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Chelsea Rumours Member Posts
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Melbourne CFC's Posts and Other Poster's Replies To Melbourne CFC's Posts
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Melbourne CFC's rumours posts with other poster's replies to Melbourne CFC's rumours posts
20 Mar 2014 17:57:08
Ed002 if you have time. As I'm sure plenty of media will claim Hazard will go to PSG in the window. I know things change over time, but would you think Spain is a far more likely attraction, still, to the player?
I don't think he'll leave for a second - in the next window, and don't think the club would listen to offers, if he expresses no desire to leave. Just curious as to if PSG is at all a likely future destination?
{Ed002's Note - I wouldn't think a move to PSG is likely.}
04 Apr 2013 02:10:55
Ed002, do the club still hold an interest in Fernando Reges? Do you see him leaving Porto in the summer?
Cheers {Ed002's Note - I think interest has probably gone and he is unlikely to move in the summer.}
1.) Cheers mate. Are you able to say who the club is looking at as a replacement for Essien as interest in Fernando has gone? {Ed002's Note - Essien has been out on loan and may well leave in the summer. Typically clubs do not look to replace players who are out on loan or otherwise not in the plans of the club with like for like-for-like players.}
2.) Understandable. I appreciate we have probably a few targets, but who have we turned our attention to after Fernando interest wained? I'm of the impression that Paulinho is no longer in the plans.
Cheers for the quick replies {Ed002's Note - There are no lists which the club work down from the top. It really doesn't work that way.}
3.) I fully understand that Ed002. I won't push the issue any further. Thanks again
26 Feb 2013 08:39:57
Ed002 with De Bruyne telling the club he does not want to make cameos off the bench and wants to be a starter when he returns, has their been interest from PL clubs to take him on loan? I know a lot can change between now and the summer, but had clubs shown interest before his Werder move?
Cheers {Ed002's Note - I am not aware of EPL club interest - and it seems far to early for that to be considered by most clubs.}
1.) Have you seen the way he's been playing?
Melbourne CFC's banter posts with other poster's replies to Melbourne CFC's banter posts
29 Jan 2026 10:04:37
Still don’t really see how LR is setting us up to play outside of hoping for moments of magic. It was a good second half against a tired opposition. LR made positive subs which was great, albeit with Gittens and Garno looking fairly lost. If you said old mate would have won all games bar one after 6/7 in charge, I’d say he’s doing an incredible job. Having watched the games it’s not so straightforward but results are what matter.
Next few weeks really important for the league if we want to have a strong push for CL places.
17 Jan 2026 04:07:22
Been a long while since I posted, however I have always checked in from time to time to get a sense of how you guys feel the club is going. Thought I’d give my two cents as many are upset at the current ownership.
Firstly, I think they have a fantastic strategy for the mid to long term. Hoovering up potential world class future talent is amazing. Players like Estevao, Quenda, Penders and Paez have the potential to hold us in good stead for the next 5 year block. Signing them early, knowing that the current results may not be the greatest and CL football is no guarantee is also smart business, as you’re not reliant on CL to attract players. Obviously, this comes with a painful present, which hopefully they adapt slightly and put a little more focus on the now. Quenda looks the business and will slot right in next year, as will Emegha. Attack sorted. Penders imo is probably another year away from being capable of a league tilt, however still would run Sanchez close currently.
I think my biggest issue with the ownership is with their decisions on managers. Maresca was unproven, although was well liked by our young group and managed to get some results via horrible, boring, slow football. Too early to judge LR, however, he fits the same mold of an unproven micromanager that seems to think he is a footballing genius. This crop of youngsters needs someone who has achieved and can unlock their potential, not someone who will pigeonhole them into rigid tactics.
Our defence is atrocious, has been for a while. Two world class wide backs can’t cover for the guys holding down the center. LC return will add some much needed leadership and stability, if he returns at the same level. The holes are so glaring that it doesn’t make sense to assume the owners are blind, more so that the player type (young, huge upside) they look for hasn’t been available. Hopefully that changes soon, or Sarr can return and be an upgrade (haven’t seen enough of him) .
