comment by Nickasaurus (U9257)
posted 6 minutes ago
Strike number 1 comment my guy!
Devon cmon your slacking, you're like number 10 or something mate
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I'll try harder next time
comment by Nickasaurus (U9257)
posted 5 minutes ago
Strike number 1 comment my guy!
Devon cmon your slacking, you're like number 10 or something mate
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I think Chelsea are the most interesting club outside of Spurs for me currently. Boehly tried something that was very brave but incredibly risky, it has backfired and has become even more interesting to see how you will manoeuvre your way through it.
Of course I also love that you are languishing mid table, what sort of fan would I be if I didn’t.
But genuinely, overall, it is just very interesting to watch unfold
comment by Striketeam7 - There used to be a football club over there (U18109)
posted 2 seconds ago
comment by Nickasaurus (U9257)
posted 5 minutes ago
Strike number 1 comment my guy!
Devon cmon your slacking, you're like number 10 or something mate
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I think Chelsea are the most interesting club outside of Spurs for me currently. Boehly tried something that was very brave but incredibly risky, it has backfired and has become even more interesting to see how you will manoeuvre your way through it.
Of course I also love that you are languishing mid table, what sort of fan would I be if I didn’t.
But genuinely, overall, it is just very interesting to watch unfold
----------------------------------------------------------------------
more power to ya, got no issues with ya, just made me laugh, i was going to do the same comment on ifarkas previous article also but was on my laptop so already saw you'd commented.
Devons a good lad too
comment by Nickasaurus (U9257)
posted 4 seconds ago
comment by Striketeam7 - There used to be a football club over there (U18109)
posted 2 seconds ago
comment by Nickasaurus (U9257)
posted 5 minutes ago
Strike number 1 comment my guy!
Devon cmon your slacking, you're like number 10 or something mate
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I think Chelsea are the most interesting club outside of Spurs for me currently. Boehly tried something that was very brave but incredibly risky, it has backfired and has become even more interesting to see how you will manoeuvre your way through it.
Of course I also love that you are languishing mid table, what sort of fan would I be if I didn’t.
But genuinely, overall, it is just very interesting to watch unfold
----------------------------------------------------------------------
more power to ya, got no issues with ya, just made me laugh, i was going to do the same comment on ifarkas previous article also but was on my laptop so already saw you'd commented.
Devons a good lad too
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Nick
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by Striketeam7 - There used to be a football club... (U18109)
posted 8 minutes ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by ifarka, (B-C- out) (U8182)
posted 19 minutes ago
Fridgeboy,
I cannot understand how a club like Chelsea are suddenly in a position where they can't keep hold of a player that technically wants to stay. It's staggering.
Oh well ,you can try looking up the articles i have posting on the subject
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I didn't mean I don't actually understand the numbers. I meant it more rhetorically as in "How the hell can this happen?" - a question more about the stupidity of those in charge at Chelsea than a lack of understanding of the numbers involved.
If I'm being honest though, I still look at that Chelsea first 11 and can't quite wrap my head around why you're not at the very least competing for a CL place. On paper that is some squad. Then again, I know how good Pochettino is so I'm sure it's not anything he's doing wrong. It's happened to too many managers now for it to be anything to do with coaching. I think you've lost your leadership. That's the most obvious thing. I guess Gallagher is the only one that shows that.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It’s simple, you look at that squad and see some great players but they do not complement each other as a team.
Plus they are absolutely toothless
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The biggest thing for me is the scale and speed of the rebuild.
On paper, the players have quality, but if you go back just 2 seasons, you have Thiago (38) and James & Chilwell (perma-injured) left in defence, none of you midfield remain and all your attackers are also new.
The speed at which change has been made to a squad that was doing ok in 21/22 (3rd place, 74 pts) is ridiculous. Thrown together, lacking balance and experience with a total lack of continuity in the coaching set up. It was bound to fail and even the best coach will struggle to deliver real progress in this context
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Also, you can't win anything with kids. Hansen was right about that and the great fallacy is the idea that United won the league with a team of kids. they didn't. They had Robson, Pallister, Bruce, Irwin, Cantona, McClair, Hughes and many others. The kids were helped along the way with the older more experienced heads. Chelsea don't have that. For all the lauding of Liverpool's cup win, Chelsea's team was still younger. Inconsistency is always an issue with younger players. The only problem they have is that there's no Cech, Terry, Lampard or Drogba to guide them so without that experience, where does this potential end up? They might just fizzle out. You can ruin players if they're footballing education is flawed.
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 8 minutes ago
comment by Striketeam7 - There used to be a football club over there (U18109)
posted 4 minutes ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by ifarka, (B-C- out) (U8182)
posted 19 minutes ago
Fridgeboy,
I cannot understand how a club like Chelsea are suddenly in a position where they can't keep hold of a player that technically wants to stay. It's staggering.
Oh well ,you can try looking up the articles i have posting on the subject
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I didn't mean I don't actually understand the numbers. I meant it more rhetorically as in "How the hell can this happen?" - a question more about the stupidity of those in charge at Chelsea than a lack of understanding of the numbers involved.
If I'm being honest though, I still look at that Chelsea first 11 and can't quite wrap my head around why you're not at the very least competing for a CL place. On paper that is some squad. Then again, I know how good Pochettino is so I'm sure it's not anything he's doing wrong. It's happened to too many managers now for it to be anything to do with coaching. I think you've lost your leadership. That's the most obvious thing. I guess Gallagher is the only one that shows that.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It’s simple, you look at that squad and see some great players but they do not complement each other as a team.
Plus they are absolutely toothless
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Gerrard/Lampard conundrum. Good players can play with each other though. They adapt. I still can't see why Caicedo and Enzo can't play together, particularly when they have someone as mobile as Gallagher mopping up any shiiiiit they cause.
