice forward play.
The Palmer miss was jaw dropping. I really feel that we have been gaining important experience under LR of finding ways to win. Could’ve been a huge win had he scored. In saying that he was really good today and great to see him finding form again.
Having three teenagers in Josh, Hato and Estevao getting valuable minutes is great for the future. Hato seems much more settled since LR has come in and given him chances. Santos was brilliant once again.
07 Feb 2026 14:35:09
Tbh I’d take the ‘game put to bed early’ option as my highest want of the three. Might run 0 from 3 though….
07 Feb 2026 13:30:28
Hopeful once more that Josh gets a run. Also hoping we don’t find ourselves fighting for a result late and the game is put to bed early. Looking forward to another 60-90 mins of Estevao.