Conference trucks::football;1

    hooray...\
    Its good to see the Blues are listed high in this new directory, that
    has taken me ages to get into!
    Here is to a successful season with Townsend STILL at Chelsea despite
    the press trying to get him elsewhere, and Durie deciding to stay.
    9 days to kick off...
    Mn.

I predict a good season for the BLUES with a smashing victory over
Man Utd in December! Why? 'cause I'll be there on the West Stand for
my annual Chelsea match 1991.

T_

    
    RE. 1
    
    Good on you Ton, see you in Dec. after the tour of course.  Didn't
    realise you had Newfoundlands, Rottweilers seem more appropriate.
    
    News.
    
    A paper I saw yesterday (I think it was the Sun, I only read it for the
    jokes) mentioned that Leeds were about to put in a 2 million pound bid
    for Durie.  It said that Chelsea would probably use this money to buy
    Andy Gray from Palace to partner Townsend in what would be one of the
    most formidable midfields in the country.  It also said Palace aren't
    interested in selling but blah, blah, blah and all that.
    
    Still as I said it was in the Sun so don't get your hopes up,
    
    Loz.
    
    P.S. Can someone who knows a bit about noting extract the
    fixture list from BALZAC (R.I.P.) and put in here?

    Has anyone heard of a J. Allon from Hartlepool that we have supposedly
    signed, subject to a tribunal? I know these peoples got promoted last
    season, but have they really got anyone worth having?
    RE: Durie- He has stated that he is or was only interested in move to
    Scotland to play in their 4-team league, probably because he wants a
    medal of some description! Surely he wont go to ?Leeds?...
    
    5 days to go
    Mn. 

    
    re: Durie, he also said he would 'settle' for the North of
    England rather than Scotland.
    
    re: Allon, Joe Allon scored 35 goals last season. Don't know how
    he'll fare in the 1st Division. As for anyone worth having, well
    Andy Linighan started there, as did Keith Houchen and for managers,
    Brian Clough (and John McGovern was playing for him then).

    
    Allon was on the same youth team as a certain small fat England
    midfielder.  Apparently he's a proven goalscorer.
    
    Gary.

    Well, Leeds is the most Northern Div 1 club, and Settle is 39 miles
    from Leeds, head out on the A65.
    
    jb.

    
    Lawrence..
    
       Did you send off for your Chelsea membership or are you not going to
       bother.
       I received my first copy of the OFF-SIDE Chelsea mag the other day
       and they were saying that the fences in front of the west and east 
       stand should both be down for the start of the season. ( By the way
       OFF-SIDE has taken over from the BRIDGE NEWS.
    
    
       ANDY-B
    
    

    Durie goos to Spurs. Looks pretty official as TV and Radio are saying
    it not just the Tabloids.
    
    Antony

    
    Durie will only be slightly missed at the Bridge considering
    he's mostly out injured, and last season he was playing two
    or three games and then he was out injured for months on end.
    We should be happy that we got 2 million for him, mind you
    Tottenham dont know the value of money anyway.
    Durie will look good sitting in their stand that they cant, 
    afford with a little black hat on his head.
    Bates was well out of order selling him to spurs, but it wont
    make any difference to the results against them next year
    anyway.
    
    
    ANDY-B......
    
    

    Well I'm sorry he's gone... He is a fine player.
    
    So what else happened over the summer at the Bridge?
    
    WHo left ...joined? any more news about being kicked out by Cabra,
    etc..
    
    Thanks,
    
    *Tiger*

    I cant help but feel bitter about the Durie transfer. The man stated in
    several official Chelsea mags that he was only seeking a transfer for
    personal reasons.ie He wanted to be in Scotland for the birth of their
    baby or at least North England. Now he has been quoted as saying that
    the spurs move is a dream come true, and that he has been at Chelsea
    too long and was a bit stale.
    Also Bates broke his golden rule of selling to one of the big London
    clubs as well.
    I for one, will not be clapping him for his efforts at the bridge,
    when he walks out at WH lane in a few weeks. He deserves every bit of
    stick he gets, for total disloyalty to the club that made him an
    international! Blah...
    Mn. 
    So what do we spend the money on? 

    
    Andy,
    
    not yet mate, but I will, perhaps by Christmas:-)
    
    I don't know yet whether it's good or bad news about Durie, I do know
    he's p*ssed me off.  He was one of my favourites and I thought a loyal,
    obviously I was wrong.  You'd think that for all the support he's had
    during his injuries at the bridge he would have shown a bit more
    loyalty to the club, well I just hope he spends as much time on the
    injury list at Spurs as he did with us.
    
    Still enough moaning, who's going to the Bridge tommorrw.  I'll be
    there, I love that first game, when the Blues line up, the ref blows
    the whistle after the seemingly endless close season I always get a
    surge of excitement, the hairs stand up all over my body oooohhh that
    buzzz, it's even better than New England ice cream,
    
    see you Monday,
    
    Loz.
    

    
    
    Lawrence..
    
        Couldn't make it saturday as i was working, but i saw that
        our centre foward Elliot ( ha ha) scored the first goal..
        I heard that Allon was supposed to be a good player scoring
        in the last sixteen minutes as well, hope he doesn't score 
        to many at the moment, as we have not agreed a price with 
        Hartlepool yet.
        The new home strip looks even better than the last, i shall
        be  investing some of my well earned pennies on one of those.
    
    
        ANDY-B...
    
    

    It was a typical Wimbledon style match on Saturday, which we always
    struggle with. There were a few strange positions on for some of our
    players...
    Le saux was left back, while Boyd and Hall were in the midfield. This
    did not work out at all, and Le Saux was badly out of position-he is a
    very good play maker but cant do that at left back, hence our attacking
    play became very predictable. Elliott struggled with Fash but had a
    reasonably good start, and it wasn't until Allon came on, and Boyd
    swopped with Le socks that things really opened up. Towards the end we
    nearly snatched it too, with Elliotts' header saved brilliantly by
    Segers in the last minute.
    It would have been good to have beaten them, since we have not had a
    result at the Bridge against them ever.
    Still, the best of the day was knowing I've got a ticket for Spurs, so
    I can give Durie the send-off he deserves, !@#^*@^.
    Mn.

    
    Joe Allon (sp) Looks like he'll be a good buy, he seems to be quite a
    character.  He did more in twenty minutes than Wilson did in 70, mind
    you it's a lot easier to play 20 minutes than a full game, I know, I'm
    still aching from a B.A. game Friday night.  His goal was dead dodgy,
    the ball bounced off his knee onto his arm and went in the net, the ref
    never saw it 2-2.  Elliot reminds me a bit of Monkou when he first
    joined the club, had me worried on more than one occasion, at one point
    he went to kick the ball at his feet and a large divot flew into touch.
    Still Monkou came good (had another sound game Saturday) and I'm sure
    Elliott will in the near future.  Nice to see the new boys scoring.
    
    Loz. 

    
    Hi all, 
    
    What did any of you think of Tommy Boyd??
    It appeared to me that he was a little lost out there. In the second
    half he got into the game a bit more.
    
    I was a bit disappointed with wise. He seems so easy to Knock off the
    ball. And he looks a little slow with it.
    
    It was'nt the greatest of performances, but at least we did'nt lose.
    One point is better than none.
    
    RE -1
    
    I think Joe Allon will be a good signing. He looks very hungrey.
    He will definately be a favourite with the fans. The goal did look a
    bit dodgey, but there was no way the ref could of disallowed it, Joe
    was almost doing a lap of honour down Fulham broadway!!
    
    Cheers
    Nige... .   .     .
      

    Wise has always looked lost, he was overpriced and is over-rated. He is
    the most expensive penalty taker I have ever seen, and how he made it
    into the England team is beyond me. When he has time he can put in very
    good crosses, but the problem is, he loses possesion far too much as he
    is easy to knock off the ball. I really do hope he has a good season
    and proves me wrong, but somehow I cant see it.
    re-2... It was the combination of Boyd swopping with Bergerac that
    really changed the game, then we had an attacking midfielder while Boyd
    moved into defence-this nearly won the game!!!
    I am sure Boyd will prove to be a good buy, but he did not look at home
    in midfield, he was far more comfortable at left back which is, I 
    thought, what he was brought for.
    
    Bates has made some decent changes to the ground, the benches is a good
    place to sit now the fences are down. Also being able to walk into the
    east stand is a good change, the players all mingle in there, and you
    can use the stands facilities as well.
    Mn

    
    
                       CHELSEA 0   LEEDS UTD 1
    
             When will Wise learn how to take corners, every time the ball
    was played low to the near post when Monkou and Elliott stood at the 
    back post.
    
    
             ANDY-B.....
    
    
    

    
    We had live commentary on the second half on Century Radio.  Sounds
    like we had lots of chances but couldn't take them.  Was LeSaux's miss
    as bad as it sounded on radio?  
    
    Villa at home on Wed, we must get 3 points and at least a point at
    Loftus Road on Saturday.
    
    Gary.

    The match on Saturday was spoilt by it being all ticket, hence the low
    attendance for this fixture.
    The worst miss was that of Dixons when he had only the keeper to beat.
    The goal that Wise scored, that was disallowed was a very close call,
    and I'm sure a replay would show that the linesman was blind, but then
    I would say that!
    Mn.
    PS. Could someone tell me where have the rest of the 40 or so notes
    gone from this topic, we were upto 50 odd, now only 20 are here?
                                              

Chelsea 2  Villa 0

Anyone got a match report? Lawrence probably not, I will see him in the
afternoon here in Holland.

T_

    
    Jones scored in the first half and Townsend in the second.  Beasant was
    back in goal and played well.  We were a little fortunate to be 1 up at
    half time but according to the brief report I saw we deserved to win.
    
    Gary.

Gary,

Do you now anything about the rumours (yes also here in Holland) that Chelsea
are trying to buy Nevill Southall from Everton, he is a good keeper but it
seems a waist of money to me.

T_

    
    Here is the report from todays 'TODAY' newspaper, copied
    without permission.
    
    
    Vinnie Jones shook Chelsea out of their lethargy, hauled them
    up amongst the title contenders and warned, "Its time to get
    the old Lion roaring at the Bridge again."
    
    Jones, who today faces an FA disciplinary hearing for misconduct,
    repaid a sizeable slice of his �575,000 transfer fee with his
    first goal for Chelsea.
    
    His 22nd minute header finished off a pinpoint cross from former
    Wimbledon team mate Dennis Wise.
    
    It was certainly an improved Chelsea display following Saturdays
    limp collapse at home to Leeds.
    
    Jones said, "After that we threw everything out of the window 
    and went back to basics. I really feel that our League position
    is justified and can get better."
    
    Skipper Andy Townsend wrapped up the points to lift Chelsea into
    third place with a superb 58th minute goal following a clever
    build up involving Kerry Dixon and Joe Allon, playing his first
    full match.
    
    Dave Beasant, recalled in place of Kevin Hitchcock, broke Villas
    heart with three superb saves - from Ian Olney, Paul Magrath and
    Paul Mortimer - early in the second half.
    
    Chelsea 2 Aston Villa 0.
    
    
             -----------------------------------------
    
    Jeff.

rep -1

Jeff,

Thanks for the report, I saw the highlights on Dutch telly last night, both
good goals and some really supurb savings by Davey Beasant, can anyone tell
something more about the Southall rumour???

Lawrence asked me to say hi to all you Chelsea fans.

T_

    
    Report on FA action against Vinnie "if in doubt take em out" Jones 
    copied without permission from this mornings Daily mail.
    
    
               -------------------------------------------
    
    CHELSEA's Vinnie Jones was a relieved man yesterday when an FA
    disciplinary commission banned him for only one match after 
    finding him guilty of misconduct when playing for Sheffield
    United against West ham last month.
    
    He will miss the second leg of the Rumbelows Cup second round
    at Tranmere on October 8th, hardly a severe handicap although
    Chelsea do have a record of falling to smaller clubs in the 
    competition. (Tell me about it !! Jeff)
    
    As the final whistle sounded at Brammel Lane on August 20th, 
    Jones caught the ball and West Ham full back Mitchell Thomas
    bumped into him from behind. Jones claimed that he was joking
    when he turned round and made as if to hit out at Thomas.
    
    The REF took no action but a linesman mentioned it in his report
    because he thought it was deliberate.
    
    Jones insisted that he was a friend of Thomas and there was no
    malicious intent. Thomas was let off after the 75 minute hearing
    with a warning about his future conduct.
    
    
                  --------------------------------
    
    
    Jeff.
    
    

    Can any of you Chelsea fans let me know how big Paul Elliott is playing
    these days ?
    
    And more's to the point.....How are the racist section of the Chelsea
    supporters reacting to him ?
    
    

    
    Paul appears to be fitting in well although I only saw him in
    pre-season.  He's also scored twice.  You'll have to wait for a more
    complete answer as Lawrence is probably on his second crate on Grolsch
    in Utrecht at the moment.
    
    As the racist section of the support (sadly more so in Chelsea than in
    most clubs) well I suspect there will always be a minority against him
    although many of the yobs choose to accept black players at Chelsea but
    abuse black players with visiting teams.  I particularly remember an
    obnoxious bloke behinfd me in the West stand v Leeds last season who
    kept abusing their 2 black centre backs with many obscene racist
    comments.  Ironically one of them scored.
    
    Gary. 

    
    
    	QPR 2 Chelsea 2
    
    For the second week in a row there was live commentary of a Chelsea
    game on Century Radio (they take Capitol Gold's commentary).  A poor
    first half ended with Rangers leading 1-0.  Peacock made it 2-0 against
    the run of play and I feared the worst but this side showed great
    character in coming back.  Andy Townsend scored with a screaming volley
    on 70 minutes and in injury time after a siege on the R's goal Denis
    Wise scored with a spectacular overhead kick.
    
    Unfortunately we're no longer London's top club after the other
    jailbird's won 5-3 at Wimbledon.  We're now 5th.
    
    Gary.

    
    If people think its worth while having these reports and 
    general news items then I will continue entering them, if
    not then I won't bother. I don't mind either way. Let me 
    know.
    
               ------------------------------------------
    
    Anyway this is copied, without permission, from this mornings
    Daily mail.
    
    
    BEASANT IS LEFT TO BATTLE ON ALONE.
    
    Dave Beasant, like his former England team mate Peter Shilton before
    him is a target for his own clubs supporters.
    
    Beasants return in midweek after a six week absence through injury
    did not meet with General approval. The muttering turned to open
    abuse when his 21st minute fumble led to former Chelsea player
    Clive Wilson tapping in for QPRs opening goal in the 2-2 draw at
    Loftus Road.
    
    Chelsea manager Ian Porterfield did little to silence the jeers.
    "He was totally at fault for the goal. it was a bad error. If he
    makes a mistake like that at a club like this then he deserves to
    be criticised.
    
    Beasant made amends when he fingertipped Andy Sinton's shot around
    the post after 82 minutes to keep Chelsea in the game when they
    were trailing 2-1.
    
    Inspirational Captain Andy Townsend sparked Chelsea's revival after
    Rangers had gone further ahead through Darren Peacock soon after the 
    break.
    
    Porterfield reckoned his 25 yard shot in the 70th minutes was worth
    the admission alone.
    
    An equaliser 20 seconds from the end of three minutes injury time
    keeps Chelsea in the pack chasing Man Utd at the top of the table
    though it denied Rangers their first home victory of the season.
    
    The climax came when Vinnie Jones sent a long throw into the penalty
    area. Ken Monkou flicked the ball on and Dennis Wise scored from 
    within the six yard area with an overhead kick.
    
    It was the forth time Chelsea have come from behind this season to
    show their battling qualities. Although Porterfield claimed that
    Rangers were lucky to get a point, he should perhaps count his 
    good fortune ... Chelsea have not won at Loftus Road since 1982.
    
    QPR:Wilson (21 min). Peacock (57)
    
    CHELSEA:Townsend (70). Wise (90)
    
              ----------------------------------------------
    
    
    Strong words from Porterfield for his keeper. Beasant could cope
    with the hassle from the supporters but could do without this
    lack of support from his manager.
    
    Jeff.
    

    After watching Beasant play at most games since his arrival at the
    Bridge, I can honestly say his form has has fast gone downhill.
    He was brilliant when we won promotion, and was probably one of the
    main factors getting us the 2nd div title. Also in our first season in
    the top flight, but then already he was struggling with the high ball.
    But the real change came when he was dropped from the England scene
    after last years world cup, he no longer had the motivation and at
    sometimes the ability to be our No.1. Some of the mistakes he has made
    which have ended in goals are numerous, and with our once fragile
    defence, this was and is the last thing we need. The mistake he made at
    QPrrrrrrr was pathetic, he should have been his ball, but instead he
    let a man who is 7 inches shorter get to the ball. For a goalie to be
    so weak in the air, when you consider how many corners and freekicks
    are taken during a game, is just not good enough. Why Hitchcock was
    dropped I do not know, and the thought of signing Southall who is also
    struggling with his form, is beyond me!
    I do not boo him at games, as this does not help, but it is one of the
    most frustrating things to see in a game when your cruising along, and
    only for the goalie to do something daft, to let in a goal. Hitchcock
    should be brought back, at least until Beasant fixes his game, or
    otherwise we will concede more unecessary goals.
    
    Mn.
    PS. After all that, even Beasant cant match the Seaman sprint to the
    edge of his box without even us much as coming close to the ball.And he
    is Englands best???

    
    RE: .31
    
    Jeff,
    
    Keep the Chelsea reports/news coming, I don't often get hold of
    an English newspaper out here...
    
    Much appreciated
    
    Cheers Jon

    
    My Saturday team, Abingdon Town, have made a major signing in the past
    week and it happens to be an ex Chelsea player who was forced into
    retirement through injury.
    
    
    
    
    Yep, the great Peter Rhoades-Brown signed for us last week and made his
    debut on the left side of midfield Saturday.  It was his first game for
    over a year, since he left Oxford Utd, and he had a quiet one although
    he showed some excellent touches.
    
    These ex-pros really turn up in strange places.
    
    		Brian.

    
    Just goes to show you Brian exactly what you need to
    stay at the top.
    
    JN.

	The word on the streets is that Steve Wicks is playing for
	Virginia Water this season. I've a sneeking suspicion that they
	are either Dan Air league or the lower reaches of the Diadora league.

	Can anybody confirm this?

	Eck.

    
    Chelsea 1 (Townsend)
    Tranmere 1 (Aldridge)
    
    Is there no end to Aldo's talents. This time he has defied Chelsea at
    the bridge and surely now, they must be on their way out of the
    Rumbellows cup. Only a Townsend goal saved Chelsea's blushes. More
    details later on.
     
    Cunno

    
    Match report: CHELSEA 1    TRANMERE 1
    		  Townsend     Aldridge
    
                  ATT	       11,311
    
    Copied without permission from this mornings Daily Mail.
    
    
             ============================================
    
    
    		          CHELSEA GHOSTS
    
          TOWNSEND DEFIES INJURY TO SNAP UP A FACE-SAVER.
    
    
    THE GHOST of Chelsea's past failures against lower division
    sides came back to haunt them in the Rumbelows Cup last night.
    
    This was just another in a long line of cup setbacks, with only 
    a 47th minute equaliser from skipper Andy Townsend, slowed by
    a muscle strain, saving the Londoners from further embarrassment.
    
    Chelsea, last seasons semi-finalists will do well to get into the
    third round. They will go to Prenton Park for the second leg in a
    fortnight without the suspended Vinnie Jones and with a doubt about
    center back Paul Elliot, who went off in the 66th minute with a knee
    injury.
    
    Tranmere, who have appeared at Wembley 5 times in the past 3 years,
    have always played thoughtful, well organised football under manager
    Johnny King. Last night was no exception. King claimed afterwards
    that Kenny Iron's late effort should not have been ruled out for
    offside and, but for a diving save by Dave Beasant two minutes from
    time to stop a diving header from Steve Vickers, Chelsea might well
    have lost.
    
    Tranmeres use of a sweeper, Mark Hughes, and the tactics to mark Kerry
    Dixon and Kevin Wilson man-to-man caused all kinds of problems. King
    said: "The three at the back, Dave Higgins, Hughes and Vickers did
    a tremendous job."
    
    After dominating the first half without showing much penetration,
    Chelsea had only one dangerous effort to show for it, Wilsons
    overhead kick in the 36th minute which veteran goal keeper Eric Nixon
    beat away. Early in the second half winger Dennis Wise missed the
    easiest chance of the game when close in when he hit Dixons cross
    over the bar.
    
    John Aldridge, the scouser who is the gary Lineker of the second
    division, showed him how to do it in the 52nd minute with one
    of his trade-mark goals. Slack marking by England U-21 winger
    Graeme le-Saux let 20 year old Tony Thomas down the right and when
    the cross came in 33-year old Aldridge was perfectly place to turn the
    ball past Beasant. It was his 11th goal of the season, equaling 
    Linekers total.
    
    King, who has nine years in charge at Tranmere in two spells since
    1980 said: "He's a top man. Its been goals, goals, goals throughout
    his career and he is still scoring them."
    
    Chelsea manager Ian Porterfield left himself short at the back in a bid
    to get an equaliser and tranmere might have profited from a number of
    dangerous situations before Townsend's strike rescued Chelsea. Dixon
    headed back a cross and Wise, shifted into the middle, turned it back
    for Townsend to hit a well place ground shot passed Nixon's left hand.
    
    Porterfield said: "The onus was on us but the longer it went on the
    edgier we became. We didn't play well but its only half time."
    
    Referee Graham Pooley cautioned Thomas for kicking the ball away, 
    Jones for arguing and Jim Steel, also for dissent.
    
    
                   ================================

G'morning ladies.

The following is a brief match report from Saturdays Chelsea
v Everton game. Copied without permission from this mornings
Daily Mail.

I wanted to print the full report from Sundays paper but forgot
to bring it in with me this morning. Hopefully the report here
will suffice.

             ======================================

	      SAME OLD STORY FOR GIVEAWAY CHELSEA


CHELSEA managers may come and go but one thing remains the same
at Stamford Bridge. The infuriating inconsistency which always 
seems to plague the London team was there against Everton who
escaped with a 2-2 draw.

Ian Porterfield, the latest man at the helm, was staggered when
Ken Monkou, usually a tower of strength at the back, dithered to
allow Peter Beardsley in to collect the late equaliser. Beardsley
himself was pretty surprised.

"Ken was mucking around on the edge of his area and II couldn't 
 believe it when I caught him. I only had to tuck it past the
 keeper."

Chelsea had fought back well with goals from Wilson and Wise
after another howler from Dave Beasant had gifted John Ebbrell
Evertons first goal. Porterfield, who was annoyed when Beasants
mistake led to a goal at QPR the previous week, said his man had
made another 'bad error'.

The Chelsea boss is looking for new players but played down speculation
linking him to Southamptons Alan Shearer, Mark Bright of Crystal Palace
and Evertons Neville Southall. "There is some money available but prices
are criminal just now," he said.

"We gave away 2 silly goals and didn't play well, but at leats Dennis's
 goal was a tremendous move and I was pleased to see him in the middle
 to get the finish."

Wise was quick to deny that he was seeking a transfer. "There is no
foundation in rumours about me wanting to get away. I'm not unsettled,
I'm happy at Chelsea and want to stay."

                 ====================================

The report from yesterday really gave Beasant a roasting. My opinion
is that time is running out for him as Chelsea have missed out on
four points in the last two games 'cos of him. If Chelsea had won
on Saturday we would have been third.

None the less, we are still in there.

Arsenal this week. Porterfield will have to put a man on Wright, take
him out of the game.

JN.

    Ref my comments in .32 about Beasant.
    I was at the game Saturday, and the game was, on the whole very poor, in
    fact it was crap. Beasant should be dropped for Hitchcock without doubt
    now, the mistake he made was pathetic, but unfortunatley he was not
    alone in making errors. The back four is still shakey, and we were
    lucky not to have been 3-0 down at half-time, but for some poor
    finishing by Everton. Then immediately after the break, Monkou went
    into loony land and twice gave the ball directly to one their strikers
    on the edge of the box. Both should have been goals, but to our luck
    they were missed(Beasant saved one!), and then 4 minutes from the end
    Monkou decided to do a juggle act with Beardsley which resulted in the
    equaliser.
    At the end of the day, the score flattered Chelsea, and I am the last
    to ever say something like that. They were not motivated at all,
    Elliott and Townsend were carrying injuries, and it was hissing down
    with rain all afternoon. Hopefully this is a one-off, and what better
    place to bounce back than ARSEnal. The match is not all-ticket for
    once(probably fed up with shed going in the north bank every year), so
    should be a big gate. Lets hope we get our act together in time, as it
    is my last game for a few years! (leaving to go down-under)
    
    Mn.
    

    
    I'll put in a match report either today or tomorrow.
    
    In a nut shell, Chelsea dominated the game from the start
    and produced two early goals. In true Chelsea fashion they
    threw that lead away and allowed Arsenal back into the game
    by giving away three goals. Against a team like Arsenal its
    no good sitting on an early 2-0 lead hoping to hold on to
    it. Arsenal aren't league champs for nothing.
    
    Later.
    
    JN.

    
    Re:-1
    
    Look forward to the report. I was listening to the match on the 
    BBC World Serice in a Biergarten. Elation turned to severe
    disappointment in the space of 2 beers...
    
    Couple of questions : 
    
    - Was Beasant dropped or was he really ill ?
    
    - I heard that the Arsenal penalty was very dubious, any comments ? 
    
    
    Cheers Jon

    The Arsenal game was one of the most entertaining I have seen. 
    Chelsea took a deserved 2-0 lead, with Dixon running rings around old
    boy Pates, and in fact could have gone 3-0 up if Wise had taken his
    chance. Unfortunately it took a dreadful refereeing decision to put
    Arsenal back into the game, when they were awarded a penalty which even
    the Arsenal players looked surprised!
    The equaliser was a soft tap in, but the 3rd was very good goal. Again
    we let ourselves down, as for the rest of the 2nd half especially
    towards the end we created enough chances to have got a point. Dixons
    miss was terrible, and Wilson had a shot that hit the post. The final
    score was not a fair result on the balance of play, but then you dont
    call Arsenal the 'lucky reds' for nothing.
    Another note, the away end at Arsenal is now so small that it was full
    at about 2pm, and like many others I had to stand in the North Bank.
    The Arsenal fans were not bothered but I could never see the reverse
    happening in the shed!
    Mn.

    Didn't you forget to mention that Hitchcock made a great save from
    Wright and that Arsenal hit the post in the first ten minutes??
    
    Anyway, I wanted to talk about penalties...Well actually handballs in
    the penalty area.  As I understand the rules...if there is a deliberate
    handball, its a penalty and an automatic red card (under the new FIFA
    directives).  No problems there...
    
    But what if there is an unintentional handball??  (eg Vinny Jones on
    Sat against the Arse)   Shouldn't the referee let play continue??  If
    this is the case, then a handball decision becomes a judgement call by
    the referee (was it intentional or not).
    
    I don't think you can let referees make judgement calls like that.  A
    handball is a handball is a handball and if it happens in the penalty
    area, its a penalty.   Sorry Vinny.
    
    PJ 

    
    Unfortunately, for those who are interested, I am unable
    to post a detailed match report from Saturdays game. 
    
    I telephoned my woman yesterday to ensure that Sundays 
    paper would be saved only to discover that I was too late.
    
