25 Apr 2026 13:18:03
'Those in charge wanted to do business differently from Abramovich. They've certainly managed that, spending over £1.5B to make Chelsea less successful, less feared, less respected and less profitable. A trophy-winning machine transformed into an expensive, failed football experiment'. Source: The Telegraph
Harsh words but hard to argue with at present.
25 Apr 2026 17:25:52
I wonder if the same reporter made a similar statement last season? I assumed, after making progress last season, we would kick on this season, but we haven't, and that is very disappointing. But I expect the majority of this squad to show huge improvements next season.
25 Apr 2026 17:45:47
Depends what coach we have, Tom, and what top players we sell.
25 Apr 2026 18:35:18
Bill, a good coach would help, and don't forget we need to sign a few as well.
25 Apr 2026 19:31:24
Agreed, Tom, so many variables.
25 Apr 2026 22:42:10
Tom, we won the Conference League and a summer friendly comp, beating one decent side, who then put 8 past us recently... Talk about overrating achievements, gosh.
26 Apr 2026 04:45:35
Kazblue, it's up to you how you see last season. As I said, my expectations were met and maybe surpassed, as I didn't think we would win the CWC. Unfortunately, this season my expectations haven't been met.
I think most sports media people, at the end of last season, were in agreement that the club was moving, albeit slowly, in the right direction. Sadly, that progress has stopped, and we are now having a disappointing season.
These things/seasons have happened in the past, and will no doubt happen again in the future. I think fans' expectations for this season (including mine) have made it so difficult to accept.
I also believe that, with the right management appointment and a decent transfer window next season, we will be back on track.
26 Apr 2026 10:01:13
Tom,
Your last paragraph, I agree with, but with the people running the club (and I don't mean owners), can you see that happening?
26 Apr 2026 11:56:12
Bill, I have very little faith in these owners, even though they may be contractually obliged to see out the course.
I keep saying I am not a fan of "fund" ownership. I really hope my concerns about them are totally unfounded.
This leads me to how crucial a good management appointment can be.
I honestly believe my view of our owners would be completely different if we had brought a manager who achieved success. This next manager appointment has to be spot on, otherwise I fear we will do a Leeds, Leicester and Spuds (I hope).