I've seen a lot of Chelsea games and I know it's a cliche but they're one striker away from being a top team. Their xG suggests they're creating chances up there with the best in the league. You can't coach that next bit, that art of putting the ball in the net. Coaching delivers xG and the rest is up to the striker.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The insistence of only signing players under 25 is not going to help them in this manner, just get the best striker available regardless of age and watch them at the least qualify for Europe. They would have won the cup final as well with a proper striker.
Watkins or Toney and they will be pushing for 6th. The problem of course being is they likely have to sell to buy this summer
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by Striketeam7 - There used to be a football club... (U18109)
posted 8 minutes ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by ifarka, (B-C- out) (U8182)
posted 19 minutes ago
Fridgeboy,
I cannot understand how a club like Chelsea are suddenly in a position where they can't keep hold of a player that technically wants to stay. It's staggering.
Oh well ,you can try looking up the articles i have posting on the subject
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I didn't mean I don't actually understand the numbers. I meant it more rhetorically as in "How the hell can this happen?" - a question more about the stupidity of those in charge at Chelsea than a lack of understanding of the numbers involved.
If I'm being honest though, I still look at that Chelsea first 11 and can't quite wrap my head around why you're not at the very least competing for a CL place. On paper that is some squad. Then again, I know how good Pochettino is so I'm sure it's not anything he's doing wrong. It's happened to too many managers now for it to be anything to do with coaching. I think you've lost your leadership. That's the most obvious thing. I guess Gallagher is the only one that shows that.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It’s simple, you look at that squad and see some great players but they do not complement each other as a team.
Plus they are absolutely toothless
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The biggest thing for me is the scale and speed of the rebuild.
On paper, the players have quality, but if you go back just 2 seasons, you have Thiago (38) and James & Chilwell (perma-injured) left in defence, none of you midfield remain and all your attackers are also new.
The speed at which change has been made to a squad that was doing ok in 21/22 (3rd place, 74 pts) is ridiculous. Thrown together, lacking balance and experience with a total lack of continuity in the coaching set up. It was bound to fail and even the best coach will struggle to deliver real progress in this context
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Also, you can't win anything with kids. Hansen was right about that and the great fallacy is the idea that United won the league with a team of kids. they didn't. They had Robson, Pallister, Bruce, Irwin, Cantona, McClair, Hughes and many others. The kids were helped along the way with the older more experienced heads. Chelsea don't have that. For all the lauding of Liverpool's cup win, Chelsea's team was still younger. Inconsistency is always an issue with younger players. The only problem they have is that there's no Cech, Terry, Lampard or Drogba to guide them so without that experience, where does this potential end up? They might just fizzle out. You can ruin players if they're footballing education is flawed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
They have Silva and Sterling to be fair
comment by Striketeam7 - There used to be a football club over there (U18109)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by Striketeam7 - There used to be a football club... (U18109)
posted 8 minutes ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by ifarka, (B-C- out) (U8182)
posted 19 minutes ago
Fridgeboy,
I cannot understand how a club like Chelsea are suddenly in a position where they can't keep hold of a player that technically wants to stay. It's staggering.
Oh well ,you can try looking up the articles i have posting on the subject
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I didn't mean I don't actually understand the numbers. I meant it more rhetorically as in "How the hell can this happen?" - a question more about the stupidity of those in charge at Chelsea than a lack of understanding of the numbers involved.
If I'm being honest though, I still look at that Chelsea first 11 and can't quite wrap my head around why you're not at the very least competing for a CL place. On paper that is some squad. Then again, I know how good Pochettino is so I'm sure it's not anything he's doing wrong. It's happened to too many managers now for it to be anything to do with coaching. I think you've lost your leadership. That's the most obvious thing. I guess Gallagher is the only one that shows that.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It’s simple, you look at that squad and see some great players but they do not complement each other as a team.
Plus they are absolutely toothless
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The biggest thing for me is the scale and speed of the rebuild.
On paper, the players have quality, but if you go back just 2 seasons, you have Thiago (38) and James & Chilwell (perma-injured) left in defence, none of you midfield remain and all your attackers are also new.
The speed at which change has been made to a squad that was doing ok in 21/22 (3rd place, 74 pts) is ridiculous. Thrown together, lacking balance and experience with a total lack of continuity in the coaching set up. It was bound to fail and even the best coach will struggle to deliver real progress in this context
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Also, you can't win anything with kids. Hansen was right about that and the great fallacy is the idea that United won the league with a team of kids. they didn't. They had Robson, Pallister, Bruce, Irwin, Cantona, McClair, Hughes and many others. The kids were helped along the way with the older more experienced heads. Chelsea don't have that. For all the lauding of Liverpool's cup win, Chelsea's team was still younger. Inconsistency is always an issue with younger players. The only problem they have is that there's no Cech, Terry, Lampard or Drogba to guide them so without that experience, where does this potential end up? They might just fizzle out. You can ruin players if they're footballing education is flawed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
They have Silva and Sterling to be fair
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Two isn't enough. You need them all over the pitch. Enough to keep talking throughout the match. You have partnerships everywhere and in particular midfield is an area lacking true experience. Someone telling when to pick up a man, when to make a run. You hear it from so many ex pros. I remember hearing Gary Neville saying it about Steve Bruce who I think played on the right side of defence so was constantly in his ear about positions during the game. That's how you learn. These Chelsea boys are doing it blind really. Silva and Sterling can't be everywhere.
I'm with Strike on this.
I have an interest in the financial side of things, so the Clearwater strategy was fascinating.
Its been interesting to watch the media and fan reaction to the last 2 years.
In the summer there were some Spurs lads (the usual suspects) lauding the Chelsea approach - "look how innovative they have been to get players in" and using it as a stick to beat Levy.
I was initially impressed how they were able to spend so much but on closer inspection there just seemed to be so many elements of it that made me think, wow! this could go spectacularly well or spectacularly wrong
The game changer has been the PL. It would appear that the PSR/FFP has only been loosely applied over the years because now suddenly, without even changing the rules, lots of teams are up against it and its a massive talking point, and potentially season defining for some clubs.