    Sorry 'bout that.
       
                 ------------------------
    
    REFs make bad/incorrect decisions. Saturdays decision against
    Vinnie was one of those. It should not have been a penalty.
    
    Unfortunately thats the way the game goes and I would still 
    have said it was a bad decision if it was an Arsenal player 
    in his own penalty area. I think REFs have a tough job as it
    is and once they have made a decision then thats it, unless
    the linesman wishes to say otherwise.
    
    JN.
    
    

    
    BTW. My prediction for tonight is Chelsea 2  Tranny 1.
    
    
    JN.

>>    REFs make bad/incorrect decisions. Saturdays decision against
>>    Vinnie was one of those. It should not have been a penalty.

I'm afraid you'll find that Mr. Jones suffers from this quite a lot.  He has a
reputation that goes before him, and as a consequence very seldom gets awarded
a 50-50 decision.

He adds a lot of enthusiasm to side, but the down side is he suffers a lot
from referees prejudice

    <<  I think REFs have a tough job as it is and once they have
    <<  made a decision then thats it, unless the linesman wishes
    <<  to say otherwise.
        
    
    On the subject of refs and linesman....in the Arsenal match on Sat,
    Cambell had a shot that Hitchcock turned around the post.  Everyone
    started to line-up for a corner (including the linesman) but the ref
    signaled a goal-kick.  Should a linesman interfere and say "Excuse me,
    you blind bat, but that was a corner" or do we assume the ref is right
    all the time?
    
    PJ     

    
    RE -1. 
    
    YES. The linesman should interfere and indeed I've seen it happen.
    Sometimes a REF can make a decision knowing afterwards that it
    was the wrong one but does/will not change his mind. Some REFs
    use the linesmen to their own advantage in order that they may
    make a better job of running the game.
    
    A game I was playing in a couple of years ago saw us defending
    a corner. The ball came across but was short. I went for the 
    ball and the guy I was marking came with me but was about 2 yards
    behind me. I was the only person to touch the ball and I nutted it
    back into touch for another corner. The REF, who was about 5 yards 
    to my right, gave a goal kick. Even I remarked to him. The linesman
    signalled again and the REF trotted over. Consequently a corner was
    given.
    
    Some REFs use linesmen and others just look down on them. I'm in charge
    your not.
    
    JN.

    
    On the subject of ref's and linesmen - at the Everton - Tottenham game
    on Saturday, Lineker seemed to get pulled down in the box, the ref
    looked at the linesman, the lineman looked at the ref and Lineker stood
    up and indicated it wasn't a foul - the ref gave a goal kick - how many
    other players would do that ?
    
    Paul
    
    PS Tottenham were 3-1 down at the time

    If all this honesty catches on, perhaps we can do away with Refs
    completely!!
    
    PJ
    

Gentlemen. It is with a heavy heart and tearful eyes that I enter
the following match report copied without permission from this
mornings Daily Mail.


               ====================================

Tranny 3     Chelsea 1

AGG    4-2 AET. 90 Mins 1-1.

                      BITTER KNOCK-OUT !!

	      TEN-MAN CHELSEA IN PENALTY PROTEST


CHELSEA went bitterly out of the Rumbelows Cup last night, knocked
down with what they claimed was an illegal blow from John Aldridge
then counted out in the last few seconds of extra time.

They appeared to reach the escape hatch in the second leg of the 
second round tie at Prenton Park, clawing their way back for an 
equaliser and sustaining their attacks with ten men deep into 
extra time. Young Damian Matthew was sent off seven minutes after 
Dennis  Wise put them level. He had to go after a second bookable 
offence as he clashed with Mark Hughes.

Referee Paul Harrison, of Bolton, also booked five of his team mates,
skipper Andy Townsend, Le Saux, Joe Allon, the sub who had to be 
subbed, Wise and goalkeeper Kevin Hitchcock. Wise and Hitchcock had 
their names taken for arguing longest in the mass protest after 
Aldridge dispatched the penalty that put the Second Division side 
ahead for the second time three minutes from the end of extra time.

When the players surrounded Harrison they didn't complain about the 
award, for a trip by Townsend on Republic of Ireland Team mate Aldridge. 
They were furious that Aldridge was allowed to get away with the double 
shuffle when taking the kick. They claimed it had been outlawed.

Kevin Hitchcock was still making his point at the final whistle, 
seconds after Tranmere sub Chris Malkin smashed in the third clinching 
goal. He was restrained by Tranmere coach Ronnie Moore as he moved 
towards Aldridge.

Chelsea manager Porterfield said, "It was a penalty but it was a bit
harsh the way it was taken; the way he went up, stopped and checked.
We have watched a video of Tranmere and seen him do that and it is
not allowed as far as we gather." But Aldridge, the countries top
scorer who took his total for the season to 15, countered, "There
was no doubt about the penalty and it was not a shuffle. I paused
but I did not stop. Its a question of interpretation."

Manager Johnny King supported his 33 year old striker, "The ref. had
a word with Aldo and told him not to do a skimmy. Aldo did not
shuffle. He just stopped and put it in the corner. He scored a 
penalty and the ref allowed it. You can't say any more."

Chelsea set off in the second leg of this second round tie like 
men determined not to go the way of earlier representatives
from Stamford Bridge, beaten but Scarborough, Scunthorpe and 
Reading in recent years in the competition. But when their early
superiority failed to bring goals, first frustration, later 
desperation set in.

They fell behind after 36 minutes to a fine header from Jim Steel.
Wise pulled them level 16 minutes into the second half. Seven 
minutes later Matthew went off and Allon, booked within 45 seconds
of his intro as a sub, was later replaced by teenager Andy Myers
as blood streamed from a head cut.

The Chelsea ten looked the more likely winners - until those 
blows in the last three minutes of extra time.


            =========================================

    Once again, the great Aldo has proved all the critics wrong and if Aldo
    said that he didn't stop in his run up to the ball, then I believe him.
    Great result for Tranny and another disaster for Chelsea.
    
      Mr. Objective.

    Martin,
    
    Have you ever made love to Aldo? :-)
    
    Noel

    
    	If TGD told you to cut your d*ck off, you'd probably do that, too!!
    
    	Only kidding, Martin 8-)
    
    	Andy.

    its a pity TGA (the great arsehol*) wouldnt do his job for Ireland.
               
    F*****g W****R!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    
    I feel sick...I spent all last night listening to the match on Radio
    5. It was *ALL* Chelsea and yet we get done by another penalty.
    Gettin a bit harsh, these days. I doesnt help with players critising
    referrees..it only makes them mark you down and they'll get even
    in the end.
    
    What bloody justice.
    
    *Tiger*

    
    Just a touch of sour grapes I feel my foul mouthed friend !
    

    
    re-2
    
    Hi Tiger  
    
    Long time no note eh !!!!
    
    
    Liam

    
    I saw some brief highlights of the Chelsea/Tranny game last
    night and from the camera angle could see no real problem
    with the run up to take the penalty.
    
    All I saw was Aldo's arse wiggle a bit about � way through
    his approach. Obviously there was more to it than that and
    a different camera angle would have shown it.
    
    I am of the opinion that whatever the spot kicker does before
    kicking the ball is up to him. Having said that the 'shimmy'
    is designed to make the goalkeeper move in the wrong direction,
    BUT the keeper is not allowed to move his FEET until the ball
    is kicked which is why you see alot of keepers waving their arms
    etc. Therefore the rules are open to interpretation.
    
    I cannot actually remember many penalties where a keeper has remained
    rooted to the spot until the ball is kicked.
    
    If it really is that much of a problem then the rule should be revised.
    
    JN.
    

    
    	re .59..
    
    	I agree, JN....
    
    	The keeper should keep still. BUT...dummying the spot-kick can be
    	construed as "ungentlemanly conduct" and should warrant a caution.
    	TGD's spot-kick looked Ok. What I didn't like was the disgraceful
    	behaviour of many of the Chelsea players afterwards. A large pack
    	of them, led by Wise, were pursuing the ref, spitting their hatred
    	at him and generally behaving very badly. 
    
    	I really do not like seeing players - whatever club - jostling and
    	swearing at referees in this way. Unless the refs do something 	
    	about it very soon we will soon see some of those disgusting scenes
    	we saw in the World Cup when supposed "professionals" pushed/barged/
    	abused referees when they disagreed with his decision. The
    	Argentinians did this a couple of times (the ref was completely
    	surrounded) but they weren't the only ones..
    
    	Players have a responsibilty to abide by officials' decisions.
    
	Andy.     

    
    I read somewhere the other day (okay it was the Sun shhhh) that Bright
    would be signing for Chelsea soon, can anyone confirm?
    
    I've been out for nearly 3 weeks now so I have a lot of catching up to
    do, thanks for the info that's been posted, especially the match
    reports, even though they haven't exactly been in our favour.
    
    Re. the Tranmere result, hands up all those that seriously thought we'd
    go through, Hah! :-)
    
    Loz.

                      <<< Note 31.63 by CRISPY::JOLLYL >>>
                              -< Super Blues !!! >-

    
>>    I read somewhere the other day (okay it was the Sun shhhh) that Bright
>>    would be signing for Chelsea soon, can anyone confirm?
    
>>    I've been out for nearly 3 weeks now so I have a lot of catching up to
>>    do, thanks for the info that's been posted, especially the match
>>    reports, even though they haven't exactly been in our favour.
    
>>    Re. the Tranmere result, hands up all those that seriously thought we'd
>>    go through, Hah! :-)
    
>>    Loz.

Lawrence,

It's good to see you're back, did it took you three weeks to get rid of
the hangover you created in Holland?

I wouldn't worry too much about our results 'cause on the 14th of december
the flying Dutch Blues brigade will invade the west stand of the Bridge to
support Chelsea to a trashing win over the Mancs.

T_

    What's in .61 ?
    
    Confused of Leeds.

    
    Gary Spain,
    
    did you get my reply to your mail?
    
    Loz.

                      <<< Note 31.66 by CRISPY::JOLLYL >>>

    
>    Gary Spain,
    
>    did you get my reply to your mail?
    
>    Loz.


I believe he is Poland at the moment.

Cheers,

Stuart

On the 14th of december I will be over from Holland to see the
Chelsea v Man utd game, good odl Lawrence will supply me the tickets
but probably won't make it himself due to other arragments. My question
is will any of you guys be there so that we could have a beer or two??

T_

    
    Sounds like a good idea. I may be going to the game so would
    favour getting together for a beer before hand.
    
    Can someone point me in the right direction for tickets .??
    
    I seem to be having immense problems obtaining them.
    
    JN.

    
    Haven't got time to put in the full report but basically
    Chelsea have made a move for David James, England U-21
    and Watford keeper. They are talking about 1.3 million
    quid. James requested a transfer from Watford after
    refusing to sign a new contract.
    
    Liverpool are also interested but have not made an offer.
    Sourpuss travelled to Reading to see James in the U-21
    England Turkey game. Looks like its good bye to Gobby
    Grobbla and Hooper has torn calf muscles and will be in
    plaster for ten weeks.
    
    Hopefully Chelsea will nab him as we need a decent goal
    keeper. With a bit of luck, if the money gets silly, Ian
    Porterfield will have more than 1.3 mill to play with.
    
    JN.

                       <<< Note 31.69 by DUCK::NAGLEJ >>>

    
>>    Sounds like a good idea. I may be going to the game so would
>>    favour getting together for a beer before hand.
    
>>    Can someone point me in the right direction for tickets .??
    
>>    I seem to be having immense problems obtaining them.
    
>>    JN.

You're on for the 14th, as for tickets ask Lawrence, he knows his way
around the Bridge.

T_

'allo boys.

Once again I've forgotten the match report from yesterdays
paper but I've picked up a snippet from this mornings
Daily Mail which I have copied without permission.

   		================================

	        TEENAGERS STEAL SHOW AT CHELSEA


Graeme Souness used the excuse Graham Taylor failed to
exploit after Wednesday's Wembley debacle.

"Players hate the wind," he said after his teams uneven 
draw at the Bridge, "and it affected us more than chelsea
because we are a passing team." Yet the wind was half the 
strength it had been at Wembley when England were blown
off course, "it makes it harder to play the ball to feet,"
Souness explained.

These days Liverpool, who last won a League game on September
7th, play the ball to feet less thasn they used to but they 
compete better than England did. "It was effort out there
from start to finish," Souness said.

It is a sign of the times when even an injury stricken dynasty
like Liverpool is now forced to value effort ahead of class, but
Souness still refuses to rul out the Championship coming back
to Anfield. "We're not out of it, never," he said emphatically.
"We are a team that keeps going and who's to say that the leaders
at the moment won't have the same injury problems we've had ?"

Eager Chelsea, without Kerry Dixon and Dennis Wise, were fresher
and keener than they have been recently and much of the credit
for that went to two 17 year olds who manager Porterfield claims,
"are going to make a sensational impact."

Andy Myers, a graduate of the FA's school of excellence, scored
once and nearly got a late winner. Sponsors Commodore made him 
man-of-the-match and the way he conducted himself in the post-
match interview was an object lesson to misguided managers who
say that players have to be protected from the media.

The other 17 year old, Ian pearce, came on in the second half
to further embarrass a Liverpool defense which quiver at the 
sight of a well driven corner. Pearce prefers to play at 
center half but with Chelsea needing a stand-in striker for
Dixon, he's been moved into attack. "I was going to take A-
levels but Chelsea made me a good offer and I took it," he
said.

Why impecunious football clubs have to keep paying out millions
for players who are marginally better than tghose they already
have is questionable. Surely the ideal way is to ensure that
the supply from within never dries up. Chelsea are doing that
with five youngsters from the youth scheme playing in the first
divisionalready this season. They are being true to their
traditions.

Yet, along with Liverpool, they are bidding big money for Watford's
England U-21 goalkeeper David James. While James was being blamed
for one of the goals in Watfords 2-1 home defeat, Kevin Hitchcock
was having an excellent game. "Both goals were deflections, which
in the position I'm in is a complete nightmare," Hithccock said,
"the shot from Ian Rush which went in off Paul Elliots arm would
have finished up in seat four of row eight in the West stand."

Chelsea have made a 1.5 million bid for James and he is expected
to see Porterfield this week.

CHELSEA. Jones (9 Mins). Myers (52mins).

LIVERPOOL. McManaman (14 mins). Rush (58 mins).

    Just like to say that these Match Reports are great. Please keep
    em up....
    
    Thanks,
    
    *Tiger*

    
    re: -1
    
    Cheers.
    
    As long as people read them I'll keep putting them in.
    
    JN.

    re: -1
    
    Keep up the good work and thanks.
    
    Stephen
    

    
    	Chelsea 1      Swindon 0
       	(Jones 88)
    
    	Att: 5,784
    
    	Does anyone have a match report.
    	(Thats if anyone can build up enough motivation).
    
    	Zenith data Systems cup rules O.K.
    
    	Nige...	.  .
    

    As reported in the Irish Press.
    
    Vinny Jones scored with a bullet header from a corner 30 seconds into
    injury time to break the deadlock in the Zenith Data Systems Cup at
    Stamford Bridge. The 90th minute goal averted the bleak prospect of
    extra time after an uneventful match with too many passes going astray,
    and too little goalmouth action before a crowd of only 5,784
    
    Stephen
    

    What's the news with Townsend,just heard he injured his groin in the
    ZDS pre-match warmup ,possibly missing Ireland's match v Turkey...
    
    
    M.J.

    
    Sorry lads. There was no match report in the Daily Mail 
    yesterday. I've been through the rubbish bins this morning
    in the office to try and find a copy of yesterdays Sun
    or Mirror. Found the Mirror and that didn't even have
    a match report.
    
    Nothing on Townsend either.
    
    A little snippet I have just read in the paper. Terry Butcher
    will fine himself up to a 1000 quid for being sent off in 
    Wednesdays game. Quite amusing I thought.
    
    Chelsea to play Ipswich in the next round of ZDS.
    
    JN.

'Allo boys.

    I've saved the brief match report from yesterdays Mail 
    which I've copied without permission.

             ========================================

C. Palace  0    Chelsea   0


Some matches are so full of skill and excitement that neither
side deserves to lose. But this witless London Derby was so poor
that it could be argued that neither side deserved to win.

A goaless draw was a fitting result even if a point each seemed
too generous for two sides whose defences outperformed their 
attacks. The real losers were those among the 21,841 crowd who
ventured to Selhurst Park rather than watch England's defeat
of Scotland in rugby's World Cup. Indeed the biggest cheer of
the afternoon came from both sets of supporters when the result
filtered through to the terraces.

There was little danger of either Palace or Chelsea raising such
a cheer from the crowd. So bad was the finishing that Chelsea did
not force a single save from Palace goalkeeper Nigel Martyn, while
Kevin Hitchcock at the other end had little more to do.

Chelsea Manager Porterfield said, "Palace are a direct and difficult 
side to play against and we were please to keep a clean sheet."
Palace Manager Coppell said, "It was frustrating for us but I was
please that we didn't concede a goal."


         ---------------------------------------------

BTW. Chelsea have also pulled out of the running to sign Watfords
     David James stating that they only want to sign players who
     want to play for Chelsea. Basically Chelsea were beinig pissed
     around.

    
    Since Andy Townsend played on Sturday I assume he's back to full
    fitness.  That's good news for Chelsea and Ireland.
    
    Any thoughts on the cost of watching football at the Bridge this year?
    I think �15 for the West Stand and �20 for the East Stand is excessive
    for Category 1 games.
    
    Gary.

    Sorry Gary,
    
    Ceefax last night had Townsend out until at least the New Year
    following a double hernia op.

>attacks. The real losers were those among the 21,841 crowd who
>ventured to Selhurst Park rather than watch England's defeat
>of Scotland in rugby's World Cup. Indeed the biggest cheer of
    
    
    Obviously spoken by a person who also DIDN'T watch that sh*te at
    Murrayfield. Come on the Aussies and the Kiwis.

Just heard early result

 Coventry 0   Chelsea 1

    
    Lads. No reports et al over the past 1.5 weeks. Reason being 
    I've been staying in a London hospital with my 10 week old
    daughter who was taken in last week.
    
    Not that much happens in here anyway.

    JN.

    
    
    	I read in the paper this morning that Ian Porterfield will bid for
    the polish international Andrezj Lesiak. Porterfield will be travelling
    tonight to watch him play in Belgium. I think the offer will be approx
    500,000 pounds. If this is true and he does join Chelsea Lesiak would
    pair with Paul Elliott in defence.
    
    This would be my team for the future;
    
    				Hitchcock
    
    	Cundy		Elliott		Lesiak		Boyd
    
    	Wise		Jones 		Townsend	Le saux
                                       (When Fit)
    			Dixon		Myers
    	 	   
    
    Cheers
    Nige......
              

    I'm dating Vinny Jones's mum, so there!
     f
    

	re -2
	
	The very articulate Ken Monkou is currently buying a house through my
	estate agent mate, but when asked, refused to be drawn over the prospect 
	of another defender going to the Bridge, but he is obviously intent on
	staying in this area.

	Also, the last time I saw Ken at a Bagshot nightclub, he seemed 
	genuinely interested by my offer of Sunday morning football, but I 
	added a proviso that he might have to start on the bench, "'cos we've 
	got a couple of useful players at the back". The good sport laughed 
	like a drain. [Have I related this anecdote before? Who cares?]

	The Fridge.



	

    re .85
    
    Hope your little girl is ok...
           
    I have two little ones myself and I hate it when they are sick.
    
    cheers,
    
    *Tiger*
                                       

    
    RE -1. Cheers.
    
    Here is a report on the Mo Jonson story, copied without 
    permission from todays Daily Mail.
    
    
             ---------------------------------------------------
    
    CHELSEA TO DECIDE ON MORE TALKS FOR 1.5 MILL JOHNSON.
    
    MO JOHNSON could be on his way to Chelsea if the Stamford Bridge
    club decide to follow up their interest in the �1.5 Million Rangers
    and Scotland striker. They inquired about Johnson's availability
    earlier this week. A fee was discussed and it is up to Chelsea to
    test Rangers resolve to keep the 28 year old by putting a bid in
    writing. Ibrox Chairman David Murray said, "Talks will continue
    over the next couple of days but the ball is in Chelsea's court."
    
    Johnson, who has started only one of Rangers last six matches and
    was a sub for Scotland against San marino in mid-week, was linked
    with Leeds earlier this month. But manager Wilkie and his Rangers
    counterpart, Walter Smith denied that he was bound for Elland Road.
    
       -----------------------------------------------------------
    
    JN.

    Could some one be kind enough to post here what fixtures Chelsea have
    over the Christmas period as I'll be over in the UK for a while and
    like to :-
                1. Dodge Christmass shopping
    and or      2. Get some fresh air after eating/drinking too much
                   on the 25th
    
    -Dom

    
    Dom,
    
    I don't know how long you are here over the Christmas period, but here
    are the fixtures for December and January.
    
    Sat   Dec 14    Manchester United (H)**
    Sat   Dec 21    Oldham Athletic   (H)
    Thu   Dec 26    Notts County      (A)
    Sat   Dec 28    Luton Town	      (A)
    Wed   Jan  1    Manchester City   (H)**
    Sat   Jan 11    Tottenham Hotspur (H)**
    Sat   Jan 18    Wimbledon	      (A)
    
    ** (Recommended games if you over here at the time).
    
    Cheers
    Nige.
                                                                 

    Nige.
      
    Thanks a lot for the info. I'm over between the 18th and 30th.
    I'd have liked to have seen the Man Utd game but it looks like 
    it'll be Oxford Street of Oldham Utd (Not much in it :-))
    
    -Dom

    
    A friend of mine showed me the 1992 Barclays league directory book last
    night. It has information on every team in the League's. There are 
    several pages of information/facts/figures on the more well known
    teams. Obviously I flicked through the pages straight to Chelsea.
    
    I wonder if any of you Chelsea fans can answer these questions;
    
    What was the first game played at Stamford Bridge and what was the
    score?
    
    What was the highest ever attendance at Stamford Bridge and who were
    Chelsea playing? (Answer to nearest thousand).
    
    What was the lowest attendance at Stamford Bridge?
    
    Who did Chelsea play in the first Floodlit game?
    
    What was Chelsea's biggest ever victory in the FA cup?
    
    What was Chelsea's biggest league defeat?
    
    Who scored the most goals in one season and what season was it?
    
    Who was the youngest player ever to play for Chelsea and how old was
    he?
    
    Try and answer them with out the help of a book. I will put the answers 
    in at a later date.
    
    Cheers
    Nige.... 
    
    

two answers from Holland

Highest att was against Arsenal on the 12th of October 1935, 82.905
Lowest att was against Plymouth Argyle on the 9th of november 1988 4.767, btw
this was for the Somod Cup.

T_

    A healdine on Portugal' sports newspaper 'A Bola' read:
    
    "English spies at Est�dio Da Luz. Chelsea wants magnusson."
    
    Any such rumor at Chelsea?
    
    He's been a prolific goal scorer for Benfica for the last few seasons.
    This year he hasn't played as much as the Soviet Iuran has taken his
    spot. I watched Chelsea on TV against the scousers and their style
    seems to be one in which Magnusson could fit in quite well. He is an
    opportunistic striker. You don't hear his name often during a telecast
    but when you do, its usually a goal or a good chance.
    
    JC
    

rep on .94

Here's another one for you, the first game at the Bridge was against
Hull City, Chelsea beat them 5-1 with an attn of 6.000, first ever
Chelsea goal was by John Tate Robertson.


T_ who_is_an_Alltime_Chelsea_fan_from_Holland

    
    Does anyone know if the game at The Bridge against Man Utd. on December
    14th is all ticket?. If so, can anyone supply me with the ticket office
    number. Thanks.
    
    Leigh
    

    
    Leigh,
    
    	I am not sure whether the game is all ticket or not, but I will 
    	leave you the Ticket office number. I would of thought the game
    	would be all ticket though.
    
    	Ticket Office No: 071-386-7799
    
    	24 hour ticket news/promotions line: (0898) 121011
    
    	cheers
    	Nige......

    
    Is it true we have signed M. Gilkes from Reading for 400,000?
    
    Nige....

                      <<< Note 31.98 by JGODCL::DAVIES >>>
                                -< All ticket? >-

    
>>    Does anyone know if the game at The Bridge against Man Utd. on December
>>    14th is all ticket?. If so, can anyone supply me with the ticket office
>>    number. Thanks.
    
>>    Leigh
  
Lawrence checked it for me last week and the game is NOT all-ticket.

T_   

    
    
    Here are the answers from .94
    
    1. What was the first game played at Stamford bridge and who were
       Chelsea playing?
    
       Chelsea 4     Liverpool 0  (Friendly)     4th September 1905
    
    2. What was the highest ever attendance at stamford Bridge and who were
       Chelsea playing?
    
       Attendance: 82,905    v   Arsenal   12th October 1935
    
       (A friend of mine reckons that the highest gate was against Sparta.
    	The crowd was not successfully recorded because the turnstiles
    	broke. He says that the crowd were around the side-lines of the
    	pitch. Could be true I suppose??)
    
    3. What was the lowest attendance at Stamford Bridge?
    
       Lowest Attendance: 4,767     v    Plymouth   4th November 1988
    
    4. Who did Chelsea play in the first floodlit game?
    
       First floodlit game was against Sparta on the 19th March 1951.
    
    5. What was Chelsea's biggest ever victory in the FA cup?
    
       Biggest ever victory in the FA cup was 9-1 v Worksop (1st round).
       (31.01.1908)
    
    6. What was Chelsea's biggest league defeat?
    
       Biggest league defeat was 8-1 v Wolves (Division 1)
       (26.09.1923)
    
    7. Who scored the most goals in one season and what season was it?
    
       Jimmy Greaves scored 43 goals in one season (1960/61).
    
    8. Who was the youngest player ever to play for Chelsea and how old was
       he?
    
       The youngest player to play for Chelsea was Ian Hamilton at the age
       of 16 years 4 months (1966/67).
    
    
    Cheers
    Nige.......
                                                 

    
    I see there was a stunning response to your competition then Nige.
    
    Tim

    
    Yes Tim,
    
    I think the moral of the Chelsea notes file is very low at the moment.
    It's probably because Chelsea are playing so CRAP!!!! 8-)
    
    Cheers 
    Nige..... 8-)

    
    So what's new???
    
    Tim (only kidding)

    Tiger and Gary,

    I believe the live match on Network 2 on Saturday is Chelsea V Forest
    or vice versa. Looking forward to seeing Irish Vinnie in action.

    
    The Man Utd. game has now been switched from the 14th to Sunday 15th
    December & will be the live game upon TV. Has Bates had a change of
    tune - or do Chelsea need a few bob from TV towards the �22.8 million
    so as to stay at The Bridge?.
    
    Leigh
    

    What was the result of the ZDS game against Ipswich the other night?
    
    Andy
    

                    <<< Note 31.108 by YUPPY::ASHLEYSMITH >>>
                               -< Ken Bates Cup >-

>>    What was the result of the ZDS game against Ipswich the other night?
    
>>    Andy
    
4-3 on penalties


T_

                      <<< Note 31.107 by JGODCL::DAVIES >>>
                                 -< Live Game >-

    
>>    The Man Utd. game has now been switched from the 14th to Sunday 15th
>>    December & will be the live game upon TV. Has Bates had a change of
>>    tune - or do Chelsea need a few bob from TV towards the �22.8 million
>>    so as to stay at The Bridge?.
    
