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26 Feb 2026 11:55:17
Chelsea are interested in signing Bayern's Director of Women's Football, Bianca Rech as a replacement for Paul Green. I thought I would post this as there were some who thought the mens sporting directors were getting involved in the womens team. The two are seperate entities.
1.) 26 Feb 2026 13:14:06
Thank you for the update, RPD.
2.) 26 Feb 2026 13:54:22
You are very welcome, Bill.
3.) 28 Feb 2026 10:27:14
RPD, your memory serves you well, yes, it did. It was used as another reason to bash the SDs/owners.
4.) 01 Mar 2026 12:22:02
Tom It was reported in the media that the SDs became involved. Maybe they were there to hire a new appointment.
5.) 01 Mar 2026 19:49:36
Totally correct, Tom. Some on here get off on putting all things Chelsea down.
6.) 01 Mar 2026 20:22:49
Bill, maybe they were asked to get involved to find a replacement after the guy resigned. If a guy leaves for whatever reason, it isn't always a reason, as some do, to bash the SDs or owners. I personally haven't got a clue why the guy decided to leave. As far as I'm concerned, good luck to the bloke. We now move on!!
7.) 05 Mar 2026 09:51:42
Interesting info, RPD, thanks for it.
01 Feb 2026 12:24:09
Apparently Liverpool are determined to beat Chelsea to the signing of Jeremy Jacquet and bring him to Anfield, according to Fabrizio Romano, Jacquet is being described as a ridicously good player who may well be a generational great and both sides are prepared to pay the €71 million asking price to land him in the summer, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Bayern Munich also remain interested but it is looking like a straight choice between Liverpool and Chelsea.
I have never seen him play but Liam Rosenoir has and wants to build our defence around him and Colwill.
1.) 01 Feb 2026 13:37:33
RPD, I know I’ve said this before but I think we sign him and leave him at Rennes for the remainder of this season. I think that will be the deal clincher and of course living and playing in London. ???.
2.) 01 Feb 2026 13:44:11
Apparently Sarr is coming back to us, maybe LR can build the backing around him and Colwill.
3.) 01 Feb 2026 17:02:30
Fabrizio Roamno has talked about Liverpool joining the race for JJ signature but also that Liverpool were looking at another wonderful CH whose name I forget! I think FR has reported in the past that the player has wanted CFC and that there is some understanding between player and CFC re personal terms - again I may have misheard but think that's correct - and that CFC reps have been working very hard for a deal but yes that Rennes want fim to stay for the rest of the season and so if we get him it would be in the summer.
This explains Sarr being brought back from Strasbourg and Anselmino now going on loan to Strasbourg having been v happy at Dortmund. I feel sorry for AA being used as a pawn in this merry-go-round plus Strasbourg fans must be pretty livid with being at mercy of CFC demands though they should also see that they can benefit from loans to them by us of excellent young players.
4.) 01 Feb 2026 20:07:48
I am never sure if these things are staged but he looked very happy on his way to Strasbourg.
My guess is our manager prefers the CH who played for him at Strasbourg. Seems reasonable.
5.) 01 Feb 2026 22:26:41
Latest news, he is going to Liverpool for a potential €70m. Joining in the summer.
6.) 01 Feb 2026 22:31:26
Agree that LR opting for Sarr makes sense. and he impressed me in torrid Afcon final v Egypt . so hope he will when plating for us.
7.) 01 Feb 2026 23:41:36
NVM chaps.
8.) 02 Feb 2026 09:23:37
RD
He didn't want competition for his place, that's fair enough.
Hr knows with the CH"s you have he will walk into the your first team, he might even be able to push zVVD around in his wheel chair.
9.) 04 Feb 2026 11:56:10
Ye maybe, but you won't find him (VVD) around at one of his team mates house knocking the @$$ out of his missus!
You win some, you lose some. SH.
10.) 04 Feb 2026 14:52:14
Maybe his team mates husband. Nothing wrong with that.