We can all see where Chelsea are now but it will be very interesting to see how they navigate the need to bring cash in, the need to continue to add quality to the squad to fill several positions, but within what will be limited budgets, and the need to start to progress up the league and get back towards the top 6.
Not sure what others think, but Chelsea seem to be getting a bit of a free ride in the media. United seem to get lot more headlines and their situation is nothing like as bad. Its seems to me as if with the passing of the Roman era, and all those great names - players and coaches - Chelsea are nothing like the Chelsea that used to gain so much hype and attention and it's almost like the media aint that bothered. May be i've missed something...may be G Nev will get stuck into your owners tonight on MNF.
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 3 minutes ago
I'm with Strike on this.
I have an interest in the financial side of things, so the Clearwater strategy was fascinating.
Its been interesting to watch the media and fan reaction to the last 2 years.
In the summer there were some Spurs lads (the usual suspects) lauding the Chelsea approach - "look how innovative they have been to get players in" and using it as a stick to beat Levy.
I was initially impressed how they were able to spend so much but on closer inspection there just seemed to be so many elements of it that made me think, wow! this could go spectacularly well or spectacularly wrong
The game changer has been the PL. It would appear that the PSR/FFP has only been loosely applied over the years because now suddenly, without even changing the rules, lots of teams are up against it and its a massive talking point, and potentially season defining for some clubs.
We can all see where Chelsea are now but it will be very interesting to see how they navigate the need to bring cash in, the need to continue to add quality to the squad to fill several positions, but within what will be limited budgets, and the need to start to progress up the league and get back towards the top 6.
Not sure what others think, but Chelsea seem to be getting a bit of a free ride in the media. United seem to get lot more headlines and their situation is nothing like as bad. Its seems to me as if with the passing of the Roman era, and all those great names - players and coaches - Chelsea are nothing like the Chelsea that used to gain so much hype and attention and it's almost like the media aint that bothered. May be i've missed something...may be G Nev will get stuck into your owners tonight on MNF.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
United are just a bigger club, they either win a trophy or at least make a final otherwise the media makes it out to be a disaster - that’s the expectation of them and Liverpool and has been for decades.
With Chelsea they did make a cup final and may make another but they have zero consistency and just look lost some weeks in the league. Poch is not doing a great job and you can tell he is feeling the pressure given that he looks like he is on 5 or 6 Big Macs a day.
Liverpool and United are head and shoulders above the rest in terms of media interest - Klopp says he is leaving and we get weekly eulogies.
I think the most fascinating part of Chelsea’s approach is these long amortised contracts - Enzo and Caicedo, what’s the plan, keep them in the hope they start performing, try to flog them for whatever they can get given their wages?
If Poch does t work out and they need to bring in a new man - will the new man have money to spend ?
Cole Palmer - will they get forced to sell him just to balance the books?
comment by Striketeam7 - There used to be a football club... (U18109)
posted 5 minutes ago
----------------------------------------------------------------------
United are just a bigger club, they either win a trophy or at least make a final otherwise the media makes it out to be a disaster - that’s the expectation of them and Liverpool and has been for decades.
With Chelsea they did make a cup final and may make another but they have zero consistency and just look lost some weeks in the league. Poch is not doing a great job and you can tell he is feeling the pressure given that he looks like he is on 5 or 6 Big Macs a day.
Liverpool and United are head and shoulders above the rest in terms of media interest - Klopp says he is leaving and we get weekly eulogies.
I think the most fascinating part of Chelsea’s approach is these long amortised contracts - Enzo and Caicedo, what’s the plan, keep them in the hope they start performing, try to flog them for whatever they can get given their wages?
If Poch does t work out and they need to bring in a new man - will the new man have money to spend ?
Cole Palmer - will they get forced to sell him just to balance the books?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
One of the risk of what they are doing is that players who signed up to some grand vision are now experiencing something very different. They must be pretty disillusioned and if there is nothing serious to play for and the shortcomings of the squad are laid bare, then will they be at their best. Will they develop how you had hoped? and if they don't how do you then get rid of them with 5 or 6 years left on their deals.
The other risk they face is that the likes of Palmer, while on a long deal, also represent potential cash windfall. a £65m offer for him now would see them clear £30m in profit & lower amortisation and that is may be a better long term financial outcome than selling a couple of surplus academy players for the same level of profit.
Poor old Poch. I am not that bothered by his demise. He was great at Spurs, i loved him and what he did for us, we clearly had his best years, but he chose that club so he can take all the stick and grief.
They wont sack him though as that's another £10m hit to the books! But then they go into next season with a manager in his last year (unless the +1 year is triggered) and that is not a great place for a manager to be, especially in their unsettled position.
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 28 minutes ago
I'm with Strike on this.
I have an interest in the financial side of things, so the Clearwater strategy was fascinating.
Its been interesting to watch the media and fan reaction to the last 2 years.
In the summer there were some Spurs lads (the usual suspects) lauding the Chelsea approach - "look how innovative they have been to get players in" and using it as a stick to beat Levy.
I was initially impressed how they were able to spend so much but on closer inspection there just seemed to be so many elements of it that made me think, wow! this could go spectacularly well or spectacularly wrong
The game changer has been the PL. It would appear that the PSR/FFP has only been loosely applied over the years because now suddenly, without even changing the rules, lots of teams are up against it and its a massive talking point, and potentially season defining for some clubs.
We can all see where Chelsea are now but it will be very interesting to see how they navigate the need to bring cash in, the need to continue to add quality to the squad to fill several positions, but within what will be limited budgets, and the need to start to progress up the league and get back towards the top 6.
Not sure what others think, but Chelsea seem to be getting a bit of a free ride in the media. United seem to get lot more headlines and their situation is nothing like as bad. Its seems to me as if with the passing of the Roman era, and all those great names - players and coaches - Chelsea are nothing like the Chelsea that used to gain so much hype and attention and it's almost like the media aint that bothered. May be i've missed something...may be G Nev will get stuck into your owners tonight on MNF.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
He's not on tonight. It's Carra and Ian Wright.