>>    Leigh
  
That's nice just as I've booked and paid for my trip this happens :-(

T_ :-((
  

    I'm flying over from Schiphol that weekend too!!.

                      <<< Note 31.111 by JGODCL::DAVIES >>>
                                -< Live Match >-

>>    I'm flying over from Schiphol that weekend too!!.

We are flying on Thuersday to London, also from Schiphol but our flight back
is scheduled for around 12 so I'll have to call the travel agency and see if
they can change the flight schedule for us, hope so 'cause then we will be
able to see our favorite team play and we can also pick a Saturday game,
Arsenal and West Ham are playing at home so it probably will be West Ham.

T_

just received word for the travel agency and there are no other flights
available, everything seems to be booked up, so it will be West Ham on
saturday.

T_ :-(

at last another win in the League, anyone got a match report, seem that
Dixon scored!

T_

    
    It looks like we bought Clive Allen from Man City for 250,000.- pounds,
    but what do we need a 30 year old attacker for???? scoring??????
    
    
    T_

    
                LEAGUE GOALS
    
                DIXON     4
                ELLIOTT   2
                ALLON     2
                LE SAUX   3
                TOWNSEND  4
                WISE      5
                WILSON    2
                JONES     2
                MYERS     1
    
      I think it would be a good buy for Chels when you look at this
      seasons statistics.
    
          ANDY.B
    

    
    
     Chelsea are now in the southern area final of the zenith data
     cup after winning 0-1 at Crystal Palace last night.
     Chelsea scored from a wise free-kick which Dixon headed home.
     The blues put up a good performance with little pressure
     from Palace, Clive alan made his mark by getting himself booked
     a few minutes before the end.
     We are now due to play either West Ham or Southampton before going
     to wembley..
    
    
      andy......b
    

    
    I thought we were well beaten yesterday.  Clive Allen did look
    dangerous and he appears to be a good signing.  Looks like another
    trophyless season (apart from getting back the Mickey Mouse cup).
    
    Gary.
    
    PS theremust have been a large contingent of Irish Chelsea fans at the
    game.  I could clearly hear the chant "Vinny for England"  :-) :-)

    Chelsea lost 2-0 to Notts County on Boxing Day.
    
    Stuart.

     <<< Note 31.119 by NEWOA::CANTY "Oh when the Saints go marching in" >>>
                                  -< Defeat >-

>>    Chelsea lost 2-0 to Notts County on Boxing Day.
    
>>    Stuart.

And again last Saturday against Luton Town :-(

T_

    
    	Chelsea 1 Man City 1
    
    2 more points thrown away today when we conceded a last minute
    equaliser after dominating for 90 minutes.  Clive Allen scored our goal
    on 54 minutes.
    
    We're not that far off the relegation zone and with Luton currently
    playing like champions relegation is still a possibility.
    
    I wonder will Ian Portefield be the first managerial casualty of the
    New Year.
    
    Gary.

    
    Nice to see Chelsea beat Hull City 2-0 over the weekend. Sorry
    about the lack of match reports but what with changing jobs,
    moving house and in and out of hospital with our daughter I
    barely get time to read them myself.
    
    Anyway, Everton in the next round who could only manage a 1-0
    win over Southend, but we all know that statistics mean sod all
    in football when it come to big clubs against little clubs as
    Wrexham proved against Arsenal and F'rough against West Ham.
    
    Going on the Chelsea/Everton League result earlier in the season
    I reckon Chelsea will do them. 2-1 or 3-2.
    
    BTW. Have any of you read a book by Pete Davies called 'ALL PLAYED
    OUT' ?? The book is the full story of Italia '90 and is a remarkable
    insight into the players, management, press, media and everything
    around the World Cup and the build up to it.
    
    If you haven't read it then read it. Its been quoted as the best
    book on football in 30 years. I wil lend my copy on request.
    
    If you have read it then what did you think of it ??
    
    JN.

    
    at last a win (v Hull)....we could do with a few points to shore
    up the league campaign, though. City do seem to have a knack of
    scoring 90th minute equalisers against us!!...Hope you all had
    a nice Christmas, despite the results. I had my best Christmas
    in years...just a nice laid back time, all in all. a bit like
    the Chelsea team these days, laid back!
    
    If we dont shape up our league displays before February, I can
    see Ian P. saying bye bye to the Bridge. Whats the story on the
    ground purchase at the Bridge? Will we move, and if so, where?
    
    Regards to all (particulary those Wrexham chaps!!)
    
    *tiger*

    
    
     Chelsea are now to play Southampton in a two legged southern area
     final of the Zenith Data Systems Trophy..
     Southampton struggled to come back from being one down at the break,
     but finaly took the game four minutes from time when they were awarded
     a penalty for a dive..
    
     ANDY-B
    

    Gary,
    
    I enjoyed watching Chelsea beat the spivs 2-0 on RTE on Saturday.
    
    I noticed a lot of empty cars at the Chelsea end. Any reason why? ;-)

    
    
    The cars were put there to stop the ball going to far as they
    knew that tottenham wouldn't get one on target..
    
    The empty cars belong to the disabled supporters among the crowd.
    
       andy...b
    

A quick report from this mornings Daily Mail. Copied without
permission.

CHELSEA 2 	SPURS 0

Allen (12)
Wise  (70)


		ALLEN STILL HAS TIME ON HIS SIDE.

GREAT DEEDS on the football pitch are all about timing and
nothing emphasised that better than Clive Allen's 12th minute
strike which put Chelsea on the way to an easy 2-0 win over
cup-obsessed Spurs.

As the ball fell at a tight angle on the right, he met it 
perfectly with his right foot - the timing absolutely right -
and the velocity imparted was such that Eric Thorstvedt found
himself well beaten on his near post. Terry fenwick, the 
experienced Spurs defender, who was trying to disposses Allen,
was as surprised as the rest of us.

With Allen scoring them and the returned Jason Cundy, the games
outstanding defender, stopping them, Chelsea now have the look of
a side who might do well in the FA cup - especially as sides like 
Everton, their next cup opponents, won't be too happy about the 
playing surface at the Bridge. It was cut up before the start and
as Spurs Manager Shreeves said, "They fought us all over the pitch
and won it well."

This competitive instinct was exemplified by Vinnie Jones right at 
the start when, obviously thinking that Graham Stuart had shown 
some reluctance to put his foot in, screamed rudely at his team-mate.
To do that within hearing distance of the Police Officers, who regularly
admonish people about swearing on that side of the ground, was a risky
way to behave. After all he was recently fined �1,500 for an insulting
gesture to the crowd.

Allen has no need to shout at anyone. His business is scoring and he
said afterwards, "I've been doing that for 14 years now and I hope
to continue, one every two games. I hit that one sweetly and it flew 
in. Erik didn't expect me to get a shot in from there. I had a bit of
a lean spell at Man City and now I'm making up for it but I still
scored 21 goals in 42 games for City which is as good as my average
anywhere."

His seven moves cost �6.25 million and West Ham is the only major
first division club he hasn't played for. Perhaps if they had bought
him for �250,000 and not Chelsea there would be fewer demonstrations
at Upton Park. The man who set a record of 49 goals in a season for
Spurs was kind about gary Lineker who missed this one but will be
back for tomorrows FA cup replay against Villa. "If anyone is going
to break my record it will be him. He's got 23 already and Spurs are
still in three cups and are in a good League position. Id he does I'll
be honoured to relenquish it to him," he said.

               ==========================================

    as my (Man Utd supporter) brother informed me on saturday night,
    Wimbledon Reserves beat Wimbledon 2-1 at Selhurst Park. I said
    its only hard cheese as you lot are going to lose everything
    you're in now.
    
    anyways, we're now in 8th place in the league, and facing Everton
    in the FA cup 4th round on sunday. The match is live on the BBC
    I believe. Chelsea are also playing Southampton tomorrow, tuesday
    in the SOuthern Final first leg of the ZDS Cup. That match is live
    on SKY Sports.
    
    Lets hope we can keep our heads together and achieve something from
    a season which was rapidly heading for the second division.
    
    Well done blues,
    
    *Tiger*

    
    Clive Allen scored his 7th goal in 10 matches for Chels on saturday,
    also Andy townsend added to the score list to help Chelsea to a 1-2
    away victory over wimbledon..
      
    ANDY..B.
    

    Any truth in the rumour of ANDY going to Arsenel for 5 Mil.
    
    Stephen
    

    
    Anyone know a pub in Galway with Sky Sports?
    
    Soton v Chelsea is live on TV night.
    
    Gary.

    
     Chelsea are 2-0 down after the first leg of the Zenith Data Systems
     Trophy at Southampton last night.
     I saw the match on sky and Chelsea couldn't even put a pass together,
     if it had not been for hithcock, Chelsea would have been 4 down before
     half time. I quickly turned over on the final whistle before they
     gave the interviews as Big Ron Atkinson and some others had been
     ripping Chelsea apart during the game, the sad thing is, Chels 
     deserved it.
    
     ANDY B.
     

    
    
    re : last
    
    Maybe it was because Andy Townsend was on Question Of Sport at the
    time. Did he make it for the 2nd Half
    
    :))))))))))))))))))))0

I've gotta question, are the BLUES playing at home on the 1st of Feb and
if so  against who? a collegue and team-mate (Citta del Duomo) will be in
London and he wants to see Chelsea play.

T_

    I regret to inform you that they are away to Liverpool on 1st Feb.
    
    
     S�mon

    God bless Chelsea, but I hope Everton stuff them this afternoon. I've
    backed them with my friendly local bookmaker.
    
    Tony

                <<< Note 31.136 by SUBURB::ABSOLOMT "Revenge" >>>

>>    God bless Chelsea, but I hope Everton stuff them this afternoon. I've
>>    backed them with my friendly local bookmaker.
    
>>    Tony

Well seems you've backed the wrong team, thank God!!!!!!!

Chelsea 1  Everton 0

T_

          <<< Note 31.135 by PEKING::TRINDERS "Are we winning yet?" >>>
                               -< Sorry but.... >-

>>    I regret to inform you that they are away to Liverpool on 1st Feb.
    
    
>>     S�mon

Not much luck for the Dutch Chelsea fans it seems, anyway thanks for the info
Simon.

T_

    Can anyone spare a few bob??
    
    Tony

	Any match reports ???

	How many has Allen now scored for Chelsea ?


	jon

    Allen has now scored 7 for the blues I think.
    
    Quote from Vinny Jones during the post match interview.
    
    Interviwer: What's Chelsea policy? (Football wise)
    
    Jones: Shit or bust.
    
    Well Gary if it's okay for BBC1 it must be okay for notes.
    
    Loz.

    Did Vinny's "performance" have anything to do with his new found 
    romantic interest, packaged very nicely in the form of the swimming
    Eagle(tte), Sara Long? (sp?). How does he do it? She obvioulsy likes
    a bit of rough, strange girl.
    
    Amazed of Holborn.
       
                                 

    Oh dear - she sounds like another excuse for Vinny to visit the
    tatooist. Wonder where he'll put it.
    
    Good result yesterday - shame about the performance, hardly going to 
    have the likes of Bolton and Wrexham quaking in their footy boots.
    Still, maybe this is out year?
    
    Andy
    
    

    >> Still, maybe this is out year?
                            ^^^
    
    Andy. Confirms what I always thought of Chelsea. Woofters, as Pete
    Beale might say.
    
    Barry. 
    
      

    >> Andy. Confirms what I always thought of Chelsea. Woofters, as Pete
    >> Beale might say.
    
    Does this mean they are "friends" of Trevor Morley and Ian Bishop?
    
    Mike M 
    

    
    
    CHELSEA LINE UP NEW BOY GILKES
    
    Chelsea could tonight give a surprise debut to Michael Gilkes,
    their loan signing from Reading, as they bid to reach Wembley
    in the Zenith Cup Semi-final with Southampton.
    
    Manager Ian Porterfield has worries about Kerry Dixon (heel) and
    Gareth Hall (ankle) after the FA cup victory over Everton and also
    adds Kevin Wilson, Erland Johnsen and Joe Allon to the squad. Chelsea
    have to retrieve a two-goal deficit at Stamford Bridge.
    
                -------------------------------------
    
    I'll be optimistic and give Chelsea the game at 3-0 tonight. Maybe
    the tactics will be lets not worry about the ZDS cup and concentrate
    on the FA-cup. Who knows.!!
    
    JN.

What has happened to Kenneth Monkou???

T_

    I thought he was injured, but with Cundy and Elliot currently playing so 
    well, will he get back in when fit? Apart from that, I've just found 
    out he lives 400 metres down the road from me.
    
    Fridge.          

       <<< Note 31.149 by FORTY2::ETHERIDGE "I'll have a bowl of that" >>>
                              -< Useless trivia >-

>>    I thought he was injured, but with Cundy and Elliot currently playing so 
>>    well, will he get back in when fit? Apart from that, I've just found 
>>    out he lives 400 metres down the road from me.
    
>>    Fridge.          

When you bump in to him say hello from this Dutch Chelsea supporter :-)


T_

ZDs cup

Southampton 3  Chelsea 1

A hattrick by Le Tissier and Cundy send off, what a ^&%&*^$%^&(^&%^^%

T_

    >Cundy send off
    
    	So he's not playing THAT well!! ;-)

     <<< Note 31.154 by RIGHTO::HAIGH "A vision of guerrilla goodness." >>>

    >Cundy send off
    
>>    	So he's not playing THAT well!! ;-)

Yup, so bring on Monkau.


T

	Ahem.

    
    Here's the match report boys.
    
    
    
    
    CUNDY IS SENT OFF AS CHELSEA COUNT THE COST OF MISSING A TRIP TO
    WEMBLEY.
    
    JOY FOR THE SAINTS AS LE TISSIER HITS THE JACKPOT.
    
    
    Matt Le Tissier's hat trick sent Southampton to Wembley last night
    and embellished his reputation as a match winner of the highest
    calibre. But while he and his team celebrated, Chelsea were left
    to count the cost of a disastrous result and, crucially, the loss
    of two key players for the next stage of their FA-Cup campaign.
    
    Jason Cundy's sending off after only six minutes of this Zenith cup
    southern final seconf leg, and abnother booking for Dennis Wise
    means that they must both sit out the fourth round tie with Charlton
    or Sheffield United, on which the remainder of Chelsea's season now
    depends. Manager Ian Porterfield said, "Its been a disapointing night.
    To lose Cundy and Wise is a major blow - even worse than going out
    of this competition."
    
    Cundy paid the price for his professional foul when he hauled Shearer
    to the ground after being outpaced by the Southampton striker in a race
    for Terry Hurlocks through pass. Porterfield said, "I thought the
    penalty was punishment enough and I told Jason he was unlucky to be
    sent off. Ypu have to accept refereeing decisions but they can win or
    lose you games. He later revealed that he substituted Wise for fear
    that he might also earn a red card. He said, "Dennis was in tears, but
    I made him see that it was the right decision. He is a volatile boy
    and could have got into more trouble."
    
    Chelsea, two down from the first leg, saw themselves go four goals 
    adrift after twenty minutes and with no hope off coming back, even
    though Wise had scored from the spot after Neil Ruddock had handled.
    
    Le Tissier coolty despatched Southamptons penalty and progressed to
    his hat-trick with sublime examples of his touch and finishing skills.
    He said afterwards that Wise had bet him �5 that he would miss the
    penalty. He said , "I've never missed a penalty for Southampton so
    I snapped his hand off." He controlled Shearers cross in a flash seven
    minutes after half time to score his third with ease.
    
    For Southampton manager Branfoot the achievement was more evidence that
    his decision to leave out Le Tissier earlier this season was the right
    one. (Blox to that one. JN) I was disappointed with him because he was
    not doing it for me or the team," Branfoot said, "we all know he has
    outstanding ability. Tonight he was working hard and tackling back and
    it did not detract from his attacking play."
    
    Branfoot, who is now at Wembley for the third time in this competition
    and with three different clubs, was delighted with his team who have
    struggled in the first division and lie next to bottom. "Its smashing
    for them," he said, "they are the same players, the only difference is
    they have now got their confidence."
    
    Soton will either face Notts Forest or Leicester in the March Final,
    while Chelsea will have to tighten up their discipline to avoid losing
    any more players through suspension. Like Wise, Graham Stuart was also
    booked for dissent and late in the game Vinnie Jones was cautioned by
    the ref for a late foul.
    
    
                 --------------------------------------
    
    JN.
    

    
    RE -1. sorry about the speeling and also fourth round tie 
           should read fifth round tie.
    
    JN.

a good win over the Pool 2-1 with a supurb goal by Vinnie Jones,
anyone gotta match report?? did Wise also missed a penalty???


T_

    what are the odds on Chelsea doing the double this season???
    
    Yours, The eternal optimist,
    
    *Tiger*

Here is the match report from yesterdays Sunday Mail.

If you notice a few strange comments or obvious re-wording
then don't worry, its just me amusing myself while typing
in the report. You'll see what I mean.

BTW. The double for Chelsea ??? The FA-cup is anyones and the 
     League title would be a bit of a push.
    
    
                -------------------------------
	  P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts	

Leeds	  27	15	11	1	52	21	56

Man.U.	  26	16	8	2	47	20	56

'Pool	  27	12	11	4	35	24	47	

Man C.	  27	13	8	6	36	29	47

Shef.W.	  26	13	7	6	42	32	46

A.Vill.	  26	11	4	11	34	31	38

CHELSEA	  27	10	8	9	37	39	38


                         BLUES BREAKERS

Graeme Souness was a little more direct than a Liverpool performance
which puts their title challenge into cold storage. "I apologise to
our supporters for our inept performance," he said as he delivered
a terse 16 second match verdict afterwards. "This was our most 
disappointing since I came back as manager. The players were guilty
of believing what had been said about them since Wednesday's win at
Arsenal. (Depends which way you look at that really. JN) In particular 
I would like to apologise to my long standing friend Martin, more 
affectionately known as 'Cunno', I'm sorry Pal." 

Dennis Wise struck the goal that gave Chelsea their first League win
at Anfield for 57 years. Nobody would argue that they weren't worthy
of it.

Vinnie Jones shot them into an 21st minute lead but Ronnie Rosey struck
'Pools' only goal ten minutes later. "We thought it would be an uphill
battle after that but we controlled the game in the second half and fully
deserved it," insisted Chelsea Manager Ian Porterfield.

Chelsea cashed in on the home sides self inflicted anxiety with the defense
guilty of mis-timed tackles and careless distribution. Once again Brucies
goal mouth was occupied for long periods of time by his ansaphone machine
along with Brucey lazily conceding corners. Liverpool were slipshod once too
often in the 21st minute when jan Molby failure to control Tanners headed
clearance invited a typically brusque challenge from Jones. The Chelsea
midfielder wrestled the ball from the Great Dane and blasted a right footer
from twenty yards past Brucey and his ansaphone machine.

"It was a great goal," declared Porty, "Vincent doesn't get the credit he
deserves. He's adjusted his game since coming here. He's doing a great
job for us."

'Pool responded to the urging from their dugout. There was frustration when
Mcmanamanaman missed a sitter with the Chelsea goal at his mercy in the
29th minute. Then two minutes later, delight as Ronnie Rosey punished Jason
Cundy's pussy footing and spanked a volley over Kevin Hitchcocks reach.
The KOP waited eagerly for Liverpool to underline their potential as 
title aspirants and, in short bursts, they demonstrated the football that
could get them there. But it lacked conviction and Chelsea weathered
comfortably pressure which never approached a storming of their barricades.

Rosey went close again with a finely-flighted lob which bounced on to the
top of the cross bar and over in the 64th minute. Chelsea never looked
overawed and Dennis Wise's 74th minute winner was the product of the kind
of scything sweep forward which was Liverpools trademark. Andy Townsend,
their towering midfield champion, and Graham Stuart were involved in the
build up which gave Wise the chance to score and nut megging Brucey at
the same time. The 'pool Sweeper Keeper salvaged some repect six minutes
from the end when he saved a Wise penalty after substitute Mike Marsh had
upended Clive Allen. Apprently Brucey owes Wise a fiver. 

England center half Mark Wright booked for a heavy challenge on Allen went
off injured in the 87th minute.


            --------------------------------------

    
    
     Anybody know if Gilkes played, i know he was one of the subs..
    
    
    
     ANDY-B..
           
    

    sorry Chelsea,
    nothing much has been said about your performance, the spotlight has
    been very much on Liverpools ineptitude.
    well played.
    and wasnt Vinnie Jones' goal a cracker!
    
    Ian.
    

    
    Gilkes was sub but didn't play.
    
    JN.

    I see Chelsea's win has gone to their heads....
    
    
    They've offered 750,000 for Tony Cascarino !!
    
    Brady has refused and it's expected Chelsea will up their bid.
    
    As a part-time 'Tic supporter, I'll be glad to see the back of him.
    
    	- Robin

    
    I do not believe that Cascarino is the answer. He was a panic
    buy who has only replied with a couple of goals so I think
    he'll be a waste of money.
    
    JN.

    I dunno about Tony Cornetto.....
    
    I think he will prove a great buy for the Blues. he has had a bad
    time at Villa and Celtic, and like Allen, he is coming home to London.
    Just the boost he could give a flagging carreer. He has shown his
    potential at International level, and if he gets the start that
    Allen has at the Bridge, he could prove himself again.
    
    *Tiger*

    
    I discovered on Friday afternoon that I was going on a course in
    London.  In the mad rush to get a flight and hotel I'd forgotten about
    the cup game and booked a flight for Sunday night.  Thankfully Aer
    Fungus let me out on an earlier flight and I got to the game.
    
    I thought we deserved to win although I didn't think we'd score.  Clive
    Allen must be the steal of the season.  Not a great game but a great
    result.  Despite the small crowd (just over 20,000) the atmosphere was
    electric.
    
    I also got to the Mickey Mouse Southern final on Wed night.  Suffice to
    say the 3-1 coreline was not an accurate reflection of the play.  It
    should have been 5-1.  How Chelsea can play so well against Everton and
    then fall apart so badly against one of the worst teams in the division
    is a mystery to me.
    
    Great win at Anfield.  I saw the goals yesterday on ITV.  By all
    accounts we were a far better side on the day (all accounts does not
    include Martin's report which I'm sure will be forthcoming :-) ).
    
     
    Gary.

    Re .167
    
    I dont think you can compare Clive Allen with Donkey Cascarino..sure
    their situations are similar ie flagging career, but Clive has
    infinitely more skill and ability, and is definitely the buy of the
    season, whereas how cascarino commanded 2 �1million+ transfers is
    beyond me. Ive always felt that Clive has been underestimated for some
    years,as I considered him to be one of the best strikers and finishers
    in the UK
    
    Cheers
    Paul

Can somone please post the fixtures for Chelsea in April. I'm coming
to England and meeting my brother at the Bridge

cheers
jon

    
    April
    
    4  West Ham (h)
    11 Leeds (a)
    18 Q.P.R. (h)
    20 Aston Villa (a)
    25 Arsenal (h)
    

    
    Clive Allen is a proven goalscorer akin to Gary Lineker. Clive's
    average is one goal every two games and he was just unlucky at City
    as the manager didn't like him.
    
    Cornetto, on the other hand, has not proved himself as a prolific
    goalscorer and instead of buying him we may as well stick with
    the great Kerry Dixon (if he wants to stay) who although having
    a bad season has a work rate second to none. He does more than
    people give him credit for but of course being a striker and not
    scoring goals means he isn't playing well.
    
    DIXON = CHELSEA
    
    CORNETTO = ICE CREAM
    
    Kerry Dixon's Chelsea career will be remembered on the same level
    as the Greatest Goalscorer of them all, Jimmy Greaves.
    
    WE LOVE YOU KERRY. RETURN FROM INJURY AND START BANGING THEM IN AGAIN
    MY SON.
    
    JN.
    
    

    
    Bad news.
    
    I heard on the radio this morning that Chelsea are set to sign
    Cappachino in a straight swap for Tommy Boyd.
    
    How much did we pay (if anything) for Tommy Boyd ??
    
    JN.
    
    

    This cannot be true, Celtic never make a good deal **>
    

    
    As per the paper. I missed it at first glance.
    
    
    
    Tony Cascarino will join Chelsea from Celtic today in a straight
    swap for Scotland international Tommy Boyd. The one million 
    Parkhead misfit will move to the Bridge after Celtic last night
    backed down on their demand for Boyd plus cash. Cascarino scored
    just five goals for Celtic and was dropped to the reserves.
    
    
    
    JN.

    With Boyd moving on it could mean that Porterfield is going to play
    Le Saux at full back again thus giving Micheal Gilkes a go down the 
    left flank. I thought it was an odd decision in bringing in this boy from
    Reading as he is a left winger and Le Saux has had a pretty good year.
    
    Apparently Gilkes is reckoned to be one of the quickest players in the
    league. We shall see.
    
    Andy 
    
    

    
    Its already been mentioned that given a fresh start closer 
    to home Oniracsac could once again deliver but Porterfield
    has nothing to lose if he does not deliver. We'll see.
    
    I know nothing about Gilkes so can't really comment apart from
    one point. Will moving Le-saux to left back again bolster the
    Cheslea defence ?? We all know he loves to run down the left
    flank but with another player (Gilkes) up on the left surely
    they'll get in each others way, particularly with the middle
    of the park congested.
    
    
    JN.
    
    Chairman of the 'WE LOVE KERRY DIXON' fan club.
    

    
    Reading will be glad to see the back of Gilkes, he has got one big
    attitude problem! He is like a big kid. If he is successful with his
    Chelsea venture you will shortly see what I mean.
    
    
    
    Bye

  If Chelsea buy Cascarino, then they will have three out and out goalscorers
in Allen, Dixon and Cascarino. Have Chelsea any plans to offload Dixon?

     Martin

    Hy there,
    
    I heared of late that Kenneth Monkou had some troubles at Chelsea. How
    is he doing now. From his Feyenoord period I remember him as a
    skilful player......
    
    Rob

 <<< Note 31.180 by BONNET::ZIJL "The one who always loses his SODEXHO card" >>>
                          -< Monkou???????????????/ >-

>>    Hy there,
    
>>    I heared of late that Kenneth Monkou had some troubles at Chelsea. How
>>    is he doing now. From his Feyenoord period I remember him as a
>>    skilful player......
    
>>    Rob

Rob,

I dunno his current status but he was rated one of the best players last
year and was man of the match more than once. This season Cundy and Elliot
are playing in the centre and he has been dropped from the squad, maybe
Lawrence or one of the other fellow-chelsea supporters in here can give
us more details.

T_

ps I think it's a shame that Boyd has left for the cornetto man :-(

    
    Re: Kenneth. Don't know all details. Thought he was injured and 
    had trouble regaining his place in the starting line-ups.
    
    RE: The truly great KERRY DIXON. Rumour has it that he was unsettled
    at the Bridge, unsettled in that he was no longer happy with the Club.
    I think the true story is that he is rather uncomfortable due to lack
    of goals but then any striker would be. BUT, we all love KERRY and so
    do CHELSEA FOOTBALL CLUB. It was down to KERRY that CHELSEA won the
    Division 2 title and therefore promoting us back into the first
    division on a tidle wave of 99 points, a record. We'll see what
    happens with him.
    
    RE: Cantscoreany. From todays Daily Mail.
    