The owners are businessmen. They will not make rash decisions that go against the strategy they believe will work best for us in the mid-long term. This is a good thing. We don’t want to fall so far off the perch that we mirror United and their lack of strategy. Hopefully LR can turn things around this year and I fully expect that next year we can run Arsenal and Citeh close.
1.) 17 Jan 2026 08:52:14
Melbourne, I enjoyed your post enormously and I agree with the vast majority of it.
2.) 17 Jan 2026 08:54:27
Welcome back Melbourne CFC and thankyou for your post which was so refreshing to read, well thought out articulate.
3.) 17 Jan 2026 09:31:07
The strategy of getting the players like estevao, Quenda, paez etc is fantastic and even though a c couple of them might not make it, it is worthwhile to take the gamble on them. I don't know many chelsea fans who have a problem with that.
The problem lies with signings like Kellyman, casadei, Gabriel etc who are unknown and brought in for 20m hits. It just doesn't make sense to me. Yes there will be misses but right now there's a lot of misses.
We have spent 1.5billion (more than that) and started that game against arsenal with a front 3 of Neto, Guiu and Gittens and ended with Garnacho Delap. I just do not see how it is possible. Where has the money gone?
4.) 17 Jan 2026 09:41:32
Interesting post Melbourne and completely agree both about our central defense and gamble with young inexperienced managers.
There is surely also a gamble in relying almost entirely on buying young players some of whom are exceptopnally talented like Estevao and Palmer and thinking they will be content to stay eith us - or likes of Cucurella would be - if we cannot challenge for the EPL or ECL until several years time?
So we do need to fix the problems on the squad and in terms of manager now. But will these owners/ SDs be prepared to tolerate any experienced manager who may have strong opinions and be prepared to voice them if they are at odds with said owners and SDs whether on transfers, team selection or who should be in the dressing room after matches?
5.) 17 Jan 2026 10:10:37
The money spent hasn’t disappeared, it’s been invested in players.
The owners will surely give the manager time to install his own methods. So called experienced managers all had to start somewhere.
6.) 17 Jan 2026 10:31:10
I don’t disagree, Standard, however, if your strategy is signing unproven potential, you will take 3 Gittens per 1 Estevao. Most of the players signed that flop are moved on young enough that fortunately someone else will cover a chunk of the initial outlay.
If in 3 years, we’re still stuck fighting for CL places, it’s fair to strongly criticize the project as a failure, I think. I’d say it’s too early currently.
I hold the same fears, JBS, that those that shine won’t want to stick around. Fortunately the owners are capable enough of signing players to extremely long contracts which means we hold the chips in negotiations should they grow bored.
The PL is so flush with cash, that it’s prudent to plan longer term. Multiple sides spend upwards of 200m a year. Signing proven talent doesn’t guarantee success ala Liverpool this year and 28 year olds hold their value for far shorter times in the current landscape.
7.) 17 Jan 2026 10:57:24
THough would add that LR obviously will be given time now - and should be once appointed - to show whether he can rise to the formidable challenge of being a successful manager for us if particularly when appointed mid-season.
8.) 17 Jan 2026 11:15:21
Then we are in agreement Melbourne. I agree it's a wait and see, my concern is losing the identity we have of always winning a trophy no matter the circumstances we find ourselves in. Last 20 years we've been winners, and with CWC win (which was absolutely massive) we still look good in that aspect.
I do wish there was a bit more balance but I agree. I also do have faith in Rosonier and think hell suprise a few.
9.) 17 Jan 2026 12:10:52
Melbourne, I agree with a lot of what you say in your posts, However, I don’t necessarily agree that we hold the chips regarding players wanting to move on. True, we have long contracts which maintains a player’s value. Experience has shown that if a player wants to a move he will get it. Of course, we will get a transfer fee but would we be able to obtain a player of equal quality and experience;I doubt it. Also, I fear the money would be wasted on even more young players who are not PL ready.