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 58 seconds ago
comment by Striketeam7 - There used to be a football club... (U18109)
posted 5 minutes ago
----------------------------------------------------------------------
United are just a bigger club, they either win a trophy or at least make a final otherwise the media makes it out to be a disaster - that’s the expectation of them and Liverpool and has been for decades.
With Chelsea they did make a cup final and may make another but they have zero consistency and just look lost some weeks in the league. Poch is not doing a great job and you can tell he is feeling the pressure given that he looks like he is on 5 or 6 Big Macs a day.
Liverpool and United are head and shoulders above the rest in terms of media interest - Klopp says he is leaving and we get weekly eulogies.
I think the most fascinating part of Chelsea’s approach is these long amortised contracts - Enzo and Caicedo, what’s the plan, keep them in the hope they start performing, try to flog them for whatever they can get given their wages?
If Poch does t work out and they need to bring in a new man - will the new man have money to spend ?
Cole Palmer - will they get forced to sell him just to balance the books?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
One of the risk of what they are doing is that players who signed up to some grand vision are now experiencing something very different. They must be pretty disillusioned and if there is nothing serious to play for and the shortcomings of the squad are laid bare, then will they be at their best. Will they develop how you had hoped? and if they don't how do you then get rid of them with 5 or 6 years left on their deals.
The other risk they face is that the likes of Palmer, while on a long deal, also represent potential cash windfall. a £65m offer for him now would see them clear £30m in profit & lower amortisation and that is may be a better long term financial outcome than selling a couple of surplus academy players for the same level of profit.
Poor old Poch. I am not that bothered by his demise. He was great at Spurs, i loved him and what he did for us, we clearly had his best years, but he chose that club so he can take all the stick and grief.
They wont sack him though as that's another £10m hit to the books! But then they go into next season with a manager in his last year (unless the +1 year is triggered) and that is not a great place for a manager to be, especially in their unsettled position.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
That's where I think their financial position will work in their favour. Under normal circumstances and given the frostiness between Poch and Boehly, having not shaken hands at the cup final, he'd likely have been sacked by now but I still think given time he will turn this around. Chelsea right now have no excuse but to give him time so long term I think a siege mentality will foster. He worked wonders for us when we built the stadium and I think he can help navigate Chelsea through seemingly even choppier waters.
The strategy I think they should go for, and I think Poch's skillset supports this, is to blood as many academy products as possible. There's no benefit to sending Broja out on loan. Play him instead of Jackson to raise his profile and, in turn, his value. Then sell to the highest bidder. Leaning on the academy to get them out of a financial hole is going to be the only way. It's not all on Gallagher. They have Broja, James and Chalobah that would represent pure profit but they're not going to get much if they're not paying. A fit James I think is up there as the best in the world in that position so that's unfortunate. I don't think selling Gallagher is the only way out of this hole.
James is on £13m a year.
He's missed 18 PL games so far this season.
22 last season and 12 the season before that,
That's 52 out of 102 games.
He is quality be he has a long way to go before anyone puts serious money on the table and offers those wages with that injury record
With James, his recovery is in progress.
The player that returns imo will define him.
comment by ifarka, (B-C- out) (U8182)
posted 26 minutes ago
With James, his recovery is in progress.
The player that returns imo will define him.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I really like him. When was the last time him and Chilwell started together? both huge misses but both so fragile
They've played occasionally short runs.
They fell off the edge December 21.
The problem is these Yanks who couldn't run a bath.
Get them out.
Is there much toxicity at the ground. Are the locals getting restless and venting on the ownership.
Its such a come down that there must be some very angry fans in the ground.
It's the problem with throwing £200k a week at players like the two Fofana's. Means that first team regulars will want something similar. I'm sure Palmer will come looking for a pay rise before too long as well.
Your owners just look like they haven't got a clue what they're doing.
comment by Szoboss - Glory Days (U6997)
posted 7 minutes ago
It's the problem with throwing £200k a week at players like the two Fofana's. Means that first team regulars will want something similar. I'm sure Palmer will come looking for a pay rise before too long as well.
Your owners just look like they haven't got a clue what they're doing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
That’s because they stripped the club of everyone with football knowledge
James> 250k> unreliable - yep need to sell
Forfana> 200k> injury prone - agreed waste of time
Chilwell> 200> injury prone - & hasn't been good since return
Cucuerrella> 175> very average player (that's an understatement)
Sterling,>325> more off days than on it days (jury out but so not worth that money)
Lukaku> 325> possibly the worse signing in the clubs history. - absolutely useless fat idle caant with attitude
Enzo> 180> Needs better players around him - possibly he does
Nukunlu> 195> Another sick note to date. - I like him when fit
comment by Szoboss - Glory Days (U6997)
posted 46 minutes ago
It's the problem with throwing £200k a week at players like the two Fofana's. Means that first team regulars will want something similar. I'm sure Palmer will come looking for a pay rise before too long as well.
Your owners just look like they haven't got a clue what they're doing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
D Fofana has learnt nothing at Burnley (apart from getting battered every week) ...stupid loan
Hi JW, looking at the list of our highest earners, its no wonder were fckd.
Its fckn mad, whats going on.
Ivanovic,Ferrara, Terry, Carvalho, Cole.
Essien Ballack,Lampard, Drogba, Kalou.
At no point over the whole period that these players we at the club did we have anything like the issues, we are currently experiencing.
The club had the strength in depth to cover .
Sign in if you want to comment
Connor Gallagher!
Page 2 of 3
posted on 11/3/24
comment by Nickasaurus (U9257)
posted 6 minutes ago
Strike number 1 comment my guy!
Devon cmon your slacking, you're like number 10 or something mate
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I'll try harder next time
posted on 11/3/24
comment by Nickasaurus (U9257)
posted 5 minutes ago
Strike number 1 comment my guy!