    CASCARINO: CHELSEA CHANCE IS JUST CAPITAL.
    
    Tony Cascarino has agreed to join Chelsea in the belief that a return
    to London can revitalise his career in the same way it has brought
    Clive Allen back to goal scoring prominance. Cascarino, 29, travelled
    to London last night to complete the move as full-back Tommy Boyd
    made the reverse journey to Celtic in a swap deal with each player
    valued at 800,000 (do what !!!!!  JN).
    
    Cascarino has seen 1 million moves to Aston Villa and Glasgow end in
    failure and he hopes that this move will prove third time lucky in the
    search for the form that made him such a success with Millwall. He
    said, "I'm looking forward to going back to England and especially to
    a London club."
    
    Cascarino found the net just FOUR times in 28 appearances but started
    only 11 of these games. "I found I couldn't adjust to the way they 
    played. I thought I made chances for others in the opening games but
    I regret the fact that Celtic didn't see the best of me. I'm sure my
    international record shows what I'm capable of."
    
    Chelsea were anxious to complete the move to ensure Cascarino's
    availability for the FA-cup fifth round tie against Sheffield
    Utd tomorrow week.
    
    Boyd spent just eight months at Chelsea following his 800,000
    move from Motherwell.
    
    
                    ------------------------------
    
    
    JN.
    
    

    
    Cascarino scored a couple of goals for Ireland this season.  Maybe the
    move will do him good.  I don't rate him as a top class striker still
    Tommy Boyd was playing well either.
    
    Gary.

    Well,well well  he scored on his debut.
                    
    *Tiger*
    
    PS....SHef Utd. look like they are going to be a touch bunch to
    beat. Still, Luton had a similar charge at Christmas and just blew
    up. *Maybe* Sheff have exhausted their goal store after beating
    Forest 5-2 and City 4-2.....*Maybe*. Finger crossed.              
    

    
    
    On sky sports on friday, there has been a rumour that Dixon has been
    linked with a move to Japan, this would also explain the arrival
    of Cascarino.
    
    Should be a game of many goals on saturday, Sheffield utd have scored 
    alot in the past few games, and they have also let more goals in than
    any other first division club this season.
    
    ANDY-B..

    
    Chelsea 1           Southampton 1
    Townsend 74         horne 54
    
    Attendance 7,148
    
    Lowest attendance since the war.
    
    We have a few injury problems that might affect the team for Saturday
    including Elliott, Clarke, Dixon and Jones.  There is talk that Erland
    Jonson (sp) might play.... Gawd no!
    

    
    PS to 186.
    
    Porterfield also got a bit of a telling off for complaining to the ref.
    about two penalties that weren't given.

    
    Dennis Wise out through suspension.
    
    The Truly Great Kerry Dixon and Steve Clarke are out with long
    term injurys.
    
    Jason Cundy clear to play. Gareth Hall missed training because
    of flu.
    
    Vinnie Jones and Andy Townsend look as if they'll be OK for Saturday.
    
    Paul Elliot is expected to recover from a knee injury.
    
    Ian Porterfield still pi$$ed off with United after sacking him. I'm
    not surprised as he took them from the fourth to the second division
    and did most of the work to get them into the first before he was
    given the elbow.
    
    If anyone noticed, sorry about the lack of match reports but I was'nt
    here for three days this week.
    
    Chelsea must do United on Saturday but I can't help feeling nervous
    due to United's current form and Chelsea's inconsistency.
    
    JN.

a 1-0 win has put us in the quarter-finals, we'll play at home against
West Ham or Sunderland.

Wembley here we come

    
    
    
     Graham Stewert scored the goal to put Chels through to the next round
     of the F.A Cup. Stewert scored mid way through the first half, this
     was also Stewerts first goal of the season.
     Vinny was booked after five seconds of the start and then was kicked
     and head butted by some Sheffield players.
     Andy Myers played very well at the back, he has a lot of pace and can
     also get up front with Le saux when needed.
     It was the first time i had seen Cascarino in Chels colours, i must
     say that i wasn't very impressed.
     So through to the next round against either West Ham or Sunderland
     at the Bridge.
     
    
     andy.b.
    

    Re. Kerry Dixon
    
     I was talking to the son of a friend of Kerry's agents parrot and
    "according" to him Kerry wouldn't mind coming back to Reading to see
    out his twilight years.
    
    You heard it here first!!
    
    S�mon.

    >>Vinny was booked after five seconds of the start and then was kicked
      and head butted by some Sheffield players.       ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
      ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
    
      My shin-pads gently weep.
    
      Mr A Limpar.

    
    Leave Vincent alone. He's a good lad these days. Just take a look
    at other 'proffesional' players and their conduct, Hurlock for
    example. The trouble is that people expect him to lay into players
    and when he does end up in the book its headline news.
    
    Mind you though there isn't much else to say when you've been booked
    5 seconds after the kick-off.
    
    Anyway Utd had 4 bookings compared to Chelsea's 2 on Saturday.
    
    Re:- Cornetto. If he's not scoring goals he's a waste of space. At
    least Kerry Dixon can also play a bit of football and indeed thats
    exactly what he did when coming on as a sub.
    
    Nuff said. Next round, Sunderland or West Ham. Any thoughts ?? Sensible
    ones that is.
    
    JN.

    
    A great result for Chelsea. Its the first time in 10 years we have got to 
    the Quarter-finals. I did'nt manage to get to the game, but saw the 
    highlights on BBC1. It appeared that Chelsea had more of the scoring 
    chances judging by what they showed. I thought Vinnie did well to keep
    his calm when the United player threw a punch and a trying to nut him,
    or was it a kiss.
    
    	Anyway, we have got a good draw against Sunderland or West ham. 
    It was good to see a large crowd on Saturday approx 35,000 instead of 
    Wednesday's crowd against Southampton of approx 7000.
    
    I'm pleased to see Andy myers in the side, I've always felt he deserved a
    run out. I feel that Chelsea have got what it takes this season to win
    the cup.
    
    Yours dreamingly
    Nige.
                    

    
    
    It was said on the sports news last night that vinnie will miss
    the next F.A Cup game against either West Ham or Sunderland, as he has
    now reached 21 pionts with the booking on saturday.
    
     andy.b.
    

    
    I must admit, I was impressed with the way Vinnie reacted after being
    punched and nutted by a Sheffield player (I think it was Carl
    Bradshaw). Well, either that or he's lost his bottle/ isn't as hard
    as he thinks.
    
    Tim 

>>>>    Well, either that or he's lost his bottle/ isn't as hard as he thinks.
    
    Yep - that's more like it - typical Chelsea really...... :-)
    
    Paul

    
.195>    It was said on the sports news last night that vinnie will miss
.195>    the next F.A Cup game against either West Ham or Sunderland, as he has
.195>    now reached 21 pionts with the booking on saturday.
    
	That's a shame. Gary Bennett would have put him in his place.

    
    
    I think Mr Watterson is still feeling a bit sore after Evertons
    pounding, or maybe even a little bit jealous.
    
    ANDY.B
    

    
    Any info on Paul Elliott ?
    I was wondering how the Chelsea faithful had taken to him. He was a
    bit of a hero up at Parkhead in his day.
    Also, he claimed that one of the reasons he chose to return to England
    (along with the fact he had a kid he was keeping quiet about), was to
    further enhance his England career.
    Seems to me that just ain't happened !
    
    An Ex-fan of his from his Celtic days
    
                                                

    
    re .199
    
>>    I think Mr Watterson is still feeling a bit sore after Evertons
>>    pounding, or maybe even a little bit jealous.
    
    Too right - it just show's how bad Everton are at the moment if they
    get beaten by garbage like Chelsea. As for Vinny Jones, well it sums up
    English football really - Jones isn't a particular hard man, he
    disappears from the game if anyone kicks him - Pat Van den Hauwe always
    had the measure of him whenever they met at Goodison - and Jones got
    sent off two years running..... he's a typical Chelsea player, all
    mouth and trousers.....
    
    I hear Everton 'won' the other match outside Stamford Bridge.... :-)
    
    Paul
    
    PS - Good luck to Chelsea in their cup run and battle against
    relegation.

    
    I'm not a great fan of Jones, but i do believe that he has improved
    since his move to the Chels.
    As for what happened out side the ground, your wright you ( HEARD ), i
    know what happened, so stop implying what you dont know..
    
      ANDY.B.
    
    

    
    I hope this particular topic doesn't degenerate to the level
    of one or two of the others in this conference.
    
    As far as Vinny Jones is concerned his behaviour has improved
    since moving to Chelsea and his contribution and spirit for
    the game are almost without equal. Granted the latter sometimes
    gets the better of him with his over enthusiastic tackles but
    there is no malice about him now. Dave Bassett admited that the
    main reason Vinnie was a vicious sod was down to Dave himself
    and the way he motivated Vinnie and the rest of the team.
    
    At the end of the day Chelsea are a good side who can beat anyone,
    which they have proved, but on the other hand the end of the day
    is sometimes too late as they can also lose to anyone.
    
    Its results that count and its Chelsea who can qualify for Europe
    and its Chelsea who are in the last eight of the FA-Cup. Of the
    eventual last eight no-ones name is already on the cup, only
    the previous winners. Chelsea may do it but then again they may
    not.
    
    Football hooligans. Always a minority problem. Mindless cretins
    who couldn't even tell you the result after the game. A score
    to them is "nuttin' sum geezer" and their philosophy is even 
    funnier and I quote, 
    
    "I fink rite that if yoo go ta football machis an' ya don't 
    fite then well......there mus' be sumfink wrong wiv ya."
    
    Nuff said.
    
    JN.

    
    
    
           Please try and ignore the last note, i think he maybe under
           some kind of psychiatric treatment..
     

>    Any info on Paul Elliott ?
>    I was wondering how the Chelsea faithful had taken to him. He was a
>    bit of a hero up at Parkhead in his day.
>    Also, he claimed that one of the reasons he chose to return to England
>    (along with the fact he had a kid he was keeping quiet about), was to
  
In my opinion, Paul Elliott was about the best Chelsea player last weekend 
against the Blades, I was expecting Townsend to steal the show, but I thought
he had an off day.

    Forest 1 Chelsea 1
    
    Pretty good result considering what happened in the corresponding
    fixture last year. Interesting to note that during the second half
    Porterfield had five forwards on the pitch (Allen, Cascarino, Dixon,
    Wise and Wilson), perhaps he was trying to reverse last years score 
    line!
    
    Andy
         

    AndyAsh you poor misled soul, would you care to partake in a minor
    wager on Wednesdays game??
    
    In spite of Chelsea's excellent league record at Old Traff, I'm gonna
    offer you Chelsea and the draw.
    
    How does a fiver sound??
    
    Tony

    
    Chelsea to do the biz against Man Utd Wednesday night.
    
    1 or 2 nil to Chelsea.
    
    JN.

    Is the game live on ITV ?
    
    Noel

     re: -last
    
    Noel,
    
    The match is NOT on the TV, don't know about SKY etc...
    
    Would imagine the highlights etc will be later at 10pm on BBC1,
    Sportsnight.
    
    
    Mac

    
    FA-Cup fifth round replay tonight on SKY Sports. They may
    show highlights of the Chelsea game but certainly you'll
    see highlights on Beeb 1 later in the evening.
    
    
    JN.

Re Highlights on the Beeb - I doubt it, ITV have got an exclusive contract
for League games - you might see any goals on the News at Ten if you're
lucky...

Paul

    Live tonight on ITV is SPurs (Home sweet home) and Forest at 8pm
    
    BBC 1 highlights of FA Cup replays at 10pm
    
    *Tiger*

    My Paper says Inspector Morse is on at 8.00 tonite on ITV.
    
    I think somebody has said elsewhere that Spurs/Forest is on Sunday.
    
    Nigel

    After extensive harrassment and hours of soul-searching, Andrew has
    reluctantly decided to put his money with his pride is.
    
    Man Utd win - I win
    Chelsea draw/win - He wins
    
    Shilly boy.
    
    Tone

    
    Given your gambling record recently Tone, I'd say that's a dead cert
    draw/win for the Blues then. 8^)
    
    jeff

    Well Tony me old mucker I do believe that is a crisp five pound
    note you owe me.
    
    Cheers - I do like easy money!
    
    Andy
    

    re .214
    
    
    yeah yeah...!!!  I wuz wrong.  Ol' Morse got in at 8pm...
    	dunno where I got the SPurs/Forest thing....must be
    workin too hard.
    
    Still, at least I was fresh to enjoy those great FA cup games
    at 10pm on BBC1...poor ol Bolton..
    
    *Tiger*

    
    
      MANCHESTER UNITED 1  CHELSEA 1
    
       HUGHES                (OG)
    
    
      Can anybody tell me if the F.A Cup game will be all ticket at
      the Bridge.
    
      ANDY.B.
    

    
    
       	%^&�@@ mumble.....grumble...Ince scored...disallowed......McClair.
    .....@*&@%...McClair scored.....disallowed.....jammy own goal....sh*t
    bags......lucky gits.....sour grapes......
    
    Tone

    
    Andy,
    
    I think the game is all ticket.  I think the tickets go on genral sale
    after Saturday's match, season ticket holders and supporters club
    members can buy now.  The game is scheduled for Monday 9th March and
    will be live on Sky,
    
    Loz.

    
    
         CHELSEA 0  SHEFFIELD WED 3
    
         I hope im right in saying that Chelsea are saving their strength
         for the F.A Cup match with Sunderland..
    
          ANDY.B.
    

    
    Andy,
         Never felt LESS like singin' the blues???
    Ian.
    ;-)
    

    
    
    Little things please little minds..
    
    
    ANDY.B.
    

    
    Apparently all the West/East seat tickets are sold and I expect the
    shed tickets have all gone by now. I'm really looking forward to
    monday night's game. I reckon Chelsea will pull through after hard
    battle. 
    
    Chelsea 2    Sunderland 1
    
    Come on you Blues!!!
    Cheers
    Nige.

    
    
    I phoned Chelsea yesterday and they said that this match is now all
    sold out, so i hope you have all got Sky..
    
    ANDY.B.
    
    
    

    I read on the Irish Times of 5/Mar/1992 that Chelsea have reached
    agreement with Cabra to buy the Bridge back for 22.5 million.
    Fulham will then leave Craven Cottage and enter a ground sharing
    deal with Chelsea....
    
    whats the likely team for monday's game?
    
    *Tiger*

    Its nice to see we're all getting excited in here about tonights games.
    I mean, its only an F.A. Cup quarter final.........
    
    Unfortunately, yes I know you're all disappointed, I wont be able
    to make it to the Bridge tonight....oh well.....will wait till
    10:10 pm on BBC1...fingers/legs/eyes crossed etc etc till then.
    
    I see that Sunderland won't be taking their full ticket allocation due
    to their fans worries that they will be involved in a row like
    the League Cup semi -final in 1985.  If memory serves me right we were
    two donw from the first leg in Roker Park. Roker was Ice bound that
    night and the ref gave an awful penalty against us, when of our
    defenders slipped. Naturally when you slip, your arms shoot out to
    regain balance, but the ball hit his hand..so , PENNO!!  I think it
    was Pates or was it a guy called Jasper??? Anyway, it was a really
    dreadful decision and when we conceded a late second goal, we were
    up agin it. What was the score at the Bridge?? did we win 1-0??
    
    Anyway , that was then this is now! Enjoy the game...
    
    *Tiger*

    
    Graham Stuart back in the squad and hopefully will be in the
    starting line up. Stuart scored the winning goal against
    Sheffield United in the last round. What a goal.
    
    I am hoping that Cascarino will be dropped and Dixon will be
    back in. Tony has not proved himself since joining Chelsea.
    At least when Dixon is not scoring goals he is not a waste
    of space. If Tony plays tonight we will lose. I hope to be
    proved wrong.
    
    If the spirit at the Bridge is what Porterfield is saying then
    I think Chelsea will win 3-1. Sunderland However have some
    good attacking players who specialise in exploiting mistakes
    by the defence, the latter of which is not Chelseas' strong
    point. I think Hitchcock will have his work cut out tonight.
    
    I'm feeling pretty nervous so I've got the bycicle clips out.
    
    Good luck tonight.
    
    JN.
    
    

    can someone shed some light on the rumour that 14 players have been put
    on the transfer list,I read this on ceefax but have not seen any
    further reports,is this Kens way of raising money to buy the ground,ie
    we sell Townsend,elliot etc 
    
    steve

    	Heard a rumour that Vinnie Jones isn't playing tonight...is this
    correct???
    
    Kevin

    
    Vincent is in suspenders for tonights game.
    
    JN.

    
    Re: -1
    
    Yep, Vinnie is still suspended.
    
    This does worry me slightly for tonights game. I think a motivator like
    Jones is needed in this sort of game or any game come to that. Townsend
    is the footballer and Vinnie is the battler (With a slight hint of
    footballing ability).
    
    Chelsea 2  Sunderland 0
    
    Cheers
    Nige (East stand/ Upper tear/ Row 1 / Seat 51)
    

    
    Re a couple back.
    
    I saw a list of 14 players in one of the papers that were for sale,
    they included Monkou, Jonson, Clarke and some of the youngsters.
    They are trying to sell them before the deadline for buying the bridge
    so it looks like they are using them to raise cash by 1, The profit of
    sale, and 2, reducing the squad which will reduce expenses.
    
    I'm off to the Bridge, later dudes.

    Laurence,
    
    I cannot believe  you are leaving work at this early hour to
    go see some football match....12:40??????  my goodness, where's
    your sense of responsibility?
    
    *Tiger*

    
    Chelsea 1 Sunderland 1
    
    Clive Allen scored on 36 minutes but we were hanging on for most of the
    second half until John Byrne equalised with 8 minutes left.  Not a
    great performance before a huge crowd.
    
    I still fancy us for the replay.  Should be a better game.
    
    Gary.

    I thought we could have been three up inside 10 minutes but in the end
    seemed fortunate to get a replay (this is all based on the telly
    highlights). 
    
    What size crowd was there?
    
    **Vinnie (Desert Storm) Strikes Roker!!**
    
    I , too , fancy us in the replay.
    
    *Tiger*

    
    After coming through a wave of Sunderland attacks i thought we had
    done it, it wasn't until Chelsea started to play again that sunderland
    scored a lucky goal.
    Chelsea lacked attack in the middle without vinnie, ( who was making a
    complete prat of him self again )..
    With Vinnie back and hopefully Le saux playing we should still get
    through.
    
    ANDY.B.
    

    
    All I can do is perhaps echo whats already been said.
    
    Chelsea started the game putting constant pressure on Sunderland
    who weren't able to settle for most of the first half. Chelsea
    squandered a couple of chances.
    
    The corner awarded to Chelsea, resulting in the goal, was in my 
    opinion unfair to Sunderland. When the ball went out the Chelsea
    players retreated to wait for the goal kick but the ref gave the 
    corner. I thought it was a goal kick but whats done is done. Clive 
    Allen did what he does best.
    
    Due to a mistake in defence Byrne ran through with the ball but a
    timely tackle saved the day.
    
    Second half. Sunderland came out with all guns firing and my brother
    in law and I had the same thought, 'Sunderland will score if they keep
    this up'. Chelsea kept them out though although I don't know how.
    The Sunderland pressure subsided and then Chelsea were back on top
    and it looked like they were going to score again, the needed too. 
    Kerry Dixon missed another couple of chances. At this stage I thought 
    that Sunderland would not score now but on the break Bracewell put in 
    a lofted ball over to the penalty area, Hitchcock came too far off his 
    line, a good header by Byrne and it was in the net. GUTTED !! Sunderland 
    deserved it though.
    
    The man of the match for me was Paul Elliot in defence. Rush also had
    a very good game for Sunderland. I'm glad that Kerry Dixon was playing
    but I can't help thinking that if he was 100% match fit he would have
    latched onto those chances and could have had at least three goals.
    Apart from that I thought he played well, showing good skill and laying
    the ball off well which is something Cascarino can't do. Kerry goes
    looking for the ball.
    
    The return ?? Well I fancy Chelsea if we start the way we did last
    night. However Roker park is not Stamford Bridge and this could swing
    it Sunderlands way. Also whatever anyone says about Vinnie Jones
    Chelsea missed him last night and he is back for the return. He'll
    get the team going. I believe he wants the FA-Cup more than anyone
    else at present.
    
    JN.
    
    

    
    
     If West ham can get a draw there, anyone can win there..
    
    ANDY-B..
    

When will the replay take place???


T_

    replay on wednesday 18-March.
    
    *Tiger*

    
    For being totally outplayed for much of the second half last night,
    there seems to be an awful lot of optimism in here. I think you'll get
    mauled in the replay.
    
    Tim

    
    
    Anybody going to the replay, i want to go but i cant get any tickets
    for my mates as their not members.
    Club members train 28.00 pound and 7.00 pounds to get in.
    Chelsea will not sell tickets to non members, so as im the only member 
    i guess i cant go..
    
    ANDY.B
    

                                         
                                        
    I hope for football's sake Sunderland beat Chelsea in the reply they
    are fast becoming a team to hate their style and attitude is
    reminisant(sp) of the Wimbledon team that beat Liverpool, any team that
    relies so much on that thug Jones are no good in my book, and just look
    at the team around him all of them "Jones Clones" , I used to be a
    admirer of Townsend as a player but the times I've seen him play this
    season he's been content just to run around winding up and kicking
    the opposition instead of playing football, which is what he is good 
    at. Wise is nothing but an arrogant little S**T, but as long as Chelsea
    have Porterfield in charge nothing is going to change unfortunatly I
    think Chelsea's name is on the cup this year, I hope I'm wrong because
    one load of "Jones Clones"  was bad enough.   

rep -1

Well seems you are very frustrated me lad.


T_

    
    
    re:2
     
        I am frustrated your quite right and the further Chelsea go
        the more frustrated I shall get......This side dosn't deserve
        to grace the turf of Wembley.....
    
    re:1 
         less of the personal insults........
    
    
                        Neil....
          

    
    
     where did Chelsea get that excellent full back Andy Myers from ? he
     looks destined to go all the way to international level...
    
                             Neil...

    
    Coss. Your not foolin' no one. Least of all me.
    
    JN. )

    > try and bring down one of the most famouse clubs in the world.
    
    erm...
    
    Ian.
    

    
    RE:255 
         Touch of the "Jones clones syndromes"
    
                     Neil...

    
                   re::    ( Jones the man's a fool )
    
                              Reminds me of someone not so far away neil..
    
    
                        ANDY.B.
    

    <<< Note 31.255 by PEKING::BAREFIELDA >>>
     -< I think you spelt famouse wrong... >-
     
    clever move to delete your note, Andy.
    shame most of us saw it first...
    shows you up for what you are...
                       
    Ian.
    

    
    
                 And whats that!!!
    
    
    

    
    a chelsea supporter...
    
    ian.
    

    
    
    Oh your so funny, i can hardly stop myself laughing..
    
    
    ha,ha,ha    he,he,he
    
    
            There's only one sad case around here and its not me..
    
        ANDY.B.
    

    
    Its a good idea to knock this banter on the head or failing
    that take it somewhere else.
    
    JN.

    
.244>    For being totally outplayed for much of the second half last night,
.244>    there seems to be an awful lot of optimism in here. I think you'll get
.244>    mauled in the replay.
    
	I don't believe I am typing this, but I agree with Tim Moran!!!!!

	I also agree with Clive Allen's comment that Chelsea were lucky to get
a draw!

	I'll be there next Wednesday, but unfortunately will not be able to
enjoy reading your comments on Chelsea crashing out of the cup, as my contract
finishes on Friday.

    
    Lets just wait and see what happens.
    
    JN.

    
.239>    After coming through a wave of Sunderland attacks I thought we had
.239>    done it, it wasn't until Chelsea started to play again that Sunderland
.239>    scored a lucky goal.

	The only *lucky* goal I saw, was the one that came from a corner
	that should not have been given. The Sunderland goal was just reward
	for the way they totally outclassed Chelsea throughout the second
	half. Could you please explain where the luck was.

.240>    Chelsea started the game putting constant pressure on Sunderland
.240>    who weren't able to settle for most of the first half. Chelsea
.240>    squandered a couple of chances.
    
	I would say that Sunderland did not settle for the first 15/20
	minutes. From then till the goal, I felt Sunderland were in control.

    
.246>    I hope for football's sake Sunderland beat Chelsea in the reply they

	No worries about that.


.249>        I am frustrated your quite right and the further Chelsea go
.249>        the more frustrated I shall get......This side doesn't deserve
.249>        to grace the turf of Wembley.....
    
	Don't worry Neil, Chelsea won't get any further.

    
    You must have been watching a different game or watching the
    highlights, Sunderland had most of the second half i agree but
    Chelsea were not outclassed throughout.
    At the end of the day Sunderland should have won, but were just not 
    good enough.
    It will be a different game with Vinnie back in, your boys will
    find out what a tackle really is instead of running rings round Kevin
    Wilson.
    
    ANDY.B.
    

    
    I watched the game live on SKY and Chelsea were outclassed throughout
    the 2nd half, save for about 10 mins worth of it.

    
    I for one agree with the second half lacklustre Chelsea performance 
    and as a Chelsea follower I thought that I gave an honest impartial 
    view of the match played. It might be worth reading note 31.240 again.
    
    What I don't like is the 'slagging' off that people get....well let 
    me put it another way....the WAY people are 'slagged' off. I mean we
    all have our opinions but its been said that it is possible to disagree
    without being disagreable. Its petty really considering that we are
    supposed to be adults but there are one or two who cannot enter a note
    without having a dig at someone which is totally pointless and not
    needed. Many remarks in this conference are made in jest which are
    indicated by the smileys but alot are not. I'll make the odd one
    exception.
    
    Anyway, 'nuff said about that. Just thought I'd get it off my chest.
    
    Chelsea, certainly not the best team around by any stretch but thats
    Chelsea. They've always been that way and if they get to the FA-Cup
    final then I don't give a toss how they do it. We all require a certain
    amount of luck and there will always be a certain amount of travesty
    involved where teams who should get through but don't down to bad luck,
    poor finishing or good opposition defending, whatever. 
    
    Liverpool V Ipswich a couple of weeks ago. 'Pool were lucky not to lose
    but they won the return.
    
    West Ham V Sunderland @Roker Park. Not a good game for either team but
    Sunderland won the return.
    
    Notts Forrest *should* be through to the semis but lost down to sheer
    bad luck. The game did not go there way.
    
    Man Utd. The team most likely to be this years champions *should* be
    through as well. They have shown that they are the best team this
    season in the League but it means nothing.
    
    Chelsea have done reasonably well this season but inconsistant play
    has let them down. Their league position is without goals from Dixon
    and Dennis Wise is Chelsea's top scorer so far with ten goals and then 
    Clive Allen with nine.
    
    Its a shame that its Sunderland we are playing as I remember quite
    clearly their 1973 FA-cup win so whose to say I don't want them to
    repeat that success. In all honesty I think my desire for Forrest to
    win the FA-cup is greater then for Chelsea. Yeah its too late for
    Forrest now but I really want to see them do it for Brian Cloughs 
    sake. Its the FA-Cup he has never won.
    
    Chelsea V Sunderland @ Roker Park. We'll see what happens.
    
    JN.