11.) 25 Feb 2026 01:21:50
Jeremy Jacquet is out injured for the rest of the season. If he can stay fit, he will be a top player. But getting those Lavia vibes.
16 Jan 2026 21:53:00
Hi Guys and Girls, I'm back after a short break and head wobble and thought I would share this with you fresh in from Kavvy at Sky.
Chelsea are getting close to signing a centre back this month - and also a midfielder or attacker if the right opportunity materialises. Levi Colwill’s recovery from a serious knee injury is going very well and the England centre back remains a central part of Chelsea’s long-term plans. At the same time, Chelsea are cautiously optimistic they will be able to sign a new centre back, who is their preferred option, this month and talks have stepped up. Rennes' 20-year-old defender Jeremy Jacquet is one of their main targets.
On a new midfielder or attacker – Chelsea are working to see whether summer 2026 targets can be signed this month. Chelsea have left a Champions League A slot free in their squad so they can add a new player.
The centre backs Chelsea wanted to sign in the summer were not available when Colwill was injured in August. Chelsea were trying to sign a starting-level centre back all summer – before and after Colwill was injured. Chelsea were confident of signing Dean Huijsen last summer before Real Madrid – who were his dream move since he was a child – agreed a deal to sign the player from Bournemouth.
After missing out on Huijsen, Chelsea struggled to find an elite level centre back in the market who was an upgrade on what they had. Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham and Newcastle United were all trying to sign a centre back and failed to sign anyone of the required standard. Enzo Maresca’s public comments that Chelsea should sign a centre back weakened their leverage.
Looks like 2 or 3 might be coming in. Open those doors.
1.) 17 Jan 2026 05:00:20
RPD, welcome back. I was gutted when Huijsen went to RM but I’m pleased we didn’t go a make do type alternative.
Looks like they are determined to only go for a player who is on their list of targets.
2.) 17 Jan 2026 09:04:22
Welcome back RPD.
I read recently Liverpool have Jacquet in their sights and now maybe more as they lost out to Man City with Guehi.
Like Tom, I beleive they should only go for a player the club have been following as a priority and not a fall back.
3.) 17 Jan 2026 11:10:30
Welcome back RPD and thanks for another inteeresting post. I do agree that an upgrade needed at CB though am a bit concerned that even a v talented youngster Jacquet from the French league may undestandably take time to adjust to the greater pace and physicality of the EPL plus extra pressure in playing for a big club like CFC. But he could be the real deal
IMHO Guehi would have offered us an immediate fix in being both EPL tested plus knowing CFC of course and would only cost City 20 million. I don't know if we even tried for him? It seems that Jacquet will cosr c 50 million and has to be a gamble being so young and with no EPL experience though I confess to being impressed by his physicality and speed on display in his highlights reel.
01 Jan 2026 17:35:42
Three main reasons for Maresca leaving the club, firstly it is a results driven game, win matches and you have credit in the bag, lose matches and that credit lessens, lose too many matches you are expected to win and you are out, second reason is because there have been disagreements behind the scenes about return-to-play protocols for injured players. Chelsea have an independent medical department who have the final say. From Chelsea's point of view, their head coach will never have the final say when it comes to that as they want to protect the players and try to curb the amount of injuries which have piled up over the past few years, Maresca wanted to play Fofana and Palmer in every game recently but the medical people said no.
The final reason, from Chelsea's perspective, is Maresca being linked with other jobs like Juventus and Manchester City. There may have been a sense from inside the club that these links were a distraction and coincided with a dip in form and results.
There have been clues that not all has been well behind the scenes, such as Tuesday night when Maresca did not hold a post-match press conference after the draw with Bournemouth because, we were told, he was ill.
It has added to a sense of volatility at the club but the sense is that things have not been right at the club for some time.
1.) 01 Jan 2026 18:49:48
RPD, I enjoyed your post a lot and I found myself agreeing with most of your assumptions.