Devon cmon your slacking, you're like number 10 or something mate
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I think Chelsea are the most interesting club outside of Spurs for me currently. Boehly tried something that was very brave but incredibly risky, it has backfired and has become even more interesting to see how you will manoeuvre your way through it.
Of course I also love that you are languishing mid table, what sort of fan would I be if I didn’t.
But genuinely, overall, it is just very interesting to watch unfold
posted on 11/3/24
comment by Striketeam7 - There used to be a football club over there (U18109)
posted 2 seconds ago
comment by Nickasaurus (U9257)
posted 5 minutes ago
Strike number 1 comment my guy!
Devon cmon your slacking, you're like number 10 or something mate
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I think Chelsea are the most interesting club outside of Spurs for me currently. Boehly tried something that was very brave but incredibly risky, it has backfired and has become even more interesting to see how you will manoeuvre your way through it.
Of course I also love that you are languishing mid table, what sort of fan would I be if I didn’t.
But genuinely, overall, it is just very interesting to watch unfold
----------------------------------------------------------------------
more power to ya, got no issues with ya, just made me laugh, i was going to do the same comment on ifarkas previous article also but was on my laptop so already saw you'd commented.
Devons a good lad too
posted on 11/3/24
comment by Nickasaurus (U9257)
posted 4 seconds ago
comment by Striketeam7 - There used to be a football club over there (U18109)
posted 2 seconds ago
comment by Nickasaurus (U9257)
posted 5 minutes ago
Strike number 1 comment my guy!
Devon cmon your slacking, you're like number 10 or something mate
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I think Chelsea are the most interesting club outside of Spurs for me currently. Boehly tried something that was very brave but incredibly risky, it has backfired and has become even more interesting to see how you will manoeuvre your way through it.
Of course I also love that you are languishing mid table, what sort of fan would I be if I didn’t.
But genuinely, overall, it is just very interesting to watch unfold
----------------------------------------------------------------------
more power to ya, got no issues with ya, just made me laugh, i was going to do the same comment on ifarkas previous article also but was on my laptop so already saw you'd commented.
Devons a good lad too
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Nick
posted on 11/3/24
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by Striketeam7 - There used to be a football club... (U18109)
posted 8 minutes ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by ifarka, (B-C- out) (U8182)
posted 19 minutes ago
Fridgeboy,
I cannot understand how a club like Chelsea are suddenly in a position where they can't keep hold of a player that technically wants to stay. It's staggering.
Oh well ,you can try looking up the articles i have posting on the subject
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I didn't mean I don't actually understand the numbers. I meant it more rhetorically as in "How the hell can this happen?" - a question more about the stupidity of those in charge at Chelsea than a lack of understanding of the numbers involved.
If I'm being honest though, I still look at that Chelsea first 11 and can't quite wrap my head around why you're not at the very least competing for a CL place. On paper that is some squad. Then again, I know how good Pochettino is so I'm sure it's not anything he's doing wrong. It's happened to too many managers now for it to be anything to do with coaching. I think you've lost your leadership. That's the most obvious thing. I guess Gallagher is the only one that shows that.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It’s simple, you look at that squad and see some great players but they do not complement each other as a team.
Plus they are absolutely toothless
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The biggest thing for me is the scale and speed of the rebuild.
On paper, the players have quality, but if you go back just 2 seasons, you have Thiago (38) and James & Chilwell (perma-injured) left in defence, none of you midfield remain and all your attackers are also new.
The speed at which change has been made to a squad that was doing ok in 21/22 (3rd place, 74 pts) is ridiculous. Thrown together, lacking balance and experience with a total lack of continuity in the coaching set up. It was bound to fail and even the best coach will struggle to deliver real progress in this context
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Also, you can't win anything with kids. Hansen was right about that and the great fallacy is the idea that United won the league with a team of kids. they didn't. They had Robson, Pallister, Bruce, Irwin, Cantona, McClair, Hughes and many others. The kids were helped along the way with the older more experienced heads. Chelsea don't have that. For all the lauding of Liverpool's cup win, Chelsea's team was still younger. Inconsistency is always an issue with younger players. The only problem they have is that there's no Cech, Terry, Lampard or Drogba to guide them so without that experience, where does this potential end up? They might just fizzle out. You can ruin players if they're footballing education is flawed.
posted on 11/3/24
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 8 minutes ago
comment by Striketeam7 - There used to be a football club over there (U18109)
posted 4 minutes ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by ifarka, (B-C- out) (U8182)
posted 19 minutes ago
Fridgeboy,
I cannot understand how a club like Chelsea are suddenly in a position where they can't keep hold of a player that technically wants to stay. It's staggering.
Oh well ,you can try looking up the articles i have posting on the subject
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I didn't mean I don't actually understand the numbers. I meant it more rhetorically as in "How the hell can this happen?" - a question more about the stupidity of those in charge at Chelsea than a lack of understanding of the numbers involved.
If I'm being honest though, I still look at that Chelsea first 11 and can't quite wrap my head around why you're not at the very least competing for a CL place. On paper that is some squad. Then again, I know how good Pochettino is so I'm sure it's not anything he's doing wrong. It's happened to too many managers now for it to be anything to do with coaching. I think you've lost your leadership. That's the most obvious thing. I guess Gallagher is the only one that shows that.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It’s simple, you look at that squad and see some great players but they do not complement each other as a team.
Plus they are absolutely toothless
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Gerrard/Lampard conundrum. Good players can play with each other though. They adapt. I still can't see why Caicedo and Enzo can't play together, particularly when they have someone as mobile as Gallagher mopping up any shiiiiit they cause.
I've seen a lot of Chelsea games and I know it's a cliche but they're one striker away from being a top team. Their xG suggests they're creating chances up there with the best in the league. You can't coach that next bit, that art of putting the ball in the net. Coaching delivers xG and the rest is up to the striker.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The insistence of only signing players under 25 is not going to help them in this manner, just get the best striker available regardless of age and watch them at the least qualify for Europe. They would have won the cup final as well with a proper striker.