    
.268>    I for one agree with the second half lacklustre Chelsea performance 
.268>   and as a Chelsea follower I thought that I gave an honest impartial 
.268>    view of the match played. It might be worth reading note 31.240 again.
    
	Apart from the small point made in .266, where we disagree slightly,
I do agree that .240 is a very fair report of the game.

    
    	re .268..
    
    	Well done, Jeff. Excellent note. I hope the contributors to this
    	and many other topics read and digested what you had to offer...
    
    	Andy.

    
    
                      NORWICH 0   CHELSEA 1
        
                                    KERRY DIXON......
    
            

    
    Dixon scored his first goal in three months during a lack lustre 
    game between two sides who may meet in the FA-Cup semis.
    
    Porterfield made seven changes from the side that played against
    Sunderland including bringing in Dave Beasant for Hitchcock. The
    move paid off ending Norwich's unbeaten run of six games.
    
    Dixon turned superbly on a Steve Clarke cross six minutes from time
    to score with an unstoppable left foot drive and give Chelsea their
    first League win in six matches.
    
    The confidence that this goal will give to Kerry is something that
    cannot be measured. He has only scored six goals this season and three
    months since the last goal is a lifetime in any strikers life. I
    predict that Kerry will now forget his self doubt and increase his goal
    tally for this season.
    
    Vincent Jones also had an excellent 90 minutes and his enthusiasm and
    determination rubs off onto the other Chelsea players which will help
    with any further progress in the FA-Cup and League matches.
    
    
    JN.

    
    Re: -1
    
    Who were the seven changes??
    
    Cheers
    Nige.
    

    
    Sorry ol' boy but the two reports that I read gave no details
    of team selection.
    
    I will try to find out but one of the most likely drops would
    have been Andy Myers, in my opinion.
    
    JN.

    RE- . 273
    
    I think the incoming seven were Beasant, Jones, Sinclair, Clarke, Le
    Saux, Cascarino and Monkou.
    
    Andy 

    
    From memory,
    
    In
    
    Le Saux, Monkou, Clarke, Beasent, Jones, Cascarino
    
    as for who they replaced apart from Hitchcock it's anyones guess,
    though I expect Wilson, Hall and Myers must have been dropped.
    
    Loz.

.245>    Chelsea will not sell tickets to non members, so as I'm the only member
.245>    I guess I cant go..
    
	I thought there were 2 members, did the other one resign ? :-)

	It would be a shame to travel 550 miles, to see your team knocked
out of the cup, you'd be better off watching it on Sky.    

     <<< Note 31.277 by FUTURS::DAGLESS "There's, a circus in the town" >>>

>>.245>    Chelsea will not sell tickets to non members, so as I'm the only member
>>.245>    I guess I cant go..
>>    
>>	I thought there were 2 members, did the other one resign ? :-)
>>
>>	It would be a shame to travel 550 miles, to see your team knocked
>>      out of the cup, you'd be better off watching it on Sky.    


hahahahahaha this guy is a real joker, I haven't seen so much fun in this
notes-file for times and the real funny thing is that this guy doesn't know
anything about football.


T_ :-)

    <.... and the real funny thing is that this guy knows nothing about 
    football..>
    
    A Chelsea supporter said this!!!!

    
    How's your footballing career coming on Tim...??
    
    8-)
    
    

    
    Apparently, Andy Townsend is facing an FA charge after being reoported
    to Norwich police on Wednesday night. After Dixon hit the winner late
    on in the second half, Andy incensed Norwich supporters with V-signs.
    	There has been a wriiten complaint from a single fan and the police
    have sent to the FA. This could mean a heavy fine or a match ban.
    
    Cheers
    Nige...

    Isnt he the one who used to be a good player ???
    
    Dave...

    
    Yes Dave, he was also one of the scorers when Chelsea beat spurs
    away 1-3 back in august.
    
     ANDY.B.
    

    
    Yeah right Andy..So he DID used to be a good player,and just think it
    was only in August.
    
      Vinny hadnt arrived then,so he was still the best midfielder in the
    country in August.Just think,in 7 months Jones and Portefield have
    managed ti turn a good player into a "Jones Clone"All that's missing is
    the silly CFC/Vinny Jones haircut.
    
    Dave...

    
    Ever since Andy's injury he seems to be struggling. He still has the
    skill, but he seems to shy away from the 50/50 challenges. Maybe his
    confidence has taken a knock. This could happen with GAZZA on his
    return, you never know??
    
    What ever Andy's problem is, I hope it is resolved by Wednesday.
    
    Cheers
    Nige...

    SHY AWAY FROM 50/50 CHALLENGES.....???
    
      You must bo Joking....all he does now is go round kicking people.His
    contribution to the Game on Monday was to steam into any
    Sunderland player and smash the ball as far as he could.Ive seen
    Chelsea alot this Season on Sky and normal TV,its all he does now.He's
    to busy trying to be a hard man like Jones thinks he is.He should stick
    to playing Football,he used to be good at that.
    
    Dave...
    

    
     Andy Townsend reminds me of someone in the F.A cup final last year..
    
     ANDY.B.
    
    

    
    Chelsea 0     Norwich 1
    
    Until Townsend was sent off Chelsea didn't look like losing this
    game. During the match both Allen and Townsend were given their
    marching orders for bad mouthing the ref. Whether or not they play
    any further part in Chelsea's FA-Cup interest after the quarter
    finals depends (should Chelsea beat Sunderland) on the refs report 
    to the League authorities.
    
    Townsend has been unsettled lately but the reasons have not been 
    highlighted except perhaps for the brief article earlier in the 
    season with Townsend saying that at the age of 28 years he really
    wants Chelsea to win some domestic honours otherwise he will be 
    on his way. Apart from recent performances Townsend is a quality
    player who has scored many times for his club and is rated highly
    amongst other first division teams so he could end up playing 
    anywhere.
    
    
    JN.
    

    
    Re: -1
    
    What more does this guy want??
    Chelsea are in the quarter finals and have probably one of the best 
    chances they've ever had to lift the F.A cup at Wembley. So, perhaps
    if he got on with the game instead of moaning about it then perhaps
    we may see Chelsea a sucessful side once again.
    
    Cheers
    Nige.

    
    
    Well, would you belive it no sooner are people talking about 
    Townsend's change of style, he does us all a favour by getting
    sent off and just to hit home the change at the club the normally
    mild mannered Clive Allen goes with him. Chelsea are going down hill
    and fast.
    
     What do you Chelsea supporters really think about whats going on 
     down at Stamford Bridge, from a neutral it seems as though
     Porterfield is winding his players up to much and is content with
     his players running around kicking and abusing other professionals.
    
     I'm sorry I keep saying this BUT! it is reminisent of the Wimbledon
     side of the Eighties.
    
                                 Neil......  

    
    RE: -1 
    
    As far as I see it, it's not all that bad. I think we have lost
    one/two? games this year. I must admit most of the performances
    have been less than average, with a couple of exceptions.
    i.e Chelsea at Anfield. Chelsea's main problem which has always
    been the way at the bridge, is lack of consistency. On our day
    we can out-play any team. There is the quality at the bridge, if
    only they could use it more.
    	I think Porterfield has not done to badly. We're 7th in the league
    and still in the F.A cup quarter finals (just!). One thing that I
    cannot work out, is the problem with Townsend. I think he's just 
    going through a bad patch, that will not last much longer (I hope).
    
    Cheers
    Nige.
    
    P.S A friend of mine at Chelsea was given a final warning letter at 
    Chelsea for bad language. In the paper Porterfield quoted "Football is
    a game of passion, of course a player will use bad language now and 
    again", after the coventry game. I bet Vinnie's got a box full of 
    final warning letters.  
    	
                          

    
    I see that Chelsea have only sold 2,500 tickets of the 6000 allotted
    for tonights game. A consequence of the game being played on a Monday
    night, 300 miles away I reckon, or are you anticipating defeat?
    
    Tim

    re:-1
    
    Its Wednesday.
    
    Nigel

    
    errm, just checking to see if anyone was paying attention.

    seems to be an awful lot of of bored supporters from other clubs
    writing in here....must be cos they were all turfed out of the cup 
    earlier on.
    
    I hope the Blues stuff Sunderland, but I wouldnt feel too confident
    about it. They seem to have a dose of the jitters lately. Still, as
    with all Blues matches ...**ANYTHING** can happen. Thats why we love
    them. you just cant predict what they'll do..unlike SPurs, who'll
    ALWAYS lose at home. Or EVerton, who'll always bore the pants off
    everyone.
    
    Match is live on Sky Sports tonight for those of you with woks on your
    eaves.
    
    *tiger*

    
    I heard we sold 4,000 tickets from an allocation of 4,500.  Still it's
    academic (except for wind-up purposes),  I'm not going, wish I was, I
    could have got a ticket but wasn't really that bothered, fear not I've
    taken enough abuse from my mates that are going. 
    
    I'll settle for the coverage on Sky, I'll be right behind the team but
    in the armchair.  Since I was 15/16 I been travelling to games all over
    the country, these days I pick and choose when and where I go.
    
    I remain optimistic about tonight, optimism is a major qualification
    for Chelsea supporters, may the best team win, I hope it's Chelsea.
    
    Our recent disciplinary record leaves a lot lot to be desired, agreed.
    
    It may be the fault of Porterfield, he bought Jones to add commitment
    to the team, he has asked time and again for the players to give 100%.
    Maybe they have mis-understood his message, on teletext this morning he
    said that he would be asking the boys to calm things down.
    
    For many seasons now I have thought that some of the players only
    wanted to commit themselves to major games and didn't take some games
    seriously enough.  I believe that is why over the past ten years we have
    gone out of cups at an early stage.  That is why I believe we lost to
    teams that were struggling last season yet were the only team to beat
    Arsenal in the league.
    
    Porterfield is trying to get consistency out of the team, I admit I had
    major reservations about him signing Jones, since then I've cahnged my
    mind.  I believe that we will become consistent, I hope we don't gain
    it at the expense of attractive football but attractive football is not
    enough on it's own, look at West Ham.  While our team contains Jones,
    Wise and Beasent I'm sure it will be compared to Wimbledon, my answer
    is come to the Bridge (cue song) and see for yourself.
    
    Loz.               

    
    
     Chelsea......8-).Chelsea.....8-).......Chelsea.....8-)
    
     It's a bit silent in here.
    
             Neil....8-)

    What was the score ???
    
    K.

      
    
    Sunderland  2   Chelsea  1
    
      Neil..

    
    	It was a cracking game too. Sunderland were much the better team in
    the first half and went in 1 goal up, it could have been more. Chelsea
    played much better in the second half and had two chances kicked of the
    line and hit the bar before they equalised about 4 minutes from time.
    However Sunderland went back in the lead 2 minutes later. Both
    goalkeepers played really well, with Beasant making one amazing save
    near the end. I think in the end Sunderland just about deserved it but
    it was close.
    
    	Great game for a neutral!
    
    
    		Steve

    
    Gutted!!!
    
    Nige.
    

    
    I must admit, it was a brilliant game. Very close too. I honestly
    thought Chelsea had done enough to take it into extra time. Both sides
    played very well, but Tony Norman was outstanding.
    
    Hard lines
    
    Tim

    Dear fellow Chelsea supporters and noters, it is with tears in my 
    eyes and a heavy heart that I enter the following match report from 
    last nights fantastic game between Sunderland and Chelsea at Roker
    Park. Chelsea supporters being the way they are I think you will all 
    join with me in wishing Sunderland all the best for the remainder
    of their FA-Cup campaign. I for one remember their thrilling victory
    over Leeds in 1973 and I sincerely hope that they can now repeat that
    success and indeed I believe they will. 

    Any other team would have given up after Chelsea scored the equaliser
    in the 85th minute but Sunderland cam through again to score the winner
    two minutes later.

    Bad luck Chelsea, well done Sunderland.

    JN.

                    ------------------------------

    SUNDERLAND 2    CHELSEA 1

    Davenport 20    Wise 85
    Armstrong 87

    ATT:- 26,039



    Gordon Armstrong scored a brilliant 88th minute winner at Roker park
    last night to send Sunderland into the FA-Cup semis for the first time
    since beating Leeds in the final in 1973. Armstrong, who had not scored
    in the competition, struck two minutes after Wise had equalised for
    Chelsea and appeared to have taken the game into extra time. The 24 year
    old Geordie rose to steer an unstoppable header beyond Beasant's   
    despairing dive. Delighted Sunderland supporters invaded the pitch to
    celebrate at the final whistle while Chelsea, managed by Sunderlands
    1973 Wembley hero Ian Porterfield, could hardly believe it. Armstrong
    said, "This is the happiest moment of my life." Happier even than when,
    as a five year old, he saw Porterfields winner against Leeds at Wembley.
    He added, "I spilt orange juice all over the place when that goal went
    in. This time I'm old enough for a few glasses of bubbly."

    Amid his joy Malcolm Crosby, Sunderlands caretaker manager said, "I must
    give credit to Chelsea. They gave us a hard time in the second half but
    Gordon's gantastic header didn't give them the time to come back at us.
    The way our supporters back us we certainly can go to Wembley."

    Roker goalkeeper Tony Norman was a modern day Jim Montgomery, the keeper
    whose memorable saves graced that long ago Wembley final. Normans quality
    was highlighted by reflex stops from Dixon and Wise. When he was beaten
    Sunderland skipper Paul Bracewell cleared off the line from Townsend and
    Dixon. Once Sunderland had seized a 20th minute advantage from Davenport,
    it seemed that Chelsea would never score despite all their pressure. The
    moments which suggested that Sunderlands name may be on the trophy were
    when Townsend hit the post and Cascarino's header smacked the cross bar
    with Norman nowhere the ball.
 
    Sunderlands man of the match, Brian Atkinson, began the fine move which
    brought the first goal, winning the ball and passing to another youngster,
    20 year old David Rush. His flick allowed John Byrne, the striker Chelsea
    feared, to go on a typical run which took him past Elliot. Beasant parried
    Byrne's shot but Davenport was free to score with ease. Chelsea then threw
    everything forward only to be denied by Norman, Bracewell and Co. The
    Londeners' desperation to wipe out the deficit left them exposed at times
    with Beasant producing a full length save to deny Atkinson and then Elliot
    brilliantly blocking from Davenport on the rebound. Then with five minutes
    to go, it appeared that Chelsea were back in the frame as Wise raced onto
    a neat through ball from Vinny Jones. 

    Extra time was approaching but Chelsea reckoned without Atkinson who 
    dispatched the corner for Armstrong's winner. Armstrong said, "Brian
    was brilliant tonight. His kick just cleared Townsend so I could make 
    good contact. Mind you I was surprised that Chelsea didn't have anyone
    beside that post for the corner. There's no reason why we can't go all
    the way now."

    The night reminded Porterfield and his scout, ex Sunderland manager
    Bob Stokoe, of Rokers unforgettable occasion when favourites Man City
    went out in the 1973 cup run. This time they were on the receiving end.

    Porterfield said, "I couldn't have asked for any more from the players.
    They did everything but it just wasn't to be. Sunderland had all the
    luck but I wish them all the best. Now that we are out I'd rather see
    them win it than anyone else. As for us we're sick. We deserved something
    more out of this game but thats cup football - its all about what happens
    on the night."

                      -----------------------------

    
    Quick question: why was Clive Allen on the subs bench?
    
    jeff

    >     Quick question: why was Clive Allen on the subs bench?
    
    
    		Not just a quick one, but a good one as well.
    

    
    
      The reason Clive Allen was the bench was, basicaly he is a
     good footballer and after scoring 7 goals since his arrival
     Porterfield has relised that he has no place for a good footballer
     in his side, so he dropped him, I'll give Cascarino his due he
     done his chances the world of good, he'll be signing for a summer season
     at Blackpool beach sometime this week.
    
     But why leave out your best Striker in such an important game is
     beyond me.
    
                      Neil.....
                       Neil...
          

    
    Porterfield put Cascarino on with Dixon so that Chelsea would
    be the stronger in the air, as it showed. 
    Porterfield must have had a brain storm to have left out such
    an important player as Allen..
    Lets hope the new season brings us a new manager and a clear out
    of one or two players..
    
                ANDY.B    * COME ON PORTSMOUTH *
    
          

    Sick to the teeth!! But glad also that at least now we'll see the end
    of noters like -1 spewing their anti-Chelsea vitriol all over the disk.
    
    Btw...neil, what team do you support? 
    
    Wonder will we see Sunderland in the **PREMIER LEAGUE** next season,
    ha ha!! STill, The BEST of luck to them, I hope they or Pompey go the
    whole way now.
    
    *Tiger*

    re.307,
    Andy,
    who would you like to see the back of on the player side ?
    personally I would like them to dispose of Wise,Cascarino,Wilson and if
    Townsend keeps moaning they can let him go.
    We should also look at providing Elliot with some better/experienced
    partners in defence and another ball winner in midfield.
    I personally would prefer to see Porterfield stay.
    Sounds like a new team !! maybe we could buy some more Wimbledon
    players :-)
    
    steve
    

    
    Old Chelsea supporters proverb No. 3: "There's always next year".
    
    Niel,
    
    I'd like to meet you one day, as we work in the same building you never
    know your luck.
    
    Re. Clive Allen, it was suggested that scorer of goals that he is, he was 
    not suited for the type of game Porterfield expected last night. 
    Porterfield explained that you pick a team to suit the style of team
    that your up against, a bit like Taylor did against the Irish when he
    dropped Ga.... no I can't mention him in here.
    
    Anyway, cracking game last night, I can't believe how close we came to
    extending the game but after watching all the chances we had earlier,
    saved, parried off the line or hitting the woodwork I had realised it
    wasn't our night.  To be fair we was lucky to get a secound bite of the
    apple after our performance and lucky goal last Monday week.   
    
    Man of the match IMO was Norman the keeper, he broke my heart.
    
    Good luck Sunderland in the Semi's, with the belief your team obviously
    have in themselves you could go all the way.
    
    A Sunderland - Portsmouth final would be interesting.
    
    Loz.
                                                             

    
    
     I must admit to being a little disapointed at Chelsea's exit
     out of the F.A Cup I havn't got a team to laugh at now, I hope
     Liverpool now go on and win it, can you imagine any of the other 
     three teams representing England in the Cup Winners cup next season,
     that is one of the reason's I didn't want Chelsea to win it.
    
     Basically I don't follow any team, in the sense that I don't pay
     to watch, but I always liked West Ham purely because of the way they
     played the game over the years but god knows what's happened to
     them this season, then there is Reading because they are my home town
     but I gave up watching them when they dropped out of the second
     division. So I'm more of a armchair critic now and Chelsea fit the
     bill nicely at the moment. 
    
                       Neil.....
      
     
    
       

    What a day yesterday was. Chelsea get knocked out of the Cup, the last
    two British represenatatives get knocked out of Europe and England go
    and lose to piddly Zimbabwe in the Cricket WC. I really enjoyed reading 
    the paper this morning.
    
    Still, Man Utd got beat.
    
    Andy
    

    
    
       Steve..
    
            coming back to players i believe should go, one would be jones,
    i feel he can be a good leader but since he's joined Chelsea there
    seems to be a lot of bookings for him and other players, and i think
    we should let him go for the best intrests of the club.
    Cascarino would be my second choice to go, i cant understand why
    Porterfield thought he would be any better at Chelsea, Kevin Wlison
    would be third choice, he seems to be just on the pay roll and never
    really gives a good performance when he does get a game.
    The last player i can think of would be Dennis Wise, he's never 
    performed as well as what his price tag suggests.
    We have some good up and coming players like Myers, hall, le saux,
    so it should be time now Chelsea got shot of some of the rubbish
    that we have ended up with and get the club back on its feet.
    
    ANDY.B.
    

    
    All this in tribute to the boys that got us to the � finals
    of the FA-Cup, the furthest Chelsea have got in 10 years.
    
    All this in tribute to the boys that are currently holding
    9th place in Division 1. They may go further up or they may
    drop some more places, who knows. Thats Chelsea for you.
    There's a few games to be played yet this season.
    
    Get rid of Dennis Wise ?? yeah alright. He is not the worlds most
    gifted player but 'cos of his size he's a nippy little sod and 
    does have skill. He can certainly cross a ball and he can score goals.
    He's not there to score goals but he's Chelsea's top scorer this season
    with 11 to his name.
    
    Vinny Jones has a label given to him because of past actions. This 
    label he will never shake off. His record since leaving Sheffield Utd
    has improved 100% but people still want him to break other player's
    legs. Since Jones arrival at the bridge I've seen no influence from him 
    to suggest that the other Chelsea players are jumping on the kick 'em 
    in the air bandwagon.
    
    JN.
    

    
    
    Jeff..
    
      How often do watch Chelsea at the Bridge or away games.
    
      Start of the season Townsend looked a different class
      of player and wanted by all, then vinny joined and the tables
      were turned, Townsends game started to suffer and so did many
      other players and also their haircuts..
      The attitude of the club seems to have taken a tumble for the worst
      and even porterfield is coming out with stupid comments and making
      the club and himself look even more stupid.
      
      I have watched Dennis wise many times this season and have been very
      frustrated while watching him cross a ball, there have been so many
      corners waisted, to be truthful i bet he'd have trouble crossing the
      road.
    
      ANDY.B
    

    
    Andy, you haven't got a clue have you. I think Cossey has
    been up your chuff or you working too close to him. Don't
    listen to him.
     
    Why didn't you voice this opinion a couple of weeks ago when 
    Vincent Jones was getting a right slagging off ?? You were doing 
    the opposite.
    
    Vinny Jones has had a positive effect on the team. If you say
    Dennis Wise is crap then I suppose he is crap.
    
    Lets all take a close look at the disciplinary record of other 
    teams.
    
    At the end of the day though we're all entitled to our opinion.
    
    JN. )
    

    
    
    I cant remember what number my reply was , but when Vinnies name
    was first linked with Chelsea,  i put in a note that said Chelsea
    shouldn't by Jones, so thats why i didn't reply then.
    I have been a Chelsea Member for the past 5 years and a season
    ticket holder for a couple of those years and watching the blues
    play is getting painful, we have some good players at Chelsea
    who i feel are being dragged into this mud that Jones has created.
    I am not the only Chelsea supporter who feels this way, I think most
    supporters just stick up for him because he plays for Chelsea.
    
    
    Jeff are you a Chelsea member, season ticket holder or do you just
    see the games that are on T.V., and know Neil hasn't been up my
    Chuff.. ( well not recently )
    
    ANDY.B.
    
     

    
    Like Andy I had reservations about signing Jones, unlike Andy I think
    he's proved to be a good buy.  He has always been a high profile
    player, a lot of emphasis seems to be put onto the fact that he's an
    ex-brickie and a supposed hard man.  Let's look at why.
    
    (IMHO)
    Most of the opinions formed by people seem to be taken from the media,
    why do the media like to write articles about Jones, could it be his
    background, a lot of the media are frustrated, never made it
    footballers or past it, can't let go or remember the good old days, ex
    players.  The former seem to slag him down because he's made it, ie
    he's playing first division football and they can only write about it
    and the latter like to compare him, normally unfairly to hard men of
    old.
    
    Andy,
    
    re haircuts, the influence on the haircuts seems to have been started
    by Wise not Jones, last season I remember seeing Le Saux run out and
    mistaking him for Wise.
    
    I don't think we've had a bad season, the only time I ever believe
    we've had a bad season is when we've been relegated or failed to get
    promotion, I've been a member and held season tickets for many of them
    seasons.
    
    On the disciplinary front, Bradshaw has been banned for 3 games due to
    the incident in the last round and has also been fined 100 pounds for
    gesturing to the crowd during last weeks Sheffield derby, not much
    publicity or discussion about that yet huh.
    
    Andy see you on the pitch in 10,
    
    Loz.
     

    
    Andy.
    
    Until the start of this season I have been a season ticket holder
    2 years out of four.
    
    Because of family commitments from last August when my daughter was
    born I didn't think it worth buying a season ticket. Indeed I haven't
    really been able to play that much football myself this season.
    Therefore I've only been able to snatch the odd couple of games at
    home. The TV coverage on Sky is good it has to be said. I don't
    pay too much attention to the media. My match reports tend to be 
    50/50 from the Daily Mail (although a Tory rag a sensible tabloid)
    and my own words depending on what I've seen.
    
    Hopefully from next season I'll be able to change that although I
    won't bother if Chelsea are not at the Bridge any longer thanks to
    some astute financial planning by Ken 'master' Bates.
    
    JN.

    
    The last I heard about the Bridge, was that Fulham were coming
    to ground share and that Chelsea were going to buy the Bridge
    by the end of march.
    
    ANDY.B.
    

    
    While it is obviously disappointing to go out of the cup and our recent
    form has been poor let's put things in perspective.  We're in the top
    half of the league and probably would be a couple of places higher if
    we hadn't concentrated on the cup.
    
    We were denied by a late equaliser at Old Trafford, won at Anfield.
    
    The nucleus of a good side is there and I'm not too despondent.
    
    Gary.

    Whats wrong with short haircuts.
    
    Led Zeppelin broke up a few years ago you know.
    
    Rgds
    
    Andy

	Can any parallel be drawn between Vinnie Jones and Chopper Harris?

	Tony

    re -1
    
    surely a great theme for Terminator 3...Arnie meets the combined evils
    of Vinnie and Chopper...OUCH!!!...
    
    

    
    Hi,
    
    I heard a rumour that Chelsea were looking at amalgamating with
    Wimbledon, this would ease their financial burdon and help to raise
    capital for the purchase of the Bridge.
    
    
    Does any one know if this is true, or just a nasty rumour?
    
    
    
    Is it also true that if this were to materialise Chelsea & Wimbledon
    would change their name to:
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    *****************************WIMSEA****************************
    
    
    

    
    I prefer Cheldon myself but Wimsea is a good one. Anyway Chelsea
    are looking at the possibility of GROUND SHARING and thats as far
    as it goes. There will not be a merging of teams.
    
    We're only in this position because of that plank Ken 'master' Bates.
    He sells the ground for a couple of million then rents it, the owners
    then want to sell it but the price is now 22 million or thereabouts.
    Nice one Ken, stick to being Cindy Dolls boyfriend. Without him Chelsea
    would be in a much better position all round.....
    
    JN.

    
    How about if you left the Chel in Chelsea and the Wibldo in Wimbledon
    and called your self:
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    **************************SEAMEN*********************
    

Transfer News

Jason Cundy to Spurs for 750,000
Clive Allen to West Ham for 300,000.

�.

    
    mass exodus?
    
    ian.
    

    
    anyway, i thought Clive Allen was doing well at Stamford Bridge?
    
    Ian.
    

    
    Also Kevin Wilson has gone to Notts County ..
    
    
        ANDY.B.
    
    

    
    Mr Bates is obviously trying to get some sponds to buy Stamford
    Pigsty.....  :-)

    
    If they're interested in saving money, then why'd they buy Tony
    Cascarino? 
    
    Tim

    
    Re :last.
    
    They didn't exactly buy him. He was taken in exchange for Tommy Boyd
    who has gone back up in Cascarinos place. Chelsea paid 800,000 for
    Boyd who didn't really settle into the club or a regular first team
    place.
    
    I suppose you could say that in theory Chelsea paid 800,000 for 
    Cascarino. IMHO a complete waste of money.
    
    Chelsea, or should I say Ken Bates, are trying to raise money to 
    buy back Stamford Bridge. There are other players that I would
    expect to see on their way.
    