As for Liverpool, things haven’t worked out but I believe most of their signings were good. I suspect that even with these issues, Liverpool will end up above us. Liverpool still have ambitions to win big trophies. I think their main problem is Slot and if he is replaced they won’t be appointing a novice coach with no experience to “learn on the job”.
10.) 17 Jan 2026 12:17:34
Where has this idea come from that they're smart businessmen in football? …they may be successful in 1000 different areas …has mo bearing on how they run a football club
It has been disasterous on and off field since they rocked up…. I get wanting to be positive and defending the club but guys come on its like mass brainwash cos weMve been told how ‘shrewd’ and smart these owners are ….
11.) 17 Jan 2026 13:08:38
Kazblue, I have to agree with you. Given the financial status of the owners, it would be fair to assume they are astute business men but that doesn’t mean they can build a successful football club: the assumption that they can by some people is surprising.
12.) 17 Jan 2026 13:52:46
I’m not of the opinion that the owners are going to succeed in football, just that they have a strategy they are sticking to, which may turn out to be good. Time is needed.
I agree that Liverpool made good decisions, my point was only that it hasn’t resulted in immediate success. Slot won the league in a canter last year and 6 months ago would’ve had his pick of jobs on the world stage. Things change fast in football.
We got fkd by Roman being forced to sell. It was heartbreaking, however, the current owners have shown they are willing to spend to a level far beyond others, which in itself is a huge positive. Whether they have made the right decisions to produce success remains to be seen.
13.) 17 Jan 2026 14:13:39
I also think they deserve credit by showing they want to win. We were lucky in that regard. They are putting money in for success and I don't think that can be argued against.
14.) 17 Jan 2026 18:08:15
At least one of our owners has a history of building a successful sports franchise. So, I don’t see the assumption he can build a successful European sports franchise as “surprising. ”.
15.) 17 Jan 2026 20:33:47
American sport couldn't be more different from english football- as seen by his gaffes on UCL/formation etc
I don't see the assumption that cos his american sports team did well it would translate and so far we are yet to really see positives from this strategy being followed. happy to wait and see but won't blindly support mistakes when they're so obvious.
16.) 17 Jan 2026 21:04:48
It’s not “blindly” it’s just stating a fact and that is rare on this site.
An owner has experience in building a successful sports franchise, I can’t see how that hurts his attempt to build one in Europe. It doesn’t guarantee success but I personally think it can only help.
17.) 17 Jan 2026 21:43:23
Kazblue, once again I agree with you. American sport is entirely different. It is franchised like KFC, they move teams to different cities hundreds of miles away. The culture of European football is entirely different and is not embraced by our owners.
A prime example: CFC Ldn”. What a load of bollx. I think most of us knew where our club are located as did every other football fan.
18.) 17 Jan 2026 22:12:21
Of course it’s different. Nevertheless he has built a very successful sports franchise and inny opinion that can only help.
The sports are different but the tribal differences exist in American mainstream sports. I wouldn’t have a clue if our owners have “embraced” the culture of European football. I hope not, it sounds painful.
19.) 17 Jan 2026 22:54:25
Tom my point being i could have experience in building bridges- ask me to build a dam and id have no idea!
20.) 17 Jan 2026 23:50:40
Tom, exactly: “sports franchise “. What’s that got to do with football? I’m surprised we are not CST ( Chelsea Soccer Team) rather than CFC.
21.) 18 Jan 2026 08:51:26
You might see it differently but I strangely see football as a sport.
I assume a tradesman or architect could be involved in building a bridge or a dam. I also assume a builder of an office block could build a block of flats. I wouldn’t expect a plumber to be able to build an aeroplane. I can’t see it being a heavy management lift from one sport to another. Look at this country we have similar sports management involved in Darts, Boxing and Snooker.
22.) 19 Jan 2026 00:06:00
Tom I was emphasising “franchise “ and what it’s got to do with football. I have no interest in darts or snooker but there is no similarity in boxing.