Watkins or Toney and they will be pushing for 6th. The problem of course being is they likely have to sell to buy this summer
posted on 11/3/24
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by Striketeam7 - There used to be a football club... (U18109)
posted 8 minutes ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by ifarka, (B-C- out) (U8182)
posted 19 minutes ago
Fridgeboy,
I cannot understand how a club like Chelsea are suddenly in a position where they can't keep hold of a player that technically wants to stay. It's staggering.
Oh well ,you can try looking up the articles i have posting on the subject
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I didn't mean I don't actually understand the numbers. I meant it more rhetorically as in "How the hell can this happen?" - a question more about the stupidity of those in charge at Chelsea than a lack of understanding of the numbers involved.
If I'm being honest though, I still look at that Chelsea first 11 and can't quite wrap my head around why you're not at the very least competing for a CL place. On paper that is some squad. Then again, I know how good Pochettino is so I'm sure it's not anything he's doing wrong. It's happened to too many managers now for it to be anything to do with coaching. I think you've lost your leadership. That's the most obvious thing. I guess Gallagher is the only one that shows that.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It’s simple, you look at that squad and see some great players but they do not complement each other as a team.
Plus they are absolutely toothless
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The biggest thing for me is the scale and speed of the rebuild.
On paper, the players have quality, but if you go back just 2 seasons, you have Thiago (38) and James & Chilwell (perma-injured) left in defence, none of you midfield remain and all your attackers are also new.
The speed at which change has been made to a squad that was doing ok in 21/22 (3rd place, 74 pts) is ridiculous. Thrown together, lacking balance and experience with a total lack of continuity in the coaching set up. It was bound to fail and even the best coach will struggle to deliver real progress in this context
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Also, you can't win anything with kids. Hansen was right about that and the great fallacy is the idea that United won the league with a team of kids. they didn't. They had Robson, Pallister, Bruce, Irwin, Cantona, McClair, Hughes and many others. The kids were helped along the way with the older more experienced heads. Chelsea don't have that. For all the lauding of Liverpool's cup win, Chelsea's team was still younger. Inconsistency is always an issue with younger players. The only problem they have is that there's no Cech, Terry, Lampard or Drogba to guide them so without that experience, where does this potential end up? They might just fizzle out. You can ruin players if they're footballing education is flawed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
They have Silva and Sterling to be fair
posted on 11/3/24
comment by Striketeam7 - There used to be a football club over there (U18109)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by Striketeam7 - There used to be a football club... (U18109)
posted 8 minutes ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by ifarka, (B-C- out) (U8182)
posted 19 minutes ago
Fridgeboy,
I cannot understand how a club like Chelsea are suddenly in a position where they can't keep hold of a player that technically wants to stay. It's staggering.
Oh well ,you can try looking up the articles i have posting on the subject
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I didn't mean I don't actually understand the numbers. I meant it more rhetorically as in "How the hell can this happen?" - a question more about the stupidity of those in charge at Chelsea than a lack of understanding of the numbers involved.
If I'm being honest though, I still look at that Chelsea first 11 and can't quite wrap my head around why you're not at the very least competing for a CL place. On paper that is some squad. Then again, I know how good Pochettino is so I'm sure it's not anything he's doing wrong. It's happened to too many managers now for it to be anything to do with coaching. I think you've lost your leadership. That's the most obvious thing. I guess Gallagher is the only one that shows that.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It’s simple, you look at that squad and see some great players but they do not complement each other as a team.
Plus they are absolutely toothless
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The biggest thing for me is the scale and speed of the rebuild.
On paper, the players have quality, but if you go back just 2 seasons, you have Thiago (38) and James & Chilwell (perma-injured) left in defence, none of you midfield remain and all your attackers are also new.
The speed at which change has been made to a squad that was doing ok in 21/22 (3rd place, 74 pts) is ridiculous. Thrown together, lacking balance and experience with a total lack of continuity in the coaching set up. It was bound to fail and even the best coach will struggle to deliver real progress in this context
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Also, you can't win anything with kids. Hansen was right about that and the great fallacy is the idea that United won the league with a team of kids. they didn't. They had Robson, Pallister, Bruce, Irwin, Cantona, McClair, Hughes and many others. The kids were helped along the way with the older more experienced heads. Chelsea don't have that. For all the lauding of Liverpool's cup win, Chelsea's team was still younger. Inconsistency is always an issue with younger players. The only problem they have is that there's no Cech, Terry, Lampard or Drogba to guide them so without that experience, where does this potential end up? They might just fizzle out. You can ruin players if they're footballing education is flawed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
They have Silva and Sterling to be fair
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Two isn't enough. You need them all over the pitch. Enough to keep talking throughout the match. You have partnerships everywhere and in particular midfield is an area lacking true experience. Someone telling when to pick up a man, when to make a run. You hear it from so many ex pros. I remember hearing Gary Neville saying it about Steve Bruce who I think played on the right side of defence so was constantly in his ear about positions during the game. That's how you learn. These Chelsea boys are doing it blind really. Silva and Sterling can't be everywhere.
posted on 11/3/24
I'm with Strike on this.
I have an interest in the financial side of things, so the Clearwater strategy was fascinating.
Its been interesting to watch the media and fan reaction to the last 2 years.
In the summer there were some Spurs lads (the usual suspects) lauding the Chelsea approach - "look how innovative they have been to get players in" and using it as a stick to beat Levy.
I was initially impressed how they were able to spend so much but on closer inspection there just seemed to be so many elements of it that made me think, wow! this could go spectacularly well or spectacularly wrong
The game changer has been the PL. It would appear that the PSR/FFP has only been loosely applied over the years because now suddenly, without even changing the rules, lots of teams are up against it and its a massive talking point, and potentially season defining for some clubs.