2.) 01 Jan 2026 23:10:17
I think maresca was lucky to stay in the job
Last year
He won the club world cup we played well in the final other than that we were ordinary
Conference cup really a club of our size should never of been in it in 1st place and yes we won it but it's a mickey mouse cup of the highest order
European mid table trophy to generate money
would be a better name for it
Yes we got top 4
Man u were woeful
And we wouldn't of been top 4 if Notts forest hadn't rubbish there pants
Everyone says he didn't get players he wanted
But surely he wanted dewsbury hall there is no way we would of bought him otherwise
His subs were just plain weird
His team selections have been very weird at times
He never changed system
Players often looked flat and disinterested
Overcoached almost my way or the highway
That's OK but we have so many flair players and that mustn't suit them being restricted buy tactics held back almost
And playing players out of position why when we have a 649 man squad
James in midfield
Gusto left back
But my big 1 is and il probs get dogs abuse
PALMER
Is definetly better on right wing than in the 10.
3.) 02 Jan 2026 05:04:12
Hbih, I think KDH was becoming a good member of the squad and one we may regret selling at some stage.
I was critical of the EM almost rigid tactical approach for the majority of last to season and was only towards the last ten games ish and when we became more tactically flexible we started to pick results and qualify for the Champions League.
There was only one team that in my opinion performed well in the premiership last season and that was obviously Liverpool. I had us finish 3rd-5th so I was happy enough with our final finishing position. As I said in my usual end of season summary. I think he deserved another season, mainly because of the team’s performance over the last ten ish games.
The Palmer debate will be interesting and I wonder what the next manager will see has his best position.
4.) 02 Jan 2026 17:01:22
Palmer in my eyes is excellent in both positions, but if I had to pick one I think he is better on the right.
5.) 02 Jan 2026 18:56:27
Maresca was planing on leaving. He changed his agent recently. His inverted full backs will never work anyway. Can’t wait to see our wingers have some back up now, see some over lapping runs.
6.) 02 Jan 2026 19:09:47
BLUEBOY, I am not confident on the chosen tactics of any future manager.
7.) 06 Jan 2026 07:08:56
RPD, sure you really don't understand the reason why maresca left. The game being a result game is just delusion. Ambition is mainly the reason for me as the owners want a post dated success on the pitch but maresca wants to win now by having the capable players, but the owners want to intimidate him through irrelevant positions and he chose to walk away.
What maresca fought for is what everyone will be fighting against in a few months. The owners have suddenly lowered Chelsea's ambitions selfishly. They force players on maresca and expect magic. They won't want an established manager now because no manager that knows his worth will accept to work in such circumstances.
Saw somebody asking for the return of mourinho and I laughed. Mourinho will expose them and open them the media and public. If only the fans around the globe understand what these guys are doing to Chelsea no one will be attending games on match days. Stop making excuses for the owners they are the real problems and the main reason maresca left.
8.) 06 Jan 2026 14:33:37
Tusole, your opinion is just as valid as any other posters opinions.
Can I suggest you read the recent Danny Windsor article. It might just change your views on a few topics.
31 Dec 2025 21:06:02
Enzo Maresca was not sick post Bournemouth. Understand he chose not to attend the post-match press conference because he is in the middle of making a decision as he considers his options at the club.
Understand Maresca continues to be frustrated by aspects of the Chelsea project affecting his independence to make decisions and strategic elements don’t always align with how he wants to manage the team (The same as Poch) .
This led to his post-Everton comments, which had been brewing for some time.
Maresca had said publicly he loves Chelsea as a club and its fanbase and relishes the pressure of delivering results, but my understanding is he is struggling to work within certain conditions
This is a huge power play between Maresca and the sporting directors. Question is? who do my fellow posters want to come out on top? Maresca or the sporting directors?
Don't sit on the fence, Maresca or the sporting directors?
1.) 01 Jan 2026 00:16:46
I won't get into the politics it's embarrassing but one of these parties won the CWC with an average squad.