28 Sep 2019 13:23:30
Ed001 do you think we have the best youth in country in terms on breaking into the team and having an impact? Interested to know your thoughts as I know there's some good youth in England ATM.
{Ed001's Note - yes in terms of the quality of players being produced. Bit early to say it is the best in terms of having an impact. That will be a couple of years of them being in the team and producing.}
21 Jul 2016 03:04:14
Question for EdOO1 if you're about mate. I saw you mentioned we are unlikely to go in for a traditional winger as Conte is unlikely to use one. Can you give some info on how he is likely to set up the team for the PL. Thanks buddy, and hope everything has been sorted since the GoFundMe page was set up.
{Ed001's Note - thanks mate, all sorted now, it was only a short term problem. Thanks to everyone for the help!
Conte is known for looking at what he has and setting up a system to suit them. As you don't have any proper traditional wingers, no one who cuts outside to ping a cross in, he is unlikely to buy them to set up that way. Judging by his last couple of sides, he seems to have settled on a back 3, but that was only because centre backs were the main strength of both sides. So it may be that he reverts to a back four, but I think he has grown comfortable with a back three and will try to work with it if possible. It suits the players at the club, allowing him to work in an extra midfielder but still have two forwards.
I have to be honest, I am not convinced Conte is the right man, tactically he struggles badly in Europe, which is surely a major issue for a club with intentions of winning the Champions League? He seems unable to figure out opposing tactics quickly enough to pick up results.}
1.) 21 Jul 2016 06:04:04
Bit concerning there Ed? You think he will fail in the job? Am not overly convinced as of yet but did really know to much about him. He had a good euro and with better players to work with maybe he can make us a force again. But just get this feeling because we sacked every bloody manager out there it's come back to bite us on the arse. got to stick with this bloke no matter what now let him get players he wants and give him time to put his mark on the club.
{Ed001's Note - it depends on what you call fail. I don't expect you to pull up trees in European competition, but he is capable of turning you into title challengers again. For me, he is the person you bring in to steady the ship and get it heading in the right direction, before you bring in the guy to take you to the next level.}
2.) 21 Jul 2016 06:56:54
Oh right well hope not! Not another manager who buys his players just for the next manager to not want. That's been our problem over the years you got players from different managers and you end up with problems. Conte very young as a manager with good experience just let him crack on for many of year don't boot him out when we hit a bad patch! Give him a couple of seasons.
{Ed001's Note - that's why you have other people doing the recruiting to a long term plan. Must be said you should have gone and got Steve Walsh back from Leicester. The recruitment has been poor in recent years.}
3.) 21 Jul 2016 07:05:26
Thanks for taking the time mate and glad to hear it's all sorted.
{Ed001's Note - you are welcome mate and thank you, I am pretty glad myself!}
4.) 21 Jul 2016 09:03:27
We're not in Europe this season. So has a full one to work on that.
5.) 21 Jul 2016 13:19:14
Blast from the past Melbourne. Hope things are good on your end.
6.) 21 Jul 2016 17:46:54
Not sure what you base that on ED01?
Conte has had just 2 European campaigns as a Manager, the first with Juve resulted in them being beaten by the eventual winners Bayern in the QF's and the second reaching the Europa league SM's!
{Ed001's Note - ok if you say so.}
7.) 21 Jul 2016 17:55:00
G8 the fact they were in the Europa's tells you what?
Won't be a regular occurence TK but life is good mate. Hopefully you can say the same buddy!
One last one EdOO1 - how bittersweet is this fat scam news for you? Or is it straight up bitter? Strangely I think he will do ok in tournament competition. can't see football advancing in England while he is in charge though.
{Ed001's Note - I have no interest in England mate. It makes no difference to me.}
8.) 21 Jul 2016 22:28:37
He won 3 straight league titles with Juve Melbourne, the first season in the Champions League they got beat in the QF's by the eventual winners Bayern Munich! The second season they were knocked out in the group stage and went on to the SF of the Europa league. 3rd season he left to become Italy manager. Therefore, for me, not the worst record in Europe at all!