We can all see where Chelsea are now but it will be very interesting to see how they navigate the need to bring cash in, the need to continue to add quality to the squad to fill several positions, but within what will be limited budgets, and the need to start to progress up the league and get back towards the top 6.
Not sure what others think, but Chelsea seem to be getting a bit of a free ride in the media. United seem to get lot more headlines and their situation is nothing like as bad. Its seems to me as if with the passing of the Roman era, and all those great names - players and coaches - Chelsea are nothing like the Chelsea that used to gain so much hype and attention and it's almost like the media aint that bothered. May be i've missed something...may be G Nev will get stuck into your owners tonight on MNF.
posted on 11/3/24
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 3 minutes ago
I'm with Strike on this.
I have an interest in the financial side of things, so the Clearwater strategy was fascinating.
Its been interesting to watch the media and fan reaction to the last 2 years.
In the summer there were some Spurs lads (the usual suspects) lauding the Chelsea approach - "look how innovative they have been to get players in" and using it as a stick to beat Levy.
I was initially impressed how they were able to spend so much but on closer inspection there just seemed to be so many elements of it that made me think, wow! this could go spectacularly well or spectacularly wrong
The game changer has been the PL. It would appear that the PSR/FFP has only been loosely applied over the years because now suddenly, without even changing the rules, lots of teams are up against it and its a massive talking point, and potentially season defining for some clubs.
We can all see where Chelsea are now but it will be very interesting to see how they navigate the need to bring cash in, the need to continue to add quality to the squad to fill several positions, but within what will be limited budgets, and the need to start to progress up the league and get back towards the top 6.
Not sure what others think, but Chelsea seem to be getting a bit of a free ride in the media. United seem to get lot more headlines and their situation is nothing like as bad. Its seems to me as if with the passing of the Roman era, and all those great names - players and coaches - Chelsea are nothing like the Chelsea that used to gain so much hype and attention and it's almost like the media aint that bothered. May be i've missed something...may be G Nev will get stuck into your owners tonight on MNF.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
United are just a bigger club, they either win a trophy or at least make a final otherwise the media makes it out to be a disaster - that’s the expectation of them and Liverpool and has been for decades.
With Chelsea they did make a cup final and may make another but they have zero consistency and just look lost some weeks in the league. Poch is not doing a great job and you can tell he is feeling the pressure given that he looks like he is on 5 or 6 Big Macs a day.
Liverpool and United are head and shoulders above the rest in terms of media interest - Klopp says he is leaving and we get weekly eulogies.
I think the most fascinating part of Chelsea’s approach is these long amortised contracts - Enzo and Caicedo, what’s the plan, keep them in the hope they start performing, try to flog them for whatever they can get given their wages?
If Poch does t work out and they need to bring in a new man - will the new man have money to spend ?
Cole Palmer - will they get forced to sell him just to balance the books?
posted on 11/3/24
comment by Striketeam7 - There used to be a football club... (U18109)
posted 5 minutes ago
----------------------------------------------------------------------
United are just a bigger club, they either win a trophy or at least make a final otherwise the media makes it out to be a disaster - that’s the expectation of them and Liverpool and has been for decades.
With Chelsea they did make a cup final and may make another but they have zero consistency and just look lost some weeks in the league. Poch is not doing a great job and you can tell he is feeling the pressure given that he looks like he is on 5 or 6 Big Macs a day.
Liverpool and United are head and shoulders above the rest in terms of media interest - Klopp says he is leaving and we get weekly eulogies.
I think the most fascinating part of Chelsea’s approach is these long amortised contracts - Enzo and Caicedo, what’s the plan, keep them in the hope they start performing, try to flog them for whatever they can get given their wages?
If Poch does t work out and they need to bring in a new man - will the new man have money to spend ?
Cole Palmer - will they get forced to sell him just to balance the books?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
One of the risk of what they are doing is that players who signed up to some grand vision are now experiencing something very different. They must be pretty disillusioned and if there is nothing serious to play for and the shortcomings of the squad are laid bare, then will they be at their best. Will they develop how you had hoped? and if they don't how do you then get rid of them with 5 or 6 years left on their deals.
The other risk they face is that the likes of Palmer, while on a long deal, also represent potential cash windfall. a £65m offer for him now would see them clear £30m in profit & lower amortisation and that is may be a better long term financial outcome than selling a couple of surplus academy players for the same level of profit.
Poor old Poch. I am not that bothered by his demise. He was great at Spurs, i loved him and what he did for us, we clearly had his best years, but he chose that club so he can take all the stick and grief.
They wont sack him though as that's another £10m hit to the books! But then they go into next season with a manager in his last year (unless the +1 year is triggered) and that is not a great place for a manager to be, especially in their unsettled position.
posted on 11/3/24
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 28 minutes ago
I'm with Strike on this.
I have an interest in the financial side of things, so the Clearwater strategy was fascinating.
Its been interesting to watch the media and fan reaction to the last 2 years.
In the summer there were some Spurs lads (the usual suspects) lauding the Chelsea approach - "look how innovative they have been to get players in" and using it as a stick to beat Levy.
I was initially impressed how they were able to spend so much but on closer inspection there just seemed to be so many elements of it that made me think, wow! this could go spectacularly well or spectacularly wrong
The game changer has been the PL. It would appear that the PSR/FFP has only been loosely applied over the years because now suddenly, without even changing the rules, lots of teams are up against it and its a massive talking point, and potentially season defining for some clubs.
We can all see where Chelsea are now but it will be very interesting to see how they navigate the need to bring cash in, the need to continue to add quality to the squad to fill several positions, but within what will be limited budgets, and the need to start to progress up the league and get back towards the top 6.