    Dixon 
    Myers 
    Townsend. Who was going anyway, the gunners are supposed to be after
    him.
    
    Cascarino
    Le saux.
    
    Maybe a few others.
    
    JN.

I reckon Chelsea ought to do a deal with Aldershot.

The Shots have a team, but nowhere to play.

Chelsea will soon have a place to play ( Of their own ), but no team!!!

Al	:-)

    
    
    Well it's a sad day for Chelsea, selling Clive Allen and Cundy was 
    not a bright idea. We could afford to lose Wilson to Notts County
    but not the other two. What makes things even worse, was that they
    both went to London clubs, of which may not be in the first division
    next year. I know Townsend will be going, but i just hope we dont have
    to sell Le Saux or Graham Stuart.
    
    Andy.b.
    

    Is it just coincidence that Bates spent 1.6 million yesterday on shares
    in Cambra estates.
    
    Why on earth did they sell Allen ? surely we should have got rid of
    Cascarino first.
    This whole issue looks like a mass clearout could occur during the
    summer,I would'nt be suprised to see Townsend and Elliot being sold and
    Vinnie being made captain !!
    
    steve
    

    
    It seems to me that Mr Bates is a businessman first and chelsea fan
    second. Perhaps he is more interested in securing his own personal 
    financial future in this time of recession than making sure that
    Chelsea football club wins things.
    Well, thats just my opinion, what do the Chelsea noters reckon?
    
    Ian.

    
    This is not good news. Bates will be a marked man.
    
    Chelsea's Stamford Bridge saga grew even more confused yesterday
    when Chairman Ken Bates announced that he has become the major
    shareholder in Cabra Estates, who own the Bridge.
    
    He paid 3 million for 26 million shares at at 12 pence a share,
    giving him a 27% shareholding. Cabra recently won a high court
    action ordering Chelsea to pay them 22 million for the Bridge
    but the club appealed and a decision is imminent. Now that Bates
    is the major shareholder it may become a different ball game. He
    is requesting an extraordinary general meeting to oust Cabra
    Chairman John Duggan.
    
    Duggan said, "my reaction is that in view of the conflict between
    Chelsea FC I cannot see the shareholders being willing to accept
    anything that is not in their interests."
    
    It is ibvious that Bates will want to join the board on Cabra but
    Cabra can delay this for up to 7 weeks after his request. That may
    be too late to save Chelsea. On Tuesday this week the appeal court
    heard Chelsea's case for not paying the 22 million. A ruling is likely
    early next week.
    
    IF CHELSEA LOSES ITS APPEAL, CABRA FINANCE DIRECTOR EION COTTER SAYS
    HE WILL MOVE IMMEDIATELY TO LIQUIDATE THE CLUB IF IT DOES NOT PAY UP.
    
    It will be a sad day if one of the longest serving League clubs is
    buried simply down to the greed of individual people.
    
    JN.
    

    
    
    I agree Jeff.
    
    
    

    Wison - understandable
    Allen - unbelievable
    Cundy - unforgivable - this lad as a big future.
    
    Andy

    Oops! I should really check the spelling/grammar before I send these
    notes.
    
    Andy

    
    Diary of a marksman on the move.
    
    
    Date
    
    June, 1980		QPR to Arsenal		�1,250,000
    Aug,  1980		Arsenal to C.Palace	�1,250,000
    May,  1981		C.Palace to QPR		�425,000
    Aug,  1984		QPR to Spurs		�750,000
    May,  1988		Spurs to Bordeaux	�1,000,000
    Aug,  1989		Bordeaux to Man City	�1,100,000
    Dec,  1991		Man City to Chelsea	�250,000
    Mar,  1992		Chelsea to West Ham	�275,000
    
    						-----------
    						�6,300,000
    
    Scoring record.
    
    QPR		34 goals in 55 games
    Arsenal	0    "	    0	 "
    C.Palace	11   "      29   "
    QPR		49   "      102  "
    Spurs	85   "      140  "
    Bordeaux	14   "      19   "
    Man City	21   "      78   "
    Chelsea	9    "      24   "
    
    TOTAL       223  "      447  "
    
    Clive will be playing football at West Ham with his cousin Martin.
    His brother, Bradley, scored the two goals for QPR which robbed 
    West Ham of much needed points. Another cousin, Paul, plays for Spurs.
    
    JN.

    
    No further news on Chelsea's battle with Cabra estates. No
    appeal court decision as yet. It may take even longer now
    that Bates has 27% of Cabra. He may be running around trying
    to get hold of another 24% which would give him 51% and
    controlling interest in the company.
    
    JN.
    

    
    I saw on teletext that Chelsea have 1 week to find the �23M. It also
    said that Bates has increased his share in Cabra to 30%.
    
    Tim

    
    I caught up with the news last night. Here is a more detailed
    report.
    
    Chelsea Chairman Ken Bates forced landlords Cabra Estates to call
    an EGM last night after buying another chunk of the property
    company. Bates acted after being ordered by the Court Of Appeal
    to complete the purchase of Stamford Bridge for �22.85 million
    in seven days.
    
    He now wants at least one place on the Cabra board after taking his
    stake in the company to 29.65% - just short of the figure required
    for a full scale bid. His move came after the Appeal Court threw
    out his plea that Chelsea should be allowed to delay the ground deal
    until after a cross claim for up to �23 million damages.
    
    Lord Justices Dillon, Leggat and Nolan said Chelsea had no basis for
    any claim arising from a 2� year delay in Cabra acknowledging the clubs
    right to buy the ground. The club were refused leave to appeal to the
    House Of Lords, but Bates could ask the Law Lords for Leave to appeal
    and for a stay which would defer the sale completion date, pending
    a House Of Lords hearing.
    
    CHELSEA MUST MEET THE COURTS DEADLINE - OR FORCE CABRA TO DELAY 
    COMPLETION - TO GUARANTEE PLAYING HOME LEAGUE GAMES AGAINST QPR
    OM APRIL 18TH AND ARSENAL A WEEK LATER.
    
    By calling the EGM Bates wants to appoiny new directors and fire
    Duggan who is the Cabra Chairman.
    
                  ------------------------------------
    
    What can I say. ?? I've got my trousers tucked into my socks. I hope
    Bates sorts this out but the tosspot shouldn't have sold the ground
    in the first place. Chelsea with the Bridge cannot be seperated in
    my mind.
    
    
    JN. :-(

    
    This is a big gamble.  I hope he pulls it off.  Apparently the Bridge
    is worth more than Cabra Estates so he's going about it the right way. 
    But why did he sell them the ground in the first place????
    
    Gary.

    I don't think Bates will make a move for Cabra - the company is heavily
    in debt, hence their need to dispose of the ground.

    
    RE. The selling of the ground.
    
    Bates never sold the ground.  A brief history from memory.
    
    The ground was constructed by a couple of gents in the late 1800's when
    athletics was the nations (well at least in the south) sport and the
    football league was in it's infancy, ie only two divisions, mainly
    northern clubs.  One of the gents a certain Mr. Mears had the idea of
    playing football at the bridge.  Originally he wanted to get Fulham to
    play there but they wouldn't move so he had the idea to create his own
    football team to play at Stamford Bridge.  After some
    discussion with his partner they agreed and a team was formed, the name
    Chelsea was chosen.  Even back in the early days the stadium was not
    wholly owned by these two gents but they did have majority shares in
    the company who owned it, a 99 year lease (expired) and agreement for
    Chelsea to play at the ground with an option to buy at the end of their
    lease.
    
    Moving on...... in the early 80's another Mr. Mears was Chairman of the
    club (orginal Mr mears grandson I think), Chelsea were struggling
    finacially and as a team due as I understand it to, bad investment 
    during the Seventies, ie building a stand that they couldn't afford,
    attendaces dropping etc.
    
    There were a few demonstrations (I remeber taking to the pitch and
    shouting "Mears Out" during some of these protests) and most of the old
    board left selling their shares at the same time.  Over the years most of
    these shares through company take overs and deals have ended up with CABRA.
    Since Bates has been with the club he has constantly been trying to gain 
    controlling intrests of the companies involved to try and get the best 
    possible deal for the club (his words not mine).  Some of the companies
    that Bates has had to deal with have been reluctant to acknowledge the
    agreement made all those years ago and have been unwilling to accept
    that Chelsea have a right to the option to buy.
    
    So you see nobody least of all Bates has sold the ground, in fact
    Chelsea Football Club have never owned it.
    
    Loz.
    
     

    Teletext is stating that Chelsea have until the end of today to find
    the cash. Jimmy Hill thinks there's an 8 out of 10 chance that Chelsea
    and Fulham would be ground sharers next season. One wonders at which
    ground.
    
    Tim

    
    I thought Craven Cottage has already been sold and Fulham will become
    homeless at the end of the season - there was some article in the paper
    on Sunday about a new housing estate to be built there - sad.
    
    Paul

    
    It looks like Bates has reduced the Chelsea outlay to 9 million
    with the help of Fulham who will ground share with Chelsea at
    the Bridge. Now that is sad.
    
    The above is, as yet, unconfirmed.
    
    JN.

    
    Could some one please tell who Chelsea are playing on Saturday.
    
    Thanks in advance
    Nige.

>>                      <<< Note 31.354 by NEWOA::BURTON >>>
>>                        -< Saturday's fixture please. >-
>>    Could some one please tell who Chelsea are playing on Saturday.
>>    

	Your'e at home to QPR....

			Al.

    
    
    
    
    QPR  2  Chelsea 0	 
    

    
    Jeff,
    
    I saw on teletext Monday I think, a report that stated Chelsea would be
    buying the bridge for 13m.  Arrangements were being discussed for
    Fulham to ground share from next season.  The new price and current
    arrangement is a direct result of Bates "ownership???" of SB
    properties, a subsidary of Cabra.
    
    Do you have any recent news, or anyone else for that matter?
    
    Loz.

    
    
      There's another problem apparently,Fulham Council have turned down
    ground Sharing.
    
      Also how do Chelsea expect to pay for the ground improvements
    needed,if they eventually sort this boring problem out.We keep hearing
    about this super modern 40,000 seater stadium,the state of Stamford
    Bridge at the moment,that will take an awfull lot of money.
    
    Dave...

    
    The latest as of yesterday plus a brief update as of today.
    
    The threat of a winding up order that hung over Chelsea was
    lifted yesterday (Monday) after a peace deal involving
    Fulham FC looked likely to end the war of Stamford Bridge.
    
    A plan for Chelsea's West London neighbours to share the stadium
    forms the basis of a solution between Chelsea and Cabra. Chelsea
    were threatened by the order last Friday after Ken Bates failed 
    to meet a High Court order to pay the 22.85 million for the Bridge.
    
    That threat has now been passed and the deal could now mean Bates
    paying a maximum of 13 million.
    
    
                   --------------------------------------
    
    The very latest is that Hammersmith and Fulham council have blocked
    the idea of a ground share. The only reason I can think of is that
    Fulham council will lose money on a lease which only has a year to
    run anyway. Obviously Fulham would not renew if moving to the Bridge.
    
    I'll post more details when I have them.
    
    JN.'

    There is a planning condition that the site of Craven Cottage is only
    used for team sport games.
    
    jb.

    
    I suppose the question is who owns the lease on the Cottage. Is
    there a definate owner as Fulham only have a year to go.
    
    Maybe we'll see Chelsea playing footba at the Cottage next season.
    
    JN.

    
    Maybe the other reason that Fulham/hammersmith council are obstructing
    the change, is that the residents would not be happy of a game being
    played every saturday at Stamford Bridge.
    
    Only a thought.
    
    Cheers
    Nige.

    
    The councils are/were backing both Fulham and Chelsea in their bids to
    remain at their respective stadiums.  They have used delaying tatics in
    the past eg. refusing the planning permission for SB properties but
    granting planning permission for Chelsea F.C., this happened about two
    years.  It may have something to do with the sneaky beaky way Bates is 
    trying to get the best possible deal for the club and the powers that be 
    are trying to protect Fulham F.C. by making life as difficult as possible 
    for Cabra to carry out their intentions,
    
    Loz.

    
    Yeah. I'm sure that there is an enormous amount of underhand
    tactics being employed in this particular case by Bates and
    close business buddys.
    
    Good luck to him. Cabra estates are skint and they want some
    dosh. Solution :- wind up Chelsea FC, in more ways than one.
    
    This must be having an effect on the team as they've played some
    poor football in recent weeks.
    
    JN.

    
    
          VILLA 2-1 CHELSEA
                       (SINCLAIR)
    
    
          ANDY.B.
    

    3-1 to villa,
    
    Staunton,McGrath and parker for Villa

    
                
    
                 CHELSEA 1  ARSENAL 1
    
                 WISE       LEE DIXON
    
    
                    

    
    If any of you Blues fans are interested in making up a 5-a-side team
    for a bit of a kick around with some of the other noters, mail me or stick
    your name in here.  So far I have Andy Barefeild, John Foster and
    Myself interested.
    
    See Topic 203 for more details.
    
    Loz.

  <<< Note 31.368 by PEKING::JOLLYL "Viva la rock .... the killer lives on" >>>

    
>>    If any of you Blues fans are interested in making up a 5-a-side team
>>    for a bit of a kick around with some of the other noters, mail me or stick
>>    your name in here.  So far I have Andy Barefeild, John Foster and
>>    Myself interested.
    
>>    See Topic 203 for more details.
    
>>    Loz.

Lawrence me lad if you need a decent goal-keeper you only have to ask me
but if not I might even can get a FC Utrecht team together if this is
allowed!


T_

    re .-1
    
    Oh s**t there goes the neighbourhood.
    
    
    Andy  8-)

    
    
      I see that Chelsea are after Fleck from Norwich and also Tottenham
      have also shown some intrest. This i hope will be a good buy
      for Chelsea. maybe we could sell Tottenham Cascarino..
    
      ANDY..
    

    
    Chelsea will be playing a pre-season friendly against Farnborough Town
    at Farnborough on the 1st August.
    
    This should be a good chance to see any new signings.
    
    
    steve.

    
    
    What's this I hear that Chelsea are charging 10 pounds to stand and
    watch them, and that is from the shed end.
    
    Something to do with Mr Bates ???

    
    Prices of the terracing for next season..
    
    category C.. � 7    club members.. �6
    
    category B.. � 8  
    
    category A.. � 10
    
    These are the prices that Chelsea will be charging next season to stand
    according to the new membership form. They look the same as last years
    prices so I dont know if they are correct.
    
    ANDY.B.
    
    
    

    rep -1
    
    Andy,
    
    Do you now what the prices will be for the West Stand?
    
    
    

    
    
    category c  � 10
    category b  � 13
    category a  � 20
    
    ANDY.B.
    

                    <<< Note 31.376 by PEKING::BAREFIELDA >>>
                                  -< !@�$$% >-

    
    
>>    category c  � 10
>>    category b  � 13
>>    category a  � 20
    
>>    ANDY.B.
  
What a rip-off, in 1991 I paid 12 quid.

T_  

    Have Spurs actually bought Cundy now? Is Paul McStaying at Celtic?
    
    Andy
    

    Yep, 'fraid so lads.  I think we've got a bit of a good deal on him, my
    mates who support Chelsea rated him and were a bit pissed off that he
    was sold so quickly.  He seemed to settle in very quickly with the team
    and with the fans.
    
    Adrian
    

    MacDonalds are giving away free tickets for Chelsea next season.......
    
    Well, it says "CFC free" on all the boxes and I can't say I'm very much
    surprised!!
                                                                           
    Anon.

    
    Any transfer news???
    
    Cheers
    Nige.

    
    
    Has anyone the league fixtures for the new season..
    
    Andy.b....
    

                    <<< Note 31.383 by PEKING::BAREFIELDA >>>
                              -<  league games.. >-

    
    
>>    Has anyone the league fixtures for the new season..
    
>>    Andy.b....
    
Andy,

Lawrence told me last week he was gonna put them in here somewhere this
week.

T_

    
    So they said on Capital radio this morning, Ken Bates has finaly
    brought the Bridge for a figure less than the agreed price of 23
    million. 
    
    ANDY.B
    

    
    Chelea have a planned 4 game tour of Ireland.
    
    They play Sligo Sunday week (July 19th) and Cork City on a Saturday
    (anyone know if it's the 18th or 25th?) and 2 midweek games - one in
    Dundalk.  The other game may be in Northern Ireland.
    
    If anyone has anymore info pleae post it or mail me.
    
    Gary.

    
    I'll answer my own question.
    
    Chelsea play Sligo on July 19th, Derry City on July 21st and Cork City
    on July 25th.  
    
    All being well I hope to go to Cork and Sligo.
    
    I assume there's a game in Northern Ireland on July 23rd.  Anyone know
    the opposition?  If it's a ground I haven't visited yet I might make
    the trip.
    
    Gary. 

Here are the fixtures for the commin' season


AUG  15  Oldham (H)
     19  Norwich (A)
     22  Sheffield Wed (A)
     26  Blackburn (H)
     29  QPR (H)
SEP   2  Aston Villa (A)
      5  Liverpool (A)
     12  Norwich (H)
     19  Man City (A)
     26  Forrest (H)
OCT   3  Arsenal (A)
     17  Ipswich (H)
     24  Coventry (A)
     31  Sheffield Utd (H)
NOV   7  Crystal Palace (H)
     21  Everton (A)
     28  Leeds Utd (H)
DEC   5  Spurs (A)
     12  Middlesbro (A)
     19  Man Utd (H)
     26  Southampton (H)
     28  Wimbledon (A)
JAN   9  Man City (H)
     16  Forrest (A)
     27  QPR (A)
     30  Sheffield Wed (H)
FEB   6  Oldham (A)
     10  Liverpool (H)
     13  Aston Villa (H)
     20  Blackburn (A)
     27  Arsenal (H)
MAR   6  Ipswich (A)
     10  Everton (H)
     13  Crystal Palace (A)
     20  Spurs (H)
     23  Leeds Utd (A)
APR   3  Middlesbro (H)
     10  Southampton (A)
     12  Wimbledon (H)
     17  MAn Utd (A)
MAY   1  Coventry (H)
      8  Sheffield Utd (A)

  

    
    Chelea play Sligo on Sunday next at 7pm contrary to reports in the
    Irish Independent that the game is on Saturday.  I still haven't found
    out where in NI Chelsea play on Thursday next.
    
    Anyone interested in going to Sligo?
    
    Gary.  

Gary,
     Chelsea play Portadown next Wednesday or Thursday???

�.

    
    Cheers Brian, I think I'll give Portadown a skip.  I've been there
    already and I don't fancy going there during the "Marching Season"
    considering the last time I was there I was the only one in the ground
    not wearing a Rangers jersey.
    
    Gary.

    
    Sligo 2 Chelsea 2
    
    Just back from Sligo.  Chelsea saved some face thanks to a freak late
    own goal.  Full report tomorrow.
    
    Gary.

Can anyone confirm the following!

Yesterday my brother said that CEEFAX said that Chelsea had sold Kerry Dixon
to Southampton for 575,000.- pounds.

T_

    RE-1
    
    Yes ..... Chelsea did sell Dixon to Southampton...
    
    SQF Jambo

rep -1

Nice price indeed!

T_

			Sligo 2 Chelsea 2

Sligo Rovers were denied a famous victory when a late Vinny Jones shot took
a wicked deflection off a sligo defender and spun vicously inside the far post.
The relief among the Chelsea players and supporters was matched by the acute
diappointment etched on the faces of the home fans.

Thi was a big game in the football mad town.  A huge police operation was
mounted to easse traffic congestion.  I was stopped at a barrier over � a mile
from the ground.  Many locals were allowed through to park along the empty 
streets.  There is ample parking around the Showgrounds so the whole
operation seemed a little pointless.  The �6 admission charge kept the 
attendance down to the 4,000 mark.  There was at least double that at the 
corresponding game a year earlier.  Those who stayed away were the real losers.

Thi wa a surprisingly competitive and entertaining pre-season friendly.  I
had expected Chelsea to win comfortably but Sligo made the better start playing
some lovely football.  This is probably due to the fact that Dermot Keely was
on holidays.  When he return he'll ensure that they don't try any of that
fancy stuff again.  Chelsea settled and slowly took over.  Paul Elliot
headed against the bar and Graham Stuart finihed the rebound from 6 inches.
Here we go another rout as I and the other Blues fans settled back to watch
Chelsea turn it on.  The goal however, stung Sligo into action.  Some slick
passing unhinged the fragile Chelsea defence and the equalier wasn't far away.
A great passing movement left Kieran Rooney with the ball 25 yards out.  He
turned and fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner.  The showgrounds
erupted.  This mut be one of the greatest goals ever scored at the venue.
The sides were still level at half time after a most entertaining 45 minutes.

The game died for a while in the second half.  It was brought to life after
10 minutes when Keneth Monkou uddenly realied he couldn't pas the ball back
to Beasant o he tried to knee it back.  He stumbled and left Aaron Shearer
in the clear.  The youngster must have nerves of steel as he had the courage 
the chip the advancing keeper and despite his 6ft 4 inch frame Beasant was 
beaten by the lob.  A defender almost cleared it off the line but the goal
was correctly awarded.  There was bedlam at this stage as the locals really 
believed they could beat Chelsea.  Chelsea roared back but Sligo were now
fighting as if their lives depended on it.  A the gamew wore on Chelsea ran
out of ideas and aimles long balls were mopped up by the home defence.  Nick
Brujos did make one brilliant save from a Graham Stuart shot.  Just when
Chelsea seemed certain to lose a Vinny Jones shot took a cruel deflection
and spun into the corner.  Brujos had the original shot well covered by was 
stranded by the cruel deflection.  Despite being a Chelea upported I was 
sickened by the goal.  Sligo kept football alive in the North West long before
it was fashionable and I couldn't have begrudged them such a famous victory.
Even in the last couple of minute it was Sligo that tried to win it, Rutherford
was inche away in the last minute and Chelsea wee the more relieved side to 
hear the final whistle.  The teams went off to a rapturous reception.

The Chelsea players did prove to be great ambasadors for the club.  Dave
Beasant spent most of the second half last year signing autographs behind his
goal.  This time he was far too busy but when he was substituted he did sign
many as did Deni Wise who took about 10 minutes to get to the dressingroom.

Only a handful of Blues fans made the trip from England.  They were augmented
by a few from Dublin and Galway as well as some from Northern Ireland.  The
Sunday evening kick off put many off travelling.  Apparently it was the 
prospect of fine weather rather than the British Open that made the home slub
decide on a 7pm kick off.  However surely the few locals they would have lost
to the beach would have been more than compensated for by the many more
Chelea fans that would have travelled had there been an afternoon kick off.

It wasn't a good day for Chelsea.  Andy Townsend and Kerry Dixon were sadly
missed.  I later heard that Dixon signed for Southampton yesterday and given
the rumours of Townsend heading for Old Trafford his absence from this tour
sounds ominous. 

Chelsea now face Derry City tomorrow night and then Portadown before heading 
down to play Cork on Saturday evening.  I'll give the games in Northern Ireland
a miss but I'll be in Cork and will post a report next week.


Chelsea team

Beasant, Clarke, LeSaux, Elliot, Monkou, Wise, Jones, Newton, Matthew,
Cascarino, Stuart.  Subs Allon, Sinclair, Hall and Hitchcock all in the second
half.

REP -1

Gary,

good report, fanx.

T_

PS did you receive the Forza magazine?

T_

    
    
    I think this result just goes to prove one thing, and this is that
    Sligo are a very good team..
    
    Well looks like Chels will be signing Fleck for Dixon and Stuart 
    Robson for Townsend, no doubt well still stuff tottenham in the 
    new season..
    
    
    ANDY.B
    

re. 396

I think you need a new keyboard.

tuart

    Heard Andy Myers scored a couple of goals for England in their 6-1
    victory over Poland in the European Youth Championships. England
    are now through to the Semi-finals. Chelsea, no doubt, will stick
    him back at left-back for the new season.
    
    Andy
    

    
    Derry City 1 Chelsea 1
    
    My paper doesn't even give the Chelsea scorer.  Mark Ennis scored for
    Derry.  This was another bad result for Chelsea although at least Derry
    are a lot better than Sligo.
    
    I see we're in the running for Ray Houghton.  Hope we get him.  We need
    Robert Fleck too up front.
    
    Gary.

    Gary,
    
    I heard on the radio this morning that Houghton had signed,
    
    Loz.

    
    Ray Houghton's signing is good news.
    
    Apparently Chelsea's goal lat night was a Stuart Gauld own goal.
    
    Gary.

    
    Sad to see that Dixon has gone. Given that he is more than
    likely passed his best I feel that a fresh start would be
    good for him. I reckon he'd make a good scoring mid-fielder.
    
    Houghton. I'm surprised that he has signed for Chelsea after
    the glamour of being a Liverpool player. I hope the reports
    are correct though and he plays for us the way he has played
    for Liverpool over the years, in particular last season was
    his best in terms of contribution as a team player which is
    one of his strongest points.
    
    The saddest thing for me about Fulham moving to the Bridge is
    Jimmy Hill. Does he have to come as well ?
    
    JN.

    Are you sure hes signed , im pretty sure that I heard on the 1 o'clock
    sports news that he hasnt made up his mind.
    
    Nigel

    re-2
    
    Fulham arent going to the bridge,last I heard they were staying at
    Craven Cottage for another season.
     
    Dave...

    
    If thats the case then I stand corrected but I guess Teletext
    must have been wrong.
    
    JN.

    as I reflect on the football I saw from Sweden 92 a few weeks back, I
    ask myself;
    
    "do I really care about yet another season of English Football?"
    
    I jus dont know..........
    
    yours, in apathy,
    
    Tiger

    
    
    Portadown 0 Chelsea 3
    
    Happy days are here again. :-)
    
    Good win, don't know the scorers.   Ports were 2nd in the Irish League
    last season having won it for the 2 preceding years.  It's Cork on
    Saturday.  I'm going, full report on Monday.
    
    Gary.

    
    Houghton has not yet signed for Chelsea.
    
    The note I entered stating he was, was based on information given out
    by Simon Mayo on the radio, I should now better than to listen to a
    Spurs fan.
    
    He's agreed a fee has spoken to Villa, will talk to Chelsea before
    making up his mind.  We should find out where he is going early next
    week.
    
    Loz.

    Read this morning that Houghton has signed for Aston Villa rather than
    Chelsea. This is a great shame. I must admit I'm worried about the lack
    of genuine skill in the the current squad, there is no doubt Houghton
    would have been a major asset. A team of 11 battlers is not going to
    win the Premier League - a point which Graham Taylor ruefully learnt
    from the European Championships.
    
    Andy
    
    

			Cork City 1 Chelsea 2

This was a much improved performance by Chelsea.  The first half was
dominated by the visitors and Cork failed to cope playing against a strong 
breeze.  Michael Devine -a young debutant -played well in the home goal.  He
saved well from a LeSaux shot and was always calm and confident.  Paul Elliott
finally opened Chelsea's account on 31 minutes when he headed home Denis 
Wise's free kick.  The Cork defence was marked absent for the cross.

The second half was a big improvement.  Both sides began brightly and Cork 
almost snatched an equaliser after good work from Tommy Keane.  Chelsea
survived a goalmouth scramble after a free kick and then broke away to kill
the game.  A great move involving a pass by Vinny Jones, a Denis Wise cross
and a lethal finish by Joe Allon ended the game as a contest.  Chelsea 
eased off the throttle and Cork came back but the result was never in doubt.
Pat Morley did get a consolation goal after Dave Barry tapped a free kick
to him.