9.) 21 Jul 2016 23:12:30
I don't disagree mate, but the fact he got knocked out at the group stage in 50% of his attempts, with a team that dominated in Italy should show that EdOO1's comments have some basis in reality.
I'm not arguing the fact either way. Haven't seen enough of his teams play. We won't know for at least 18 months if he has been able to make the adjustments needed, if they're needed in the first place anyway. But personally I find when EdOO1 talks football you can be pretty confident he isn't talking nonsense.
05 Feb 2016 23:19:22
Hi Ed002,
A lot of whispers that we have signed Allegri for next season. Can I just ask if we have indeed made progress on the manager front, or whether you expect it won't be until nearer the end of the season that we find out? Thanks heaps.
{Ed002's Note - There will always be progress but there is no contractual agreement with Allegri or anyone else.}
1.) 06 Feb 2016 15:36:10
Would you think an annoucement before the end of the season would be likely?
Thanks mate.
{Ed002's Note - As I said there is no agreement with anyone at this time.}
Melbourne CFC's rumour replies
26 Jan 2026 09:56:37
Would be very happy if Josh gets loaned to Palace and we get to see him play consistently for the rest of the season. Not sure how others are getting games in front of him this season anyway tbh. Badi almost cost us another goal and Fofana just isn’t it if we intend to challenge.
23 Jan 2026 04:13:18
Reece is Chelsea. If we got relegated I’d expect he’d stay with us. Cole is a very good player, who is having a stop start year and may need surgery to fix whatever is wrong. No guarantee he returns to his best although would love to give him the chance to become a legend here.
If he requests a transfer due to missing Manchester, it’s a good thing he got signed onto a long deal last year.
18 Jan 2026 05:16:29
If I’m not wrong, in the summer Guehi was asked if he would be interested in returning to us and shut it down instantly.
01 Jan 2026 12:37:36
He 100% didn't miss the press conference because of a board meeting. What an absurd take haha.
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.
Melbourne CFC's banter replies
18 Jan 2026 05:20:28
It’s fair to criticize the strategy, but how much profit do you think they’ve made since purchasing the club? Wouldn’t the more prudent strategy to make profit and sell for a huge amount be becoming a highly successful club rather than ‘accept to be a 2nd rate club’?
17 Jan 2026 13:52:46
I’m not of the opinion that the owners are going to succeed in football, just that they have a strategy they are sticking to, which may turn out to be good. Time is needed.
I agree that Liverpool made good decisions, my point was only that it hasn’t resulted in immediate success. Slot won the league in a canter last year and 6 months ago would’ve had his pick of jobs on the world stage. Things change fast in football.
We got fkd by Roman being forced to sell. It was heartbreaking, however, the current owners have shown they are willing to spend to a level far beyond others, which in itself is a huge positive. Whether they have made the right decisions to produce success remains to be seen.
17 Jan 2026 10:31:10
I don’t disagree, Standard, however, if your strategy is signing unproven potential, you will take 3 Gittens per 1 Estevao. Most of the players signed that flop are moved on young enough that fortunately someone else will cover a chunk of the initial outlay.
If in 3 years, we’re still stuck fighting for CL places, it’s fair to strongly criticize the project as a failure, I think. I’d say it’s too early currently.
I hold the same fears, JBS, that those that shine won’t want to stick around. Fortunately the owners are capable enough of signing players to extremely long contracts which means we hold the chips in negotiations should they grow bored.
The PL is so flush with cash, that it’s prudent to plan longer term. Multiple sides spend upwards of 200m a year. Signing proven talent doesn’t guarantee success ala Liverpool this year and 28 year olds hold their value for far shorter times in the current landscape.
17 Jan 2026 03:44:51
Would seem an odd choice. A club that gives power to the players wants a manager that likes to micromanage tactics.
20 Aug 2016 02:49:14
Its that type of childish response that makes people cringe. Don't take it so personal. If a club offered us less for a player than we thought we could get would you want us to sell?