Not sure what others think, but Chelsea seem to be getting a bit of a free ride in the media. United seem to get lot more headlines and their situation is nothing like as bad. Its seems to me as if with the passing of the Roman era, and all those great names - players and coaches - Chelsea are nothing like the Chelsea that used to gain so much hype and attention and it's almost like the media aint that bothered. May be i've missed something...may be G Nev will get stuck into your owners tonight on MNF.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
He's not on tonight. It's Carra and Ian Wright.
posted on 11/3/24
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 58 seconds ago
comment by Striketeam7 - There used to be a football club... (U18109)
posted 5 minutes ago
----------------------------------------------------------------------
United are just a bigger club, they either win a trophy or at least make a final otherwise the media makes it out to be a disaster - that’s the expectation of them and Liverpool and has been for decades.
With Chelsea they did make a cup final and may make another but they have zero consistency and just look lost some weeks in the league. Poch is not doing a great job and you can tell he is feeling the pressure given that he looks like he is on 5 or 6 Big Macs a day.
Liverpool and United are head and shoulders above the rest in terms of media interest - Klopp says he is leaving and we get weekly eulogies.
I think the most fascinating part of Chelsea’s approach is these long amortised contracts - Enzo and Caicedo, what’s the plan, keep them in the hope they start performing, try to flog them for whatever they can get given their wages?
If Poch does t work out and they need to bring in a new man - will the new man have money to spend ?
Cole Palmer - will they get forced to sell him just to balance the books?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
One of the risk of what they are doing is that players who signed up to some grand vision are now experiencing something very different. They must be pretty disillusioned and if there is nothing serious to play for and the shortcomings of the squad are laid bare, then will they be at their best. Will they develop how you had hoped? and if they don't how do you then get rid of them with 5 or 6 years left on their deals.
The other risk they face is that the likes of Palmer, while on a long deal, also represent potential cash windfall. a £65m offer for him now would see them clear £30m in profit & lower amortisation and that is may be a better long term financial outcome than selling a couple of surplus academy players for the same level of profit.
Poor old Poch. I am not that bothered by his demise. He was great at Spurs, i loved him and what he did for us, we clearly had his best years, but he chose that club so he can take all the stick and grief.
They wont sack him though as that's another £10m hit to the books! But then they go into next season with a manager in his last year (unless the +1 year is triggered) and that is not a great place for a manager to be, especially in their unsettled position.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
That's where I think their financial position will work in their favour. Under normal circumstances and given the frostiness between Poch and Boehly, having not shaken hands at the cup final, he'd likely have been sacked by now but I still think given time he will turn this around. Chelsea right now have no excuse but to give him time so long term I think a siege mentality will foster. He worked wonders for us when we built the stadium and I think he can help navigate Chelsea through seemingly even choppier waters.
The strategy I think they should go for, and I think Poch's skillset supports this, is to blood as many academy products as possible. There's no benefit to sending Broja out on loan. Play him instead of Jackson to raise his profile and, in turn, his value. Then sell to the highest bidder. Leaning on the academy to get them out of a financial hole is going to be the only way. It's not all on Gallagher. They have Broja, James and Chalobah that would represent pure profit but they're not going to get much if they're not paying. A fit James I think is up there as the best in the world in that position so that's unfortunate. I don't think selling Gallagher is the only way out of this hole.
posted on 11/3/24
James is on £13m a year.
He's missed 18 PL games so far this season.
22 last season and 12 the season before that,
That's 52 out of 102 games.
He is quality be he has a long way to go before anyone puts serious money on the table and offers those wages with that injury record
posted on 11/3/24
With James, his recovery is in progress.
The player that returns imo will define him.
posted on 11/3/24
comment by ifarka, (B-C- out) (U8182)
posted 26 minutes ago
With James, his recovery is in progress.
The player that returns imo will define him.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I really like him. When was the last time him and Chilwell started together? both huge misses but both so fragile
posted on 11/3/24
They've played occasionally short runs.
They fell off the edge December 21.
posted on 11/3/24
The problem is these Yanks who couldn't run a bath.
Get them out.
posted on 11/3/24
Is there much toxicity at the ground. Are the locals getting restless and venting on the ownership.
Its such a come down that there must be some very angry fans in the ground.
posted on 11/3/24
It's the problem with throwing £200k a week at players like the two Fofana's. Means that first team regulars will want something similar. I'm sure Palmer will come looking for a pay rise before too long as well.
Your owners just look like they haven't got a clue what they're doing.
posted on 11/3/24
comment by Szoboss - Glory Days (U6997)
posted 7 minutes ago
It's the problem with throwing £200k a week at players like the two Fofana's. Means that first team regulars will want something similar. I'm sure Palmer will come looking for a pay rise before too long as well.
Your owners just look like they haven't got a clue what they're doing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
That’s because they stripped the club of everyone with football knowledge
posted on 11/3/24
Yeah Yanks out !
posted on 11/3/24
James> 250k> unreliable - yep need to sell
Forfana> 200k> injury prone - agreed waste of time
Chilwell> 200> injury prone - & hasn't been good since return
Cucuerrella> 175> very average player (that's an understatement)
Sterling,>325> more off days than on it days (jury out but so not worth that money)
Lukaku> 325> possibly the worse signing in the clubs history. - absolutely useless fat idle caant with attitude
Enzo> 180> Needs better players around him - possibly he does
Nukunlu> 195> Another sick note to date. - I like him when fit
posted on 11/3/24
comment by Szoboss - Glory Days (U6997)
posted 46 minutes ago
It's the problem with throwing £200k a week at players like the two Fofana's. Means that first team regulars will want something similar. I'm sure Palmer will come looking for a pay rise before too long as well.
Your owners just look like they haven't got a clue what they're doing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
D Fofana has learnt nothing at Burnley (apart from getting battered every week) ...stupid loan
posted on 11/3/24
Hi JW, looking at the list of our highest earners, its no wonder were fckd.
Its fckn mad, whats going on.
Ivanovic,Ferrara, Terry, Carvalho, Cole.
Essien Ballack,Lampard, Drogba, Kalou.
At no point over the whole period that these players we at the club did we have anything like the issues, we are currently experiencing.
The club had the strength in depth to cover .
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