The other party has spent 2bn on an extremely average squad after inheriting a champions league winning one, fell out of favour with 3 managers now and are paying raheem sterling 350k to sit at home.
The sad thing is i can go on and on.
2.) 01 Jan 2026 00:54:12
RPD, I believe there will only one winner. The SD’s are part of the owners long term plan. If EM now wants out or wants to change the plan, I think he has zero chance.
I have had two comments made to me recently both of which I posted, it now looks as if they were both true.
Im personally not a fan of changing managers mid season but we have won them champs League twice when we’ve done it before. ?.
3.) 01 Jan 2026 07:40:24
If I had to pick between the two options, I’d pick the SD’s. As mentioned in an earlier post, I don’t think their squad building has been as bad as some believe, yes there’s been misses and key positions need to be added, but I think the squad that’s been built could / should be used better.
Everything else aside, I think it’s pretty disgraceful and unprofessional that Maresca dodged the press conference, feels like he’s trying to force the clubs hand into sacking him.
4.) 01 Jan 2026 08:45:20
Don't still understand reason managers are not involved with transfers even when they are the main unit that use the players.
Boely and Co. are resolute with keeping Chelsea a mid table club just to achieve their business goals. Unfortunately, Chelsea is above such clime now the fans are already spoilt with success from roman abrahimovic era. All these mess where created by the Boely and Co. but Maresca could be made the scapegoat.
Whether Maresca leaves or not, the damage Boely and Co. have brought will eventually be brought to fore. Like I usually do, Maresca should not leave and the owners should review their selfish transfer policy for Chelsea and not make Maresca the scapegoat.
5.) 01 Jan 2026 08:26:10
Let's hope so J.
Waking up the past year from anywhere between 12-4am to watch this team is starting to take it's toll.
The Maresca experiment has had some good days but he isn't the guy for us for the next 5-10 years. Let the youth we have express themselves.
Maresca and his tactics might be better suited to Italian football anyway.
6.) 01 Jan 2026 09:04:14
J, we don’t know the reasons why EM wasn’t at the post match press conference. He could easily have been told to miss it and attend a board meeting. As always we are all guessing.
7.) 01 Jan 2026 09:14:03
I think it was RBD who put a table with our nett spend and although that format is never accurate it does also emphasise the fact we have sold players for decent money as well as spending lots.
I had zero issues with the squad being rebuilt. As I said at the time, I was worried they would try and move to quickly and to my mind they did. To be fair they then put in a structure that those decisions away from the owners. Sterling was part of that early scramble.
I wouldn’t have looked to change manager now but if it is to happen so be it. Yes, EM was our manager when we win them champs League CWC but the majority of players on the pitch that day were bought by the club not EM.
I have asked the guy who told me he would get the sack if we didn’t win against Bournemouth to give me an update on EM and if he is leaving who is likely to replace him.
8.) 01 Jan 2026 09:26:25
Both Maresca and the sporting directors do some things well and some things not so well but the club do have a structure in place and all parties are privy to that and accepted it when appointed so if the rumours are to be believed that Maresca has fallen out with his bosses over policy and recruitment then he will be the one to go and I think he will end up at Man City next season.
I must say the crowd on tuesday started to turn on him when Palmer was subbed off and again at the final whistle and I wouldn't be surprised if he leaves this month.
9.) 01 Jan 2026 09:59:51
Thats fair J. Considering both Tuchel and Poch walked though due to disagreements, and now likely Maresca. Would you say its more of a problem with the hierarchy?
With reports of them going into the dressing room after every game and infamously suggesting a '4-4-3 formation' i really can't get behind anyone but the manager.
10.) 01 Jan 2026 11:22:39
I'm just trying to recover from last night's festivities (another word for drinking too much) .
I have been reading the various posts, and I have to say that if it is true that it's the clubs policy to rotate players and not Maresca's then firstly I owe him an apology but more importantly, it's really poor how the club is being run by the owners and SD's.
