chelsea | Wait until next year

August 26, 2014

Eight things I might have learned from watching Manchester City versus Liverpool

One. Manchester City probably are that good. It is hardly a mind-blowing, groundbreaking assessment to suggest the Premier League is probably between Manchester City and Chelsea, but I think City really have the edge. Chelsea can, and will, grind out results and will probably set off a few fireworks along the way. But Manchester City look capable of pulling apart each and every team in the league. There have strength and pace in equal measure, genuine squad depth, and a confidence that could soon lead to the sort of aura their near-neighbours United had for years. Read the rest of this entry »

May 17, 2010

Random badly-organised sporting thoughts for a Monday

Ready to (metaphorically) step inside my sporting head again? Here goes…

England win the World Cup!

Well, the Twenty20 World Cup, anyway. I listened to the game on the radio, most enjoyable, but made me realise a few things. Read the rest of this entry »

May 14, 2010

1988 and all that

Tomorrow’s FA Cup Final is being touted by many as a David and Goliath affair, with Premier League champions Chelsea facing the bottom side, Portsmouth. Thoughts soon drift to famous FA Cup Final upsets, and in particular Wimbledon defeating Liverpool 1-0 in the 1988 final. But was it really such an upset? Read the rest of this entry »

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September 3, 2009

Chelsea banned from signing players until 2011

Bizarre and shocking news from FIFA, who have banned Chelsea from signing any players until January 2011, following the judgement on Chelsea’s signing of Gael Kakuta. The statement can be found here.

This could have a profound effect on Chelsea, a club not shy of bringing in players in the past. While they do have a massive squad, they could still be in trouble if players are injured, retire or decide to leave the club. They will not be able to strengthen themselves at all.

That’s not to mention the impact this will have on their youth development work – this could set them back years if they can’t sign any new prospects.

I fully expect Chelsea to appeal (and with their cash get the best lawyers in the land), and footballing authorities do seem to make a habit of backing down, so this could turn out to be a fuss over nothing. Alternatively, this could be strike one against teams poaching players, with a genuine sanction rather than a token one for once, as this will punish Chelsea for their actions far more than any fine could.

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