Cork's new ground still needs a lot of work.  The stand was deemed unsafe by 
the county council.  There are rumours as to why this is so but I couldn't
put them in a public notesfile.  Suffice to say that the club don't find the 
council very helpful.  Another source claimed that the stand is unsafe and 
doesn't match the original plans.  The truth is probably somewhere in between.

The ground is a long way from town and games cause terrible traffic james 
in Bishopstown.  Still it's a brave move by the club and I hope it works
out.

Chelsea were well supported in the small crowd.  About 100 fans made the 
journey from England and there were Chelsea shirts liberally sprinkled among 
the crowd.  The 1200 programmes sold out pretty fast despite the crowd
barely exceeding that number.

    
    Have we signed anyone yet???
    If we don't start signing soon, we're really going to struggle next
    season. 
    It really was a shame that we missed out on Houghton, Ray and Andy T
    would of been a good combination.
    
    Cheers
    Nige.
    

    
    I hate to say this but Dionne Dublin could be on his way to Chelsea,
    Him and Cascarino are going to look a right couple of muppets
    up front. Tottenham and Manchester United are also interested
    him,so lets hope they get him, at least he'll get a free hat
    at Tottenham to keep his head warm in the winter months..
    
    Andy.B..
    

    
    Looks like the only person left at Stamford Bridge that can score is
    David Mellor!!
    
    Tim

    aaaaaaaahhhhh .......WTFGAS anyway?
    

    
    Swedish press has reported that Jonny Ekstr�m has signed for Chelsea
    from IFK Gothenburg for an astounding (for him) �1M.
    
    Ekstr�m has made a fool of himself at Empoli in Italy, Bayern Munich in
    Germany and Cannes in France. He is way past his best (which wasn't
    very good to begin with), his only talent is his speed (which is
    fading), and although tall he is useless with his head.
    
    Isn't a manager supposed to do some research before he signs a
    player?
    
    bewildered,
    
    	Stefan (who predicted that Anders Limpar would fail miserably at
    		Arsenal :-)

    
    
       Ive just heard that Chelsea have signed Mick Harford for
    �300,000.So forget all this talk of �1 million signings,we are
    potless and nobody wants to come to the bridge anyway....
    
      We're SHIT.
    
    Andy...B

    
    Ok, congratulations to all you Chelsea fans. The Ekstr�m deal is off.
    Apparently he had a test game against Bristol City, and even the
    Chelsea management must have spotted the obvious by then.
    
    cheers,
    
    	Stefan

    Ken Bates yesterday used a press conference, about the future of 
    Stamford Bridge (The Bates Motel), to announce to the world that 
    he was involved in an extra marital affair with a sports journalist. 
    Apparently Bates took this unusual step as a way of pre-emptying 
    allegations which are to be made in this Sunday's News Of The World. 
    Can't remember the other party's name but alas it's not Harry Harris. 
    
    yours from da gutter,
    
    barry.
    

         <<< Note 31.420 by ARRODS::OHAGANB "Amos Moses was a Cajun" >>>

>    Ken Bates yesterday used a press conference, about the future of 
>    Stamford Bridge (The Bates Motel), to announce to the world that 
>    he was involved in an extra marital affair with a sports journalist. 
>    Apparently Bates took this unusual step as a way of pre-emptying 
>    allegations which are to be made in this Sunday's News Of The World. 
>    Can't remember the other party's name but alas it's not Harry Harris. 
    
>    yours from da gutter,
    
>    barry.
 

   Ladbrokes are quoting David Lacey at 7/4 on.

   Stuart   

    Stu,
    
    But I thought David Lacey only used hotels in Brighton, and was about
    to be revealed as the new man in Geoff Thomas's life!!!
    
    Paul

    
    Who cares where Batesy dips his wik as long as he secures
    the future of Chelsea at the Bridge.
    
    They are still looking to spend another 2 million on a 
    striker. Defence spending would be the better option
    I'd say.
    
    JN.

    
    1-1 today v Oldham.  Apparently an awful game.  Harford scored on 84
    minutes and we then proceed to throw it away with Henry equalising on
    86.  Fleck brough a brilliant save out of the keeper (Halworth isn't
    it?) but apparently they were worth their point.
    
    Gary.

    
    I'd say 1-1 was almost a fair result.  The game was pretty poor but
    with enough glimpses of what could be to keep me optimistic.
    
    The ref. didn't help the game, it was definately the worst example of
    that noble occupation that I have ever seen.  Talk about whistle stuck
    in his throat.
    
    Throughout most of the game it looked like we would struggle to hit a
    blue shirt if there were 22 of them on the pitch.  This I would
    attribute to the fact that 3 of the players on Saturday had only been
    with the squad for a week, no match practice for them.  I also believe
    that some of the other players nay not have played together that 
    regularly during the pre-season build up.  There was at times little or
    no understanding between the team.  A couple of weeks could/should sort
    that out.
    
    Of the new signings Donaghy(sp) and Fleck had good games, I would rate
    Harford slightly better than Cascarino.
    
    Fleck battled like crazy, got himself into some great positions but
    just couldn't finish on Saturday, on that performance though you can
    bet your bottom dollar that he will get a hatfull this season.
    
    Beasant, well you must have seen the highlights.  Why the ball was
    passed back to him in the first place I have no idea, when I saw that
    he was going to smack it with his left foot I covered my eye's only to
    peak again as it trickled towards the centre circle then *BANG*
    
    This back pass rule seems to be causing a few problems, I was expecting
    it to but not so much for the professionals, my Sunday league team
    seems to have coped with it better.  Mind you the forwards in our
    Sunday league don't seem to pressure as much as the pro's do... but
    thats a different subject.
    
    I also believe we were missing some key players, Monkou and Wise -
    Suspended and Le Saux injured.
    
    As stated in the Arsenal note (I only peaked for a secound) it's a
    marathon not a sprint so we have time to pull it together a challenge
    for a place in mid-table.  The other results could have been worse.
    
    Norwich on Wednesday, boy do I hope they're all played out after the
    spanking they gave the gooners,
    
    Loz.   

    
    Also,
    
    I think I prefer the old all blue strip, it's the white socks on
    Saturday looked almost wierd.
    
    BTW attendance: 20,000 odd
    
    Loz.

    
    Not the best start to the season , but at least we never lost.
    I managed to see Harfords goal on match of the day, and it was well
    worth staying up for..
    
    Anybody know if Hitchcock is injured, if not why is he not in goal,
    he played brilliant last season and we can't keep thowing points
    away....
    
    ANDY......B
    

    
    Hitchcock is fine, I saw him play last Tuesday in a Chelsea XI v
    Basingstoke.  The reason that Hitchcock doesn't play is because he had
    a bust up with Porterfield.  He was told that he would never play for
    Chelsea again (I presume they mean the first team rather tahn reserves).
    
    Actually I heard over the weekend that the reason that Cundy was sold
    was because he smacked Porterfield after a bust up on the team coach.
    
    Townsend has also had run in's with Porterfield according to my
    sources.  Porterfield accused Townsend of delibrately failing to
    perform during the Sunderland games.
    
    On the whole a not very encouraging relationship between the manager
    and some of the players at the moment.
    
    Apparently when he has had a few bevvies he get's a bit paronoid 
    and starts picking on players.
    
    These snippets are from people I have met who believe they
    are in the know, the Cundy incident was reported in one of the
    fanzines, you won't find any confirmation in the papers.
    
    I try not to listen to gossip but some of the people that I have spoken
    to are quite close to the club,
    
    Loz

    
    Chelsea crashed to their first premier league defeat last night at
    Norwich. Chelsea took the lead with a Graham Stuart goal after 15
    minutes, Norwich hit back with goals from Phillips and Robins to
    snatch the game from under Chelsea's feet... Norwich are now the
    Premier league leaders with Manchester United trailing along at 
    the bottom followed very closely by Arsenal..
    
    ANDY..................B 
                                                 

    
    Fighting Chelsea turned the tables on Sheffield Wednesday by coming
    back from 2-0 down to lead 3-2 in the second half, Wednesday had a 
    little luck in the last minutes when Donaghy failed to clear the lines
    and let Wilson slam home a goal which give Wednesday a draw.
    Wednesday were soon in their stride and Chels did well to hold them
    out till 26 minutes when David Hurst fired through a ruck of players
    after a Nigel Worthington corner. 
    Then Clarke's foul on Hirst earned Wednesday a penalty which Hirst
    also converted. Chelsea down and out came out a different side in the
    second half, Paul Elliot headed a ball across the Wednesday box from 
    a free kick, and Vinny Jones added the final touch. Just before the 
    hour Chelsea levelled with a solo goal from Graham stuart, Stuart 
    collected the ball 60 yards out and was allowed to run all the into 
    the Wednesday and the coolly put the ball past Woods.
      Chelsea took a 64th minute lead when Eddie Newton latched onto a 
    Harford flick on and raced past Phil King and put Chels 2-3 up.
    Wilson again levelled te match when scoring from close range after
    donkey Donaghy miss read the ball.
    
    ANDY......B
    

    
    A crowd of 19,575 turned up at the Bridge to watch Chelsea and
    Blackburn play out a goal less draw. Nearly 10 million pounds
    worth of talent on show and not a goal to show for it. Mick Harford
    and Fleck both missed what should have been. Dennis Wise played a through
    ball to put Fleck clear of the defence with only Mimms to beat,
    Fleck had time and space but Mimms saved with his legs. Just before
    half time Andy Townsends free kick took a handy deflection which left
    Harford alone and destined to score, somehow he missed and sent the 
    ball sailing into the shed..
    
    Chelsea team:: Beasant,Clarke,Hall,Jones,Elliot,Donaghy,stuart
                   Fleck,Harford,Townsend,Wise
    
    The cup draw for the second round of the Coca Cola cup has been drawn
    and we are playing Walsall. The first leg will be played at Walsall
    on the week commencing september 21, the second leg will be the week
    commencing october 5th.. Lets hope we can knock in another seven like
    last time....
    
    Andy....B
    

    
    Chelsea have won their first victory of the season, Mick Harford
    scored the winning goal which gives Q.P.R their first defeat.
    
    Any match reports...
    
    Anby......B
    
    

    
    Another reasonable crowd on Saturday - 22,910.  We just about scrapped
    the victory out of this one, the first half belonged mainly to the R's.
    Wilson had an excellent game down the left.
    
    Harford scored the jammiest goal of the season (well maybe 2nd to
    Cundy's), the ball was hit, off the volley, straight at the keeper who
    tried to scoop the ball into his body but it rolled of his right arm
    and into the net.  Ferdinand missed a sitter mid-way through the
    second half, he was free and clear on goal with just Beasant to beat, 
    I almost had my eye's covered and he shot wide, laughed? all the way
    home.
    
    So far this season we haven't really put in a decent performance, I am
    supprised with the results we've been getting.  So far we have played
    most of the inform teams, Norwhich, Q.P.R., Blackburn and a couple of
    teams that have been holding their own, Sheffield Wednesday and Oldham.
    There is a long way to go this season and I don't expect any of the
    above to be in the top six, I hope that we get it together before we
    start meeting the big boys because you can bet that they will have
    recovered from the faultering starts that they have had. 
    
    Loz, pleased if not satisfied so far.

    
    
      ASTON VILLA  1    CHELSEA  3
    
      Chelsea were 1-0 down in the 31st minute until two goals in two
      minutes from Fleck and Newton put the Blues back in command.
      After the break Jones had a shot pushed away and Wise was there
      to sweep up and get his first of the season. 
    
      ANDY.....B
    

rep -1 

COME ON YA BLUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES


T_

    Looks like Houghton moved to the wrong team after all
    ;^)
    
    Andy
    

    
    LIVERPOOL 2   CHELSEA 1
    
    Paul Elliot was taken off on a stretcher with damaged knee ligaments,
    Elliot out for 18 months with a similar injury at Pisa, was in agony
    after sliding into a tackle with Dean Saunders in the ninth minute.
    Chelsea suffered another blow in the 28th minute when Saunders 
    guided a header into the far corner of the net from Jan Molby's free
    kick. Chelsea equalised in the 77th minute when Robert Fleck rounded
    Rob Jones and crossed for Mick Harfordto drive in.
    Disaster struck again in the final minute, sub Mark Walters crossed
    from the right and Beasant missed the ball to Give Jamie Redknapp a
    gift winner.
    
    CHELSEA TEAM:: Beasent,Lee,Hall,Jones,Elliot(Pearce),Donaghy,Newton,
                   Fleck,Harford,Townsend,Wise
    
    ANDY..............B
    

    Evening Standard claims Vinny Jones is returning to Wimbledon for
    700,000, only personal terms to be agreed upon. The money is required
    for a new defender as Elliott's injury is going to keep him out for
    a long time. 
    
    Saw a picture of David Mellor in a Chelsea kit today, could be a useful
    acquisition, he doesn't seem to have any trouble scoring away from home.
    
    Yeah, I know, saw it coming a mile away.
    
    Andy
    
    

    after all this time, all this inconsistency is getting so bloody
    predictable.
    
    I'm  outta here...I may return when someone sells Jones and Wise
    etc and Beasant too please!!
    
    If I wanna see the high ball game, I'll just install a mirror over my
    bed.
    
    Not on a football pitch....
    
    Good luck,
    
    *Tiger*

    
    Well, Vinnie has gone back to Wimbledon and is already back
    to his kicking and elbowing ways. Thats down to him.
    
    Beasant is out. Hitchcock has a shoulder injury and the young
    (17) Irish lad probably isn't ready (can't remember his name). 
    Porterfield has to buy a goalkeeper. Two names are in the frame.
    Eric Thorstvedt (Spurs) and Grobbelaar (Pool) have both been linked
    with the Blues. Maybe Eric just fancies a move but Grobbs needs a
    change as he is no longer in contention at Liverpool.
    
    I guess Eric would be the better long term buy and I suspect that
    Brucey would ask for too much money or top put it another way
    Chelsea probably couldn't afford the present salary he's getting
    now.
    
    Certainly a few problems for Chelsea at the moment. Elliot out
    for what looks like the rest of the season which is a shame because
    he was gunning for an England slot. Then again you can't be one
    of the best players in the League as Taylor tends to ignore you so
    he more than likely wouldn't have got in anyway.
    
    Vinnie Jones has now gone which maybe isn't such a loss after all.
    
    I was sorry to see Dixon go but despite his hard work without the
    goal scoring touch he really needed a fresh start. I did notice that
    he wasn't even sub for Sotton last Saturday. Is he injured or has he 
    been dropped by Branfoot ?
    
    JN.
    

    
    The kid is Nicky Colgan from Drogheda.  Apparently he's very highly
    rated.  Let's hope he makes it as Chelsea and Ireland both need a
    keeper.
    
    The last famous goalkeeper to come from Drogheda was Tommy Breen who
    played with Shamrock Rovers, Linfield and Belfast Celtic in the 30's &
    40's.
    
    Gary.

    
    Great win today 1-0 at Maine Road.  Due to not having Sky Sports I had
    to settle for Napoli v Inter.  Mick Harford scored the goal 5 minutes
    before the break.
    
    Gary.

    
    It weren't that good Gary. City were all over Chelsea for most of
    the first half and Chelsea didn't even look like scoring when City
    were down to 10 men. The free kick decision was a tad dubious that
    gave Chelsea their goal.
    
    Chelsea started to pull it together in the second half and some of
    the passes were reaching their targets instead of a City player or
    wide open space and could have wrapped up the game with another two
    goals. Don't forget though that Hitchock, the Chelsea goalkeeper, had
    a fantastic game and on that performance should keep the number one
    shirt. He pulled off three excellent saves to keep City from scoring
    so alot of the credit should go to him.
    
    I don't know whats up with him but Flecky has lost confidence in front
    of goal. Maybe the price tag is proving difficult to live up to. John
    Spencer, who replaced him, failed to impress really but he looks good
    for the future. he knocked in three goals for the reserves Monday
    evening.
    
    All in all I think that Chelsea defended OK once they had woken up
    and a couple of times on the break looked dangerous.
    
    Man of the match for me was between Sinclair (Chelsea) and Curle
    (City). Curle particularly impressed me with his runs from defence
    with the ball and creating play. I only saw Sinclair make one mistake
    the whole game and that was a mis- hit clearence.
    
    Still we needed a win but some building work still needs to be done.
    
    JN.

	re .440

>    I was sorry to see Dixon go but despite his hard work without the
>    goal scoring touch he really needed a fresh start. I did notice that
>    he wasn't even sub for Sotton last Saturday. Is he injured or has he 
>    been dropped by Branfoot ?

	According to news from the Internet

SOUTHAMPTON v LEEDS UNITED
Southampton striker Kerry Dixon returns after injury in search of his 200th
League goal.  Saints include both David Speedie and

	Tony

    
    RE last. Cheers Tony.
    
    Last nights fizzy drinks match.
    
    Walsall 0 Chelsea 3
    
    Chelsea scorers were Wise, Newton and Townsend. According to
    reports Chelsea had the game pretty much their own way. Townsend
    should have been awarded a penalty and Fleck should have scored
    but tripped instead. The return leg should be foregon conclusion
    but it Chelsea we're talking about here. Wise, Townsend and Harford
    were all booked. Wise for deliberate handball, Townsend for dissent
    and harford for a reckless tackle from behind.
    
    I took a trip down memory lane last night and watched my Chelsea story
    video for the 89/90 season. I'd forgotten how good a League season 
    Chelsea had had. In the top six for the first half of the season and
    finishing strongly. Kerry Dixon still banging them in alongside Kevin
    Wilson. Hard man Graham Roberts and the hard working John Bumstead 
    (whatever happened to him) sorting out the defence and midfield. Dave
    Beasant perfoming brilliantly in goal all season. This was Chelsea's
    first season back in the top flight after a short spell in Division 2
    where they set a record 99 points and won promotion as Division 2
    champs. We had a bad run in the cup though, losing to Scarborough. Nuff
    said about that. Those were the days but its all to easy to forget the
    good performances when the team isn't having a good time of things.
    
    It feels like I'm the only Chelsea supporter in here at the moment but
    just for my own enjoyment I will enter the table and Chelsea results
    for the season when I can.
    
    JN.
    
    

    
    Just been looking at the team for the Zenith cup that we won a couple
    of years back..
                      Dave Beasent ( soon to be leaving )
                      Kevin Wilson ( Notts County )
                      Bumstead     ( Dont know )
                      Kerry Dixon  (Southampton)
                      David Lee    ( Still with Chelsea )
                      Monkou       ( southampton )
                      Nicholas     ( Dont know )
                      Le Saux      ( Still at Chelsea )
                      Durie        ( Tottenham )
                      Clive Wilson ( Qpr )
                      Dorigo       ( Leeds )
                      Mcallister   ( Went to some jock side)
                      Erland jonson (sp)  Dont know)
    
       Quite a big turn around since then, dont remind me of Scarborough
       Jeff, I was one of the few hundred Chelsea supporters to make the
       trip.
       
       ANDY.....B
    

    
    Andy, 
    
    	Hopefully it will be a turn around for the better.
    	I feel we have a great chance this year to win at least one cup.
    	Mind you, I say that every year!
    
    Cheers
    Nige. 
    	

    
    I've put a prediction in for Chelsea to win 2-1 over Forest
    but if Forest start playing football similar to what City did
    last Sunday then expect a shock defeat for Chelsea. Hitchcock
    will have to have a bad game of course, thats if he is playing.
    
    JN.

I will be over on the 28th of november for the Chelsea vs Leeds game,
Loz will take care of the tickets but is anyone else intrested on going?

Another questions is we will stay in London until Wednesday or
Thuersday. Are there any other games in the London area, outside London
is also fine as long as it isn't too far. I doesn't matter wich division.

T_

    
    Chelsea should have a easy passage into the next round of the
    Coca Cola Cup at Stamford Bridge tonight. Chelsea already 3 -0
    up after the first leg.. Anybody know when the draw is being made.
    
    Andy...B
    

    
>>> Anybody know when the draw is being made.
    
    Tonight on ITV
    
    Paul

    
    Info.
    
    Hitchcock has just signed a 4 year contract (teletext)
    
    Loz.

    
    This can only be good news for Chelsea, he was thrown out the side 
    last year because of the mistake against Sunderland, Porterfield
    has cost Chelsea at least 7 points by having Beasent in the side
    this season.
    
    Andy....B
    

    
    CHELSEA 1   WALSALL 0
    
    Fleck (pen)
    
    Chelsea will be playing Newcastle at Stamford Bridge on the 26th 
    of October..
    
    Andy...B
    

    
    Did anyone watch the England game last night on sky?  Andy, I know you
    did you little wind-up merchant.  After the game they showed a
    programme called the club show, last night they concentrated on the
    Blues.  It was billed as a complete history of the club in from 1905
    till present day, I had my doubts when it was only listed as being 30
    mins long (NOT!).  Actually it could more acurately (did I spell that
    write) have been billed as a complete history of Ken Bates.
    
    I tapped it so if anyone is really interested then send me a mail and
    you can borrow it.
    
    Next week they are doing Sheffield Wednesday, so if you are an Owls fan
    you can spend half an hour listening to referances to the Hillsborough
    disaster (Probably),
    
    Loz.

    They could hardly fill out 1/2 an hour with reviews of Chelsea's
    Championships and Cup triumphs ;-) As you say it was more like an
    extended interview with Master Bates conducted over the course of a
    match day. The Wednesday one will be even more content free though they
    seem to pick one aspect of a club to concentrate on as in Bates last
    night and Nobby Stiles coaching school kids at Man Untied last week.
    
    Fair play to Sky though for trying to introduce a variety of
    programming about this wonderful game we all love. I have found most of
    their coverage excellent with the exception of Richard Keys constant
    reminders of which channel you're watching. 

    
    
    RE 455... I was wondering if anyone could give me the name of the young 
    player/apprentice  that Mr Bates shook hands with in the tunnel.
              Could it be Scotland U21 full back Craig (?) Burley ?
    
                      Graeme...

    
    Lawrence..
    
      Are you going up to see the Chels stuff Newcastle on the 28th,
      
    Andy....B
    

    
    Loz, I've still got your Chelsea shirt from the 5 a side a 
    while back. Just thought you'd like to know. :-)
    
    Who else is going up to the Bridge on the 28th November to
    see the Blues play Leeds ?
    
    JN.
    

                      <<< Note 31.459 by PEKING::NAGLEJ >>>

    
>>    Loz, I've still got your Chelsea shirt from the 5 a side a 
>>    while back. Just thought you'd like to know. :-)
    
>>    Who else is going up to the Bridge on the 28th November to
>>    see the Blues play Leeds ?
    
>>    JN.
    
JN,

I'll be there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


T_

Anyone got a match report from saturdays game?

I missed the goals on Match of the Day 'cause I fell asleep :-(((


T_

    
    Not much to report on really Ton.
    
    It could have gone either way but for some good goalkeeping
    at either end. Ipswich's finishing was worse than Chelsea's
    and thay should have come away with a point at least.
    
    John Wark looked his age for once (35). David Lee is standing
    in well for Elliot who will be told today whether or not he'll 
    play again. Sinclair is solid and Le Saux made his first appearence
    since August. Apparently he impressed.
    
    Hitchcock is looking even better in goal and Fleck seems to be making
    up for the lack of goals through his contribution.
    
    Lee is on a week by week contract at the moment so hopefully terms
    willbe agreed soon.
    
    Man of the match was Dennis Wise and the Chelsea scorers were Hall
    and Harford. Ipswich pulled one back, Steve Whitton the scorer.
    
    Cheers,
    
    JN.

    
    re.457
    
    I don't know but I'll try and check for you.
    
    Andy,
    
    I'll try and get the afternoon off so I can come up with you and Del
    (depending on meetings).
    
    Jeff,
    
    I'd start charging rent but it's not my shirt, I think it's Del's, Andy
    may be able to find out.  Ton and his brother will be over for the
    Leeds game, I will be going (If I have recovered from the Grope:-)).
    Ton said you were willing to arrange tickets, is this true?  If not, no
    worries I'll get them.
    
    I reckon we should splash out and sit in the west stand circa 12 Pound,
    what do you reckon?
    
    Anyone else want to come, so far:
    
    Ton
    Ton's bro
    Jeff
    Me
    Andy Mitchell (TBC)
    
    Loz.
    
    P.s. I can't believe that I'm actually in, have time to write a note
    and the system is up.
                               

Coventry 1  Chelsea 2


Anyone got a match report?


rep -1

You're getting the tickets right Loz?

T_

Hi,

Does anyone have a telephone number I can call, to see about tickets for the 
Newcastle game on Wednesday? Thanks,

grahame

    
    I phoned Chelsea the other day and asked about tickets for the
    Newcastle game, and I was told only the Newcastle end is all 
    ticket. 
    
    Andy..B
    

    
    
    Well boys, it looks like Chelsea need to be careful. After
    thirteen games we've reached the dizzy heights of 8th in
    the Premier League.
    
    On Saturday there was only one player who played in the same
    fixture last year and I cannot remember who that was. Anyway
    it looks like this young squad will do OK. The Chelsea policy
    looks good for bringing in young blood from the lower ranks.
    
    Not that Chelsea have the money to lash out anyway and not that
    the Blues need to buy success like other teams.
    
    Newcastle tomorrow night at the Bridge. I won't be going although
    I wouldn't mind. I wonder if Newcastle will continue to slip up
    after their loss to Grimsby or will they get back on the tracks.
    
    Chelsea should win at home though.
    
    I'm looking forward to the Leeds game on the 28th November.
    
    JN.

    
    Andy,
    
    I can't get the afternoon off, I'll try and get up after work if I can.
    
    Ton,
    
    I will be getting the tickets for the Leeds game soon, Jeff and I are
    keen to go into the West stand (remember Tottenham 2 years back??), is
    that okay with you,
    
    Loz.

    
    Don't forget Loz, two tickets for me.
    
    JN.

    
    Lawrence ..
    
      Me and dell will probably get are tickets for the West stand
      early in the afternoon, to avoid losing out on a seat..
    
    
      Andy...B
    

  <<< Note 31.468 by PEKING::JOLLYL "Viva la rock .... the killer lives on" >>>

    
       
>>    Ton,
    
>>    I will be getting the tickets for the Leeds game soon, Jeff and I are
>>    keen to go into the West stand (remember Tottenham 2 years back??), is
>>    that okay with you,
    
>>    Loz.

Lawrence,

West stand is fine, still 12 pounds? Sure I remember the spurs game when we 
trashed them with goals from Dixon, Durie and good old Johnny Bumstead.

If got a paper clipping hanging here in the office from that game that says:

"YES, PRIME MINISTER, TRUE BLUES GET A MAJOR RESULT"


T_

    
    Chelsea are in the last 16 of the Coca cola cup and away to
    Everton in the next round - because, in Dennis wise, they had
    a better crosser of the ball than anyone in the Newcastle side.
    
    Nearly all their goal-scoring chances came from corners or 
    free-kicks taken by Wise, and it was his curling cross from the left
    eight minutes from time which enabled Mick Harford to head the winner
    against one of his old clubs.
    
    Frank Sinclair Chelsea's 20 year old centre back, hit the bar after
    after 16 minutes with a powerful header from one of many Wise corners.
    