That being said, i don't like the way maresca has played this out in the media and it seems to mirror Conte's antics.
If he wants to go, let him but with no compensation, if he does not like that then he stays in charge until the summer.
As you all know, I'm not a fan of his dire football which is more at home in Italian football.
Personally I think that all parties will agree to limp to the end of the season.
11.) 01 Jan 2026 12:02:56
Bill, again only guessing but if EM resigns then I doubt he will get any compensation.
My guess is the board will give a vote of confidence and then see what happens.
The TT comparison probably isn’t valid, from what I gather about him being could have an argument looking in the mirror. I am biased but for Poch should never have been appointed so I lost no sleep when he left.
12.) 01 Jan 2026 12:31:12
Ok, I was wrong about limping to the end of the season.
13.) 01 Jan 2026 12:37:36
He 100% didn't miss the press conference because of a board meeting. What an absurd take haha.
14.) 01 Jan 2026 12:41:13
Blimey Melbourne. Haven't seen you post in years. Hope you've been well mate.
15.) 01 Jan 2026 13:30:51
Or maybe not bill.
16.) 01 Jan 2026 13:42:49
Can i ask what it is the sporting directors do well greenaway?
17.) 01 Jan 2026 13:50:31
Melbourne, you may we be right and I’m only guessing and putting up different ideas.
At the moment I’m only believing what my mate has told me over the last week or so. He seems to be getting some good ish info.
18.) 01 Jan 2026 13:51:27
Would have wanted Maresca at meast to see out the season. Am worried who will be got to replace him.
RPD's banter posts with other poster's replies to RPD's banter posts
16 Mar 2026 15:22:13
Following the news that Chelsea have been fined £10.75 million and have received a suspended transfer ban after Roman secretly paid £47 million to agents during his reign as owner. The Premier League said Chelsea's "proactive self-reporting" and "exceptional co-operation" throughout the investigation acted as significant mitigating factors when mulling over potential sanctions.
Chelsea "accept the terms of the settlement in full" and welcomed the Premier League's acknowledgment of their help in the investigation.
The new owners get bashed a lot by a section of our fanbase but their approach to running our club has to be fully applauded compared to the corrupt and totally unethical way Mr Abamovich conducted business. I, for one, doff my cap to them.
1.) 16 Mar 2026 16:35:18
Rpd, they certainly got this call right.
2.) 16 Mar 2026 17:32:31
I have to say I also agree.
3.) 16 Mar 2026 18:28:14
Agree, the new owners get a lot of stick, but generally I think they have done a great job if you think where we were when the Russian sanctions came in. Reporting the illegality 100 per cent correct, that is why we got off lightly.
{Ed025's Note - or it could be the amount of brown envelopes that have been given to certain people in power mate?..
4.) 16 Mar 2026 18:42:24
Brown envelopes is a phrase I haven't heard since the George Graham and Harry Redknap days.
The sadly departed TV once told me about a deal between Chelsea, the Spuds, and Norwich that made me chuckle and was slightly surprising.
{Ed025's Note - oh it does still go on Tom, City being the main culprits mate..
5.)
16 Mar 2026 20:04:32
Don't get too excited yet. We still have FA sanctions to come. They can also deduct points.
14 Mar 2026 11:34:39
Liam Rosenoir has hinted there could be a shift in Chelsea's transfer strategy this summer.
Asked whether he would like to sign senior players this summer to give his developing group an instant impact, Rosenior said: "We're growing experience here and, in the summer, you'll see. Right now, we have those conversations but the age of the players shouldn't be confused with a lack of experience.
You need a balance all the time. "We talk about age but age sometimes is not levelled with experience. Andrey Santos is 21 but he's already played for Brazil and captained the team. It's not just down to age".
"Even Wednesday night [against PSG], as hard as it was, it was an unbelievable learning experience for the group, for me and if you learn from your experiences you grow. We want to win now and will keep working towards that - but I don't think we're as far away as some people think. "
Rosenior says there have already been discussions about summer transfer targets but underlined the importance of finishing in the Champions League qualifying places in the Premier League.
"It's massive for every club, " he said. "Champions League qualification is so important for your stature as a club, for what you want to do in the transfer market to compete at the very highest level. It's what a club of this size should be aiming for at the least.
"We're in a position where we can attack that. Saturday is another game where, if we get the details right and play with intensity, hopefully we can overcome a really good Newcastle team and be closer to those aspirations. "
He added: "I'm excited by what's to come without losing sight of the next game."
He went on to say that the club will keep it's very best players and highlighted how important it is to tie down the likes of Reece James on long term contracts whilst adding top top level players who can make the difference and place the club right at the top of the tree.
Really good positive comments from Liam Rosenoir.
{Ed001's Note - by growing experience, is he saying they are man ageing? ?
1.) 14 Mar 2026 12:06:25
I'm all for hearing comments, but we really need to see action. What manager are we on now who has said the same thing?
2.) 14 Mar 2026 12:38:49
We talk, he says no you don't. Liam, you listen and agree, just a yes man, and while we lost it's an experience lol. What's about the fans paying all this money, who don't go to learn, idiot.
3.) 14 Mar 2026 13:51:02
LR will not have much influence as to who comes and goes in the summer.
4.) 14 Mar 2026 13:52:02
Very true, most of us go to support "the club," win, lose or draw. It's called being a supporter. If you do it for another reason, then I guess maybe a fan would be an idiot.
I'm actually pleased the manager hasn't jumped on "the age of our players" as an excuse.
I personally have no idea what players the SD's and the manager have discussed, and I certainly have no idea about our manager's personality, as I don't know him. I guess "time" will tell.
5.) 14 Mar 2026 15:46:42
Tom, agree. It has always been about "the club" for me. The other elements come and go. As for LR's personality: I think he should get one.
6.) 14 Mar 2026 22:10:56
Jimbo, I think LR is trying to overthink things, but his personality seems ok to me.
10 Mar 2026 18:11:54
Apparently Chelsea have postponed Geovany Quenda's return to Sporting CP following his recent surgery.
Recent reports suggested that Quenda would soon head back to Sporting, but that plan has now been slightly delayed. Chelsea's medical team have decided to keep Quenda at Cobham a little longer and place him on a tailored training programme designed to help him rebuild his muscle strength over the next two weeks.
A quote from LR. When Mike Penders came, we realised very, very quickly that he's an outstanding operator in possession and that enables you to have an extra man in terms of your passing angles. He can play very very high and act as a sweeper, he is an outstanding talent. Almost certainly will start next season as our number 1.
Just a little update on 2 of our 3 incoming players for next season. I couldn't find much on Emmanuel Emegha but it does seem he will likely replace Marc Guiu who may go the other way.
The only rumours I could find were that the club were prioritising Murillo of Nottingham Forest as a CB and possibly looking at cover for Enzo Fernandez as he is deemed so important to the way LR likes to play that a back up was needed to allow him to rest in what will be another long season following the world cup. The club also have no intention of selling any of its top players.
Oh, for the days of our much loved and much missed ED02.
1.) 11 Mar 2026 11:54:41
RPD, thanks mate.
27 Feb 2026 05:55:38
This might just be the start of what Todd suggested is the way forward a while back and if it happens the sheer global revenue for clubs with massive worldwide fan bases will negate any need for bigger stadia.
Premflix: PL Live Streaming Service - Direct to Consumers.
The Premier League is launching its own streaming service, with live coverage of all 380 matches over a season available directly to fans but only if you live in Singapore.
"Premier League Plus" (the new app) will be launched before next season, and will be the first time match coverage will be sold direct to consumers.
Described by the Premier Leagues chief executive, Richard Masters, as simply being a "learning" opportunity, the move will still cause shockwaves throughout the game as the worlds biggest domestic football league moves to directly control its revenues without the need for a broadcast partner.