    In the second half David Lee, excellent throughout as Sinclairs
    defensive partner, nearly opened the scoring in the 54 minute when
    he volleyed back a weak clearance only for David Clarke to clear off
    the line.
    
    All battles have a decisive moment and the the one in the battle of
    the bridge came in the 59 minute when referee Keith Cooper accepted
    a linesmans flag and gave a free-kick close to the right side of the 
    box for an alleged foul by John Beresford on Robert Fleck.
    
    The protest of Chelsea players that the incident took place inside
    the area were overruled. Wise took the free-kick and Sinclair headed
    in firmly at the near post.
    
    In the 68th minute Graham Stuart should have killed off the tie when
    he broke free but the shot hit the side netting.
    Newcastle equalised in the 77th minute, Robert Lee nipped in unmarked
    to head Beresford's cross past Kevin Hitchcock.
    
    Then came the dramatic goal from Mick Harford, stealing round
    Newcastle's defence to head past the startled Tommy Wright.
    
    Everton or Wimbledon away in the next round..November 30th..
    
    Andy..B
    

    
    
    		Chelsea  (0)2      Newcastle  (0)1
    
    		Sinclair 58	Lee 77
    		Harford  82
    
                Att 30,193	
    		
    	Cheers
    	Nige.
    
    	Match report anyone??
    
    

rep -1

It's right behind ya.

T_

Loz/Jeff,

any news on the tickets yet?


T_

    
    Ton.
    
    Loz is sorting out the tix and I've yet to hear from him
    but I expect we'll hear soon.
    
    Anyway, what about last nights victory over Newcastle ??
    Not much to say really except.................
    
    
    CHEL SEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE  CHEL SEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE  CHEL SEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
    
    
    CHEL SEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE  CHEL SEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE  CHEL SEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
    
    
    CHEL SEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE  CHEL SEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE  CHEL SEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
    
    
    CHEL SEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE  CHEL SEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE  CHEL SEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
    
    
    CHEL SEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE  CHEL SEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE  CHEL SEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
    
    
    JN.

    
    The only complaint I had about last night, was the toilets.
    It takes you at least 20 minutes from the half time whistle,
    to get to the toilet and back, cant they make half time 30
    minutes. Also when you get there you have to walk on tip-toe
    to avoid getting your socks wet, when are they going to provide
    us with better ficilities to pee.. or will they start handing
    out wellington boots and a snorkel.
    
    Andy..B
    

     <<< Note 31.478 by PEKING::BAREFIELDA "JACK CHARLTON IS DESPICABLE" >>>
                        -< What a load of old piddle.. >-

    
>>    The only complaint I had about last night, was the toilets.
>>    It takes you at least 20 minutes from the half time whistle,
>>    to get to the toilet and back, cant they make half time 30
>>    minutes. Also when you get there you have to walk on tip-toe
>>    to avoid getting your socks wet, when are they going to provide
>>    us with better ficilities to pee.. or will they start handing
>>    out wellington boots and a snorkel.
    
>>    Andy..B
  
Andy,

why don't ya wear your Doc Martens or have you got rid of them?


T_  

    
    Thats right Ton. Thats why they have never fixed the loos.
    
    JN.

    I'm sure that nice Mr Bates would, like most caring, concerned,
    chairmen, provide 90's toilet facilities (1890's that is) but
    make you pay for it at the turnstiles next season. 
    
    barry. 

    
    Barry,
    
    we have been paying for them for years read on.
    
    Ton, Jeff, Andy,
    
    tickets for the Leeds game are on sale now.  The game is Cat. A and
    west stand tickets will cost 20 pounds.  The date of the game has
    changed, it will now be played on Sunday 29th for the benefit of Sky.
    
    Is everybody still happy to sit? (these are the cheapest seated tickets)
    If so I'll need the Dosh from AndyB and JN next week sometime, Ton you
    can pay me when you get here.  Andy Mitchell and I will go up week
    after next to get them. 
    
    If you don't want to pay 20 pounds, it'll cost you a tenner pay on the
    day jobbie,
    
    Loz.

    
    Lawrence..
    
      I think I'll watch the match on Sky, there's no way that I'm 
      paying �20 for the same seat that I paid �10 for last night.
      
    Andy..B
    

Printed on the ticket I got at Wednesday's game:

	NORTH TERRACE	STANDING ONLY
	ROW 12
	SEAT 693 . . .

g

    
    Chelsea 1 - 2 Sheffield Utd
    
    Townsend.
    
    

    
    Typical Chelsea result after a nice little run of four games
    without defeat. Beaten at home by an out of form Sheffield
    United team which also gave them their first away win of the
    season.
    
    It wasn't Shefield's game though. A mistake by Hitchcock let
    them into the game. He should have hoofed it away instead of
    trying to be clever.
    
    JN.

    
    I see on the tv last night that Paul Elliot is to take Liverpool
    and Dean Saunders to court over the tackle that has put him out 
    for the season....
    
    Andy..B
    

    re. -1
    
    Is it true he may never play again, I heard that his leg was seriously
    messed up, toes backwards and everything. Saunders could be in real
    trouble if he can't play again..... He deserves to be with that kind of
    a tackle.        Worst tackle I've ever seen.
    
    Colm.

    
    Banish Saunders to the sheep pastures. I can't remember who the
    victim was but Vinny Jones performed a two footed tackle in the
    same style as Saunders on Elliot, about four seasons ago. Broke 
    the guys leg if I remember correctly.
    
    Saunders should be worried as its true that Elliot may not play 
    again.
    
    JN.

    Elliot has torn one of his cruciate ligaments and will be out for
    approx 9 months.  I guess he must have had the op already - anybody
    know ??
    
    		Brian

    
    He was due to see a specialist yesterday to decide on further
    corrective treatment but I can't say if he has had surgery
    already.
    
    As a by the by, each season between 30 to 40 professional players
    are forced to quit the game through injury.
    
    How did Abingdon get on Brian last Thursday ??
    
    JN.

    Jeff,
    
    The boys went down 2-1, but put in another creditable performance
    losing to a ricochet and an offside winner.  Over the two games there
    was very little to chose between the two teams, however to play at
    conference standard week in week out is a different matter.
    
    Oh well the only route to Wembley now is the FA Trophy !!
    
    		Brian.

    
    Cheers Brian. You are right about lower division teams playing
    at a higher standard. The lower teams raise themseleves for what
    normally is a one off performance but they would possibly fall
    over if asked to perform at that level each week.
    
    Anyway I don't know if anyone noticed but Chelsea notched up a
    3-1 victory over CP on Saturday. Although Fleck isn't scoring
    goals he seems to have adapted to the role of provider and he
    is making a good job of it too. 
    
    I think we can expect to see this Rusky keeper in goal soon but
    what about Hitchcock ? He has more than earned his place.
    
    Loz, whas appnin wiv the tikits ?
    
    JN.

    
    I cant see how Porterfield can put the Russian in goal and drop
    Hitchcock, apart from the odd mistake this season you cant fault
    Hitchcock on his goal keeping. There must be some bad feeling
    between Porterfield and Hitchcock...
    
    Andy...B
    

    
    Jeff,
    
    just waiting for 2 replies.  I will get the tickets next week, we are
    going in the West Stand any chance of your forty quid by Monday?
    
    Regards Hitchcock, 
    
    Porterfield don't like him, not for professional reasons, it's just 
    personal.
    
    Everton away in the next round of the cola coca cup,
    
    Loz. 

    
    Vincent Jones was fined �20,000 yesterday and received a 6 month
    ban from football suspended for three years for his part in the
    "soccer" video "soccers hard men".
    
    Pretty much over the top when you consider that he was a Sheffield
    United player when he made the video. I don't think we'll here too
    much from Vinny now as the first bit of trouble he gets into will
    kick him out of the game for 6 months. Why he represented himself
    I don't know.
    
    Like him or hate him there was no need to make an example of him as
    this sort of video isn't made every day.
    
    JN.

rep -1

Jeff,

I think this is really too much. I must admit I'm one of the few people
in here who always liked him but even if I would hate him this is really
a disgrace.

T_

    
    
    I feel that he really should appeal but this time make sure
    that he has himself represented by an individual who maybe
    has a better command of the english dictionary.
    
    JN.

    
    I disagree the fine was deserved, AND HE SHOULD OF BEEN BANNED AS WELL
    This thug has made a fortune from the game, in away that was showed in
    the video what sort of example is he setting, I hope for footballs sake
    this is the end of Jones and any of his clones who make a living out of
    this type of thing, to be honest I'm  sick to death of hearing his
    name mentioned....He should go back to the building site where he
    belongs. 
    
    Neil...
    
    

I have to agree with Neil,

The guy should have been forced to hang up his boots for good.

That would have made all his up and coming clones think twice!!

I realise he apologised to try and soften everyone up, but you can bet that
come Saturday, he'll be up to his old tricks again. He's been at it for too
long to change just like that.

The FA were too lenient, as he'll only get the 6 month ban if he steps out 
of line with the press etc., not practising what he preaches...

Just MHO

Al

    
    Well I'm sticking to my guns and will defend Jones until the 
    cows come home. If he had been approached while at Chelsea
    I firmly believe he would have refused to participate in the
    making of the video. He was a different player during his first
    spell at Wimbledon and Dave Bassett made him into a "cheap shot"
    player but he was a different player at Chelsea where his main
    problem there was the reputation that followed him. Because of his
    rep other players wanted to get stuck into him to solicit some
    sort of violent response.
    
    I also believe that there won't be any "Jones Clones" coming
    up through the ranks as children and youths are not encouraged
    to kick other players up in the air. Any that do this won't make
    the grade and will end up confined to the Sunday Leagues. The dick
    heads that are encountered on a Sunday morning or even a Saturday
    afternoon lower league game are proof enough.
    
    I can think of a few players that employ dirty tactics and tackle in
    a ferocious manner. Saunders tackle on Elliot was terrible. Hurlock
    was always a dirty git and Steve Macmahn (sp) wasn't just a hard
    player either and on a regular basis his attempts to win the ball
    were non existent. A player who I can think of who has regularly
    brought the game into disripute with his behaviour towards other 
    players and spectators is Speedie who over the past three years
    has been a disgrace.
    
    Even going back to the early seventies with the likes of Houseman
    and Webb gracing the field of play we see football that in many ways
    is a lot harder than it is today.
    
    If I was Jones I would appeal. The people who administer these
    punishments have hardly played a game of football in their life
    so what do they know ? As Brian Clough once said and I quote, 
    "Why should I be interviewed for the most important football managers
    job in the country by blokes who have never played the game in their
    life." In my opinion its like Mary Whitehouse doing the casting for
    the sequel to Basic Instinct, it just won't work.
    
    I don't agree with any of Jones' bad behaviour, particularly his tackle
    on Gary Stevens which damaged Stevens' knee ligaments but in this
    particular case (the video) there are circumstances which have not
    been taken into consideration and Jones is bearing the brunt for the
    company who made the video in the first place who, incidently, have
    gone into liquidation.
    
    The football authorities make the England Cricket selectors look as if
    they know what they are doing.
    
    JN.

    
    re: - 1 
    
    I reckon the football authorities should be attacking the more major 
    issues of the game, 
    
    i.e Why attendances have dropped so dramatically over the last quarter
    	century. Everyone has their own views on this, but what the hell 
    	have they done about it.
    
    Maybe halfing the 96 league teams, and improving those grounds could 
    be the idea. A major change is the only way.
    
    Cheers
    Nige.

    
    Vinny Jones has turned down a fans offer to pay his 20,000 fine 
    from the F.A. The big offer came from a supporter who wanted
    to help the club for what he sees as an awful injustice. Vinny
    turned down the money because he feels he must take the rap for
    this by himself.
    
    I see Joe Allon was half the way to signing for Brentford last
    night, bit of a shame i'd like to have seen him play a few more
    games for Chelsea..
    
    Andy...B
    

Jeff,

	I know Vinny is not the first or come to that the worst offender 
with his style of play, but I don't recall any other players making a video
describing how he committed the fouls.

>>    I also believe that there won't be any "Jones Clones" coming
>>    up through the ranks as children and youths are not encouraged 
>>    to kick other players up in the air. Any that do this won't make
>>    the grade and will end up confined to the Sunday Leagues. The dick
>>    heads that are encountered on a Sunday morning or even a Saturday
>>    afternoon lower league game are proof enough.

I agree with you that "children and youths are not encouraged to kick other
players up in the air.", and I would also be prepared say that this has been 
true since the advent of football. So where did the Jones', Speedie's of this
world come from??

	Anyway, the FA is the body in charge so we must respect their decision
FWIW. Only time will tell whether this video will influence youngsters, I 
certainly hope not. I hope Vinny looks on this as a reprieve and gets his act
together. He isn't the most gifted player, but he is a great motivater for the
rest of the team.

	
Al

    
    Jeff, I have to disagree with you if The Thug was still playing for
    Chelsea he would have still made the video, he is and will always be
    a Sunday league footballer whose only attributes are his fitness and
    motivation qualities and it makes me sick to think he's made a fortune
    from the game, the likes of Bassett, Porterfield and Wilkinson have a lot
    to answer for......
    
    Neil...   

    
    Neil, call me anything you like but not a "Jones Clone". On the 
    field of play you have the shorter fuse as you've demonstrated
    on many occasions when I have had the privilege of playing along
    side you performing our defensive duties. 
    
    As was pointed out to me this morning small fines are handed out
    to real criminals for real crimes of a serious nature to society.
    If all things were equal then "real" criminals would be fined 
    �20,000 for a "real" crime. Jones has been fined that sum for
    participating in a video. At no point during the video does he
    encourage these dirty tactics which doesn't say much but is worth
    noting.
    
    This fine and sentence does not fit the crime.
    
    JN.

    
    I agree the fines handed out to some crimes are crazy but thats a
    differant story......
    
    What the F.A has done is to act in the best interest of the game,
    thev'e been criticized in the past for bottling it, then when they
    do act thev'e gone over the top, if this deters anyone else from making
    this type of video then great they have done their job. At the end of
    the day his made a fortune from this video nasty, which could influence
    youngsters to go out and try these tatics thats describe in the video.
    If grown men are influenced by this thug then youngsters will be led
    astray....
    
    What makes me laugh is when you say "no where on the video does he
    endorse whats he's doing " this is quite nieve, who is it thats saying
    a good one is to rack your studs down the back of a players achilles
    poke a finger in the players eye and other such dirty tatics. Don't
    tell me it's not him....It's in fact a Jones clone..   
    
      Neil....
                                                                   

    
    Neil,
    
    Jones was paid 2-4,000 for his part in this video, fixed fee no
    royalties.  He has been fined 18,000, you can hardly claim he's made
    his fortune from it.

    
    Good result for Chelsea against Everton. The Blues are picking
    up the points and are holding a good position in the League.
    Lets hope there isn't the usual set back.
    
    With the away form of Leeds in question and Chelsea's good form
    Chelsea should win but Leeds demolished Chelsea last time 3-1 (?)
    and last Saturdays win against Arsenal will have lifted them no 
    doubt. I must find out which hotel Leeds are staying in.
    
    I'm really looking forward to the game myself as I and a few others
    will be there in the West stand. Look forward to seeing you there
    Ton.
    
    No matter how hard I try, at most all I can predict for Chelsea is
    a draw but we'll see.
    
    JN.

    
    Nice one Loz. Jones was only meant to be in the video for
    5 minutes.
    
    Jones did find himself in the refs book again on Saturday
    for a late challenge.
    
    JN.

    
    Come on whether he is on the video for twenty or five minute whether
    he got payed two or twenty grand he was a mug to get involved that
    sums him up, if's theres anything nasty in the game you can always
    predict the name of Vinny Jones is about there somewhere.....
    
    The thugs a loser and got what he deserved....Lets hope hope the next
    time he fouls up which is bound to happen, he's kicked out of the game
    for good.....Football just doesn't need prats like him.
    
    Neil...

rep -1

    
    re:1
    Something I've said, or do you always go around with this chip on your
    shoulder, this is the mentality that Chelsea seems to breed, and one
    of the reasons Vinnie Jones ended up at Stamford Bridge this fellow
    hasn't contributed too anything thats good about football and thoughly
    deserved his punishment...NOW THATS ENOUGH ON THE SUBJECT....
    
    Neil...   

           <<< TRUCKS::DISK$USER72:[NOTES$LIBRARY]FOOTBALL.NOTE;1 >>>
                                 -< FOOTBALL >-
================================================================================
Note 31.513                        Chelsea FC                         513 of 513
PEKING::COSSEYN "WORLD BEWARE!! GAZZA'S BACK"         9 lines  23-NOV-1992 14:35
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    re:1
    Something I've said, or do you always go around with this chip on your
    shoulder, this is the mentality that Chelsea seems to breed, and one
>>  of the reasons Vinnie Jones ended up at Stamford Bridge this fellow
>>  hasn't contributed too anything thats good about football and thoughly
    deserved his punishment...NOW THATS ENOUGH ON THE SUBJECT....
    
    Neil...   
    
              ===============================================
    
    
    Neil. People in glass houses et cetera.
    
    
    JN.
    
    

                      <<< Note 31.509 by PEKING::NAGLEJ >>>

       
   >> I'm really looking forward to the game myself as I and a few others
   >> will be there in the West stand. Look forward to seeing you there
   >> Ton.
    
Jeff,

don't worry, the last time I was around (two years ago against Spurs) we
won 3-2 on the other hand the year before that we got bashed by Wimbledon,
I haven't got the guts to put the score down :-))((

I'll be flying in early saturday morning and will go up to Highbury to
see Arsenal - Man Utd (a certain Mr. McCabe got me some tickets, a lot
cheaper than Mr. Bates in charching SP?). On Sunday well have a real
good bash and I've already agreed with Lozzie that we will have drinks/
food after the game.

There is still a change that we will travel up to Liverpool on Wednesday
to see the Blues against Everton. The local Everton man in this Notesfile
(thank you Paul) will check out the train times etc 'cause we are leaving the
next day and I wouldn't like to get stuck in Liverpool while my plane is
leaving from Heathtrow.

Does anyone if there are any games scheduled for Monday and or Thuesday?

Hope to see ya on Sunday Jeff.

Cheers,

T_    

    > Does anyone if there are any games scheduled for Monday and or Thuesday?
    
    The next round of the Coke Cup is on that week so there should be some
    matches on the Tuesday. I think the Arsenal-Derby replay from the last
    round is on that night.

    
    
    

****Received this from Loz****
    
    Just so we all know what we are doing Sunday.
    
    JN.
             *************************************
    
Chaps,

here are the details for Sunday.

JD is meeting me at my hoose at 12:00.

We will be in the White Hart pub which is opposite Fulham Broadway Tube station 
by 13:30.

	       ----------
	       |	|<--Fulham Broadway
---------------|________|--------------------------------------------

<-------- To North End rd				to ground ------>
---------\       \---------------------------------------------------
	  \	  \           |		|<-----Registry office
	   \	   \-------   |		|
	    \	    \|	  |   -----------
	     \	     |____|<-------White Hart Pub


If for any reason the pubs are closed or you can't get in or are late etc.
at 15:15 we will meet outside the pub.

See you all Sunday,

Loz.

Jeff,

Mine had a phone number and adress, why did ya remove that!!!! :-)))

See ya Sunday.

T_

    
    Ton.
    
    Would YOU put your telephone number and address in this 
    conference ??
    
    JN.

    
    OOH AH ANDY TOWNSEND......
    
    Bring on the Tottenham
    

   Re last...

Have you forgotten that Andy Townsend is Irish Andy???!!!!!! I didn't think the
Irish had any good players in your mind......  Roy Keane is even better Andy...
and he's Irish too......

   Good win for Chelsea there Gary... 

                                                         regards.....

                                                             -dave-

    
    Re:last 
    
    Is he or Isn't he that is the question...
    
     Neil...
    

    
    Re .519, I'd actually recommend not putting your address or telephone
    number in this conference.  Feel free to do so but it may lead to
    unwanted calls at home.  Business addresses and phone numbers are
    available for all employees in ELF.
    
    As for the football, it was a great win for Chelsea.  We haven't beaten
    Leeds since we got promotion.  Apparently we were lucky but you do need
    to win these games if you are to win championships.  Having said that
    Chelsea do not look like serious title contenders but then who
    does.....Chelsea are winning games that in other years would have been
    defeats.  I just hope the run continues at Goodison.
    
    As for Andy Townsend, he qualifies for Ireland under the parentage
    rule.  He wears the green shirt with pride just as he wears the blue
    shirt of Chelsea with pride.  Actually his club form and International
    form has been disappointing of late.  He has not matched the
    performances of recent seasons.  Hopefully he'll get back to his best.
    
    
    Gary.

    
    Everton 2-2 Chelsea
    
    Peter Beardsley scored first to give Everton the lead, Mick Harford
    made it level with what the papers call a flukey goal. ( I'm sure
    he meant it). Stuart Barlow scored his first goal for Everton but Graham
    Stuart had the last word making it 2-2 after heading in a Wise
    free-kick. They said on the radio that if not for Southall this 
    match would not have needed a replay. Everton will be happy to see
    that Mick Harford will be serving a suspension and wont be playing
    in the match at Stamford Bridge. Who ever wins this match will
    be away to either Crystal Palace or Liverpool..
    
    Andy..B
    

    
    Jeff,
    
    I might not get a chance tomorrow so I would like to take this oppurtunity 
    to say .... off.  Seriously, it has been a pleasure knowing you, thanks
    for playing for the Chelsea noters team last year.  I've enjoyed
    reading your notes and have always found them to be among the most
    informative in the conference, though you shouldn't wind up our celtic
    friends so (that's celtic not Celtic).  It's a pity our one and only
    Chelsea game together wasn't all that but you never know we might meet
    up at the bridge in future.
    
    Good luck wiith your ice hockey, have a good holiday and all the best
    for the future mate,
    
    Loz.

    
    
    Well Loz you have prompted me to write my farewell note and
    I must say I feel extremely sad to be leaving. Nothing to do
    with the prospect of unemployment or boredom through nothing
    to do, just sadness.
    
    Next Tuesday (8th December) is my last day "working" for Digital,
    Dec or whatever you want to call this company. I've put working
    in quotes as I won't be doing an awful lot.
    
    I have access to various conferences on the network but this is the
    only one where I participate on a meaningful basis and I will sorely
    miss my daily dosage of news, banter and of course entering my own
    verbal evacuations.
    
    I've met a few of you and some of you I already know but to those of
    you I've never met I've enjoyed reading your notes, well some of them
    anyway. 8-). For those of you I know its been a pleasure.
    
    I hope my more serious notes have added value to this conference and
    of course the "banter" notes as well. As far as I am concerned its
    all a bit of fun.
    
    Even though I never took the opportunity presented to me to TRY and 
    make it as pro footy baller I would have at least had the choice to
    play for two national sides if I had been good enough. Ireland and
    England and I don't know who I would have chosen. My head is with
    Blighty but my heart is with the Emerald Isle. The fallacy of Eire
    players on playing for Ireland because they are not good enough for
    England is pure drivel. Wear your shirts with pride boys.
    
    Anyway enough waffle. I'm taking the day off tomorrow as its my
    birthday so as I'm leaving next week you can all tell me to piss
    off and happy birthday at the same time.
    
    Seriously though I'll be down the Old Bell in Grazely next Tuesday
    between 12 and 2 for a couple of shandys. If you can make it and
    fancy a beer then thats where I'll be.
    
    Take care boys and I hope this company stays afloat and that you
    ain't packaged like so many others before me.
    
    My normal comments wil appear nextt Monday regarding the weekends
    football.
    
    Cheers.
    
    JN.

    
    Jeff,
          Good luck.......I didn't realise you had foreign blood in you
          that definitely explains you temperament on the pitch....
    
     Neil...

All the best Jeff, it good to know that you have a bit of the "Paddy Blood"
in you. All the best for the future and a Very Happy Birthday.

B@

    
    Jeff,
    
    actually my .... started with an F.  I'm in tomorrow but in meetings
    and out until next Thursday that is why I entered my earlier note.  I
    won't be able to get to the old bell but I've replied to your mail.
    
    see you soon,
    
    Loz.

Another win secures our position at the top of the league. Did anyone go???
I only saw the goals on MOD and both time the whole spurs defence was played
away and Newton slided them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

About the Leeds game, 'cause I was there, I've seen better Chelsea games
but in the end we deserved to win, Leeds never looked like they came to
the Bridge looking for a win.

Well what can I say more, Chelsea for the title??? I don't even dare to think 
about it but it's been a long time since we had such a good record.

Roll on ya Blues.

T_

    
    
    Tooooooo warn, tooooooo warn, tooooooo warn, tooooooo warn
    
    
    Tooooooo warn, tooooooo warn, tooooooo warn
    
    
    Tooooooo warn, tooooooo warn, tooooooo warn, tooooooo warn
    
    
    Tooooooo warn, tooooooo warn, tooooooo warn
    
    
    SUPER CHELSEA, SUPER CHELSEA, SUPER CHELSEA, SUPER CHELSEA
    
    
    SUPER CHELSEA, SUPER CHELSEA, SUPER CHELSEA, SUPER CHELSEA
    
    
    SUPER CHELSEA, SUPER CHELSEA, SUPER CHELSEA, SUPER CHELSEA
    
    
    SUPER CHELSEA, SUPER CHELSEA, SUPER CHELSEA, SUPER CHELSEA
    
    
    SUPER CHELSEA, SUPER CHELSEA, SUPER CHELSEA, SUPER CHELSEA
    
    
    SUPER CHELSEA, SUPER CHELSEA, SUPER CHELSEA, SUPER CHELSEA
    
    
    SUPER CHELSEA, SUPER CHELSEA, SUPER CHELSEA, SUPER CHELSEA
    
    
    SUPER CHELSEA, SUPER CHELSEA, SUPER CHELSEA, SUPER CHELSEA
    
    
    Chelsea for the Coca Cola and FA Cup plus Premier Division 
    champs for the 92/93 season.
    
    See ya boys. Its been great noting with you and I'll miss you
    all. See you in the next life.
    
    Salut.
    
    JN.

rep -1

Jeff,

all the best mate.


T_

ps I've replied with the info you needed so stick to your vax mail account

pps We are the new champs!!!!!!!!!!

    
    Kevin Hitchcock helped Chelsea to another point in the Premier league
    last night, this takes Chelsea second. The blues played well in the 
    first half but never had a shot on goal, Hitchcock made four world
    class saves to keep Chels in the game.
    The second half belonged to Chelsea with 12 shots on target, Boro
    were unlucky when they struck the bar from a dubious free-kick.
    Not a  bad result for the Blues considering Boro have only lost one 
    at home all season and have been averaging 2 goals a game, this is
    the first time Boro have not scored at home all season...
    
    Ian Porterfield said that the Russian goal keeper has not been
    brought to replace Hitchcock but just as a second keeper.
    
    Andy..B

    
    >Ian Porterfield said that the Russian goal keeper has not been
    >brought to replace Hitchcock but just as a second keeper.
    
    Great, we sign a world class keeper and put him in the stiffs.
    
    It would be tough on Hitchcock as he's playing really well but Kharin
    is a world class keeper.
    
    Gary.

    
    Great News for Chelsea football club. Stamford Bridge was made safe last 
    night after the Royal bank of Scotland bought the