"From next season onward, from August, Premier League Plus is going to happen, " Masters said. "For the first time the Premier League is going to have its own customers. Were looking to build a business, but were also looking to learn to see how that might be replicable around the world. "
Masters told the Financial Times Business of Football Summit in London that Premier League Plus would be offered in partnership with the existing rights holder, Starhub, and would be a "24-seven" service.
"Its going to be a really exciting product, and the big change is I think that the Premier League will have its own customers and means us delving into things like promotion and pricing, " said Masters. "Thats why its an important step for us. "
The idea of a "Premflix" offering has been speculated on for a number of years. Premier League club owners have backed the idea, with Chelseas Todd Boehly telling the FT conference last year that the league should sell its global rights direct to the streaming service Netflix. Instead, the Premier League has gone for a trial approach, with Masters telling an audience of industry insiders that international broadcast revenues had grown by 27% through the latest three-year rights cycle.
1.) 27 Feb 2026 06:52:44
Rbd, thanks for posting this article. I think the idea of a streaming ST has been the plan for many owners and business observers for some considerable time. I expressed my concerns on this potential development when the influx of American/investor owners first started to appear. Those concerns haven't changed.
2.) 27 Feb 2026 08:48:19
I don't see any advantages for fans. As for negating the need for bigger stadia, in our case, what about the fans who can't get tickets because of our limited capacity. Just another example of money-making and empire building.
3.) 27 Feb 2026 09:21:35
I agree with Jimbo. We match-going fans get pissed on by the authorities all the time. This idea might create wealth for the Premier League, but what about genuine fans who just want to stroll down the Fulham Road, meet their mates, have a pint and start to think. You know how the song goes.
4.) 27 Feb 2026 09:54:01
So we already have this in Australia. Every single Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup game is on Stan Sport. If you have a Stan (it's like Netflix) subscription, you have access to all the EPL games. What I find is that pubs will have a subscription, so these games will still be on the TV, just not on a channel.
5.) 27 Feb 2026 10:05:57
I'm not sure what, if any, effect it will have as a driver of bigger stadiums. My concerns are much bigger than individual clubs in the Premiership.
26 Feb 2026 13:56:51
Who will win the Champions League?
Having watched most of the hopefuls I think it will likely be an English side. What do you think ED01?
{Ed001's Note - I don't know as I only really watch Liverpool in Europe as I don't have time with trying to get through all the Prem games for the round up. English sides do seem to be a bit above the rest right now but in knockout games individual quality like Madrid has can often make the difference. So it is difficult to look past Madrid.}
1.) 26 Feb 2026 17:28:13
Unfortunately, I think it will be the Gooners year.
2.) 26 Feb 2026 19:03:41
I don't think Arsenal will win it. The PL may be more competitive in terms of the top 4 or 5. However, I think it has been pretty poor this season. None of the top teams in the PL play exciting football; it's mainly fairly drab fare. I think one of Madrid, Barcelona or Munich will win it.
3.) 26 Feb 2026 20:00:04
I agree with Jimbo over the standard of football in the PL. I agree with Tom that the goonspitters are favourites, and I agree with ED01 that Madrid are the team to beat, but I hope we somehow do what we do and win it ourselves.
4.) 26 Feb 2026 21:43:48
We only win it if we change managers mid season.
5.) 26 Feb 2026 21:54:05
sorry ed i disagree- have watched a lot of madrid this season that defence is terrible- your lad can't seem to stay fir for more than 20 mins atm, and they'vejust not replaced that midfield of casemiro kroos modric at all- not that that's an easy task tbf
{Ed001's Note - I fully agree, they are terrible, but they have every official on their side and UEFA, plus they turn it on the UCL. There have been many times they have won it while being terrible mate. I truly hope they do fail, as I dislike both them and Barca intensely.}
6.) 27 Feb 2026 16:45:26
Chelsea v Liverpool in yet another QF ED01?
{Ed001's Note - I hope not, I would like another bash at PSG after last season. Though the way we are playing, I am not sure we will get that far!}
7.) 27 Feb 2026 17:27:57
I think it is written in the stars ED01, a throwback to days gone by.
{Ed001's Note - without Jose and Rafa it wouldn't be the same. Slot doesn't exactly inspire passion and Rosenior will be too busy ageing men to whip up any enthusiasm either.}
8.) 27 Feb 2026 17:44:07
I do miss that passion that both Jose and Rafa brought to the game. Our bloke Liam looks a bit out of place to me.
{Ed001's Note - his comments are very David Brent, but that seems to work for Artita so maybe it is just the new way.}
26 Feb 2026 13:54:22
You are very welcome, Bill.
18 Feb 2026 18:26:15
Tom, being reported by The Daily Mail that supporters can anticipate NON-SPORTING sanctions as an outcome.
That would mean a FINE rather than, say, a transfer ban or points deduction.
30 Jan 2026 21:59:07
Mamadou Sarr is now wanted by Liam Rosenoir so expect him to return this window with maybe Aarón Anselmino go in the other direction although some reports suggesting he is refusing to agree to that! Will all pan out over the next few days.
29 Dec 2025 13:32:32
Arsenal stuck by Arteta through very lean times Tom when the majority of their fans wanted him out, now look at them. Man U sticking with Amorim and starting to pick up, Liverpool stuck with Slot and starting to pick up, we need a period of stability and are in the top 5 of the toughest league in the world and patience is needed, give him until the end of the season and then evaluate which is what clubs with a proper plan tend to do.
Ignore fans calling for a new gaffer as those same fans will soon turn on the new coach and we go through the same motions all over again.
18 Dec 2025 21:48:25
Bill, we all know you don't like Maresca but he is very talented and the big boys know it. We have a gem of a manager and need to keep him.
21 Feb 2026 10:09:21
Chelsea Football Club today announces a multi-year global partnership with IFS, the world's leading provider of Industrial AI. As part of this commitment, IFS will be elevated to Principal Partner with immediate effect, featuring on our front of shirt for the remainder of the 2025/26 season - marking the beginning of a long-term collaboration that places advanced AI at the heart of football performance, operational excellence and fan engagement.
I think the above statement from the club tells us that they are here to stay as our major sponsor, a bit like Emirates at Arsenal, who sponsor the stadium, shirt and probably quite a bit more.
19 Feb 2026 21:42:05
Me too Tom and every Chelsea fan I know says the same. Sadly, some claim to be Chelsea but are just jealous fans of other clubs. It is the world we now live in where the keyboard is so often the best friend of some.
17 Feb 2026 21:46:08
Very interesting response Jimboy, what is your source? or are you just saying this? Ben Jacobs is fairly reliable and says the deal is still on the table? I have read the club did challenge the Premier League but got no joy and are now monitoring the Man City situation.
I'm just sharing info gained but if you actually know the facts please let us all know.
17 Feb 2026 14:20:43
Having delved into this a little deeper it appears Chelsea had a FOS sponsorship deal lined up in 2023 with Paramount plus which was for a significant amount of money and over multiple years but was rejected by the Premier League as they didn't want us to have a sponsor which clashed with one of their TV rights broadcasters in the USA. Chelsea understandably were irked by this and have not let the matter go away, a few short term deals were agreed in the meantime to help bridge the gap but that Paramount plus deal was understood to be worth around £60 million per year which matches Arsenals and Man Citys deals, and apparently, is still on the table if Chelsea can convince the Premier League to allow them to accept it.
No mention of legal lawsuits at this stage but Chelsea do feel they have been shafted and are watching the Man City developments very closely. Ben Jacobs appears to be one of the sources of knowledge on this matter.
28 Jan 2026 17:22:34
Thanks Tom. Yes, Liam not Maresca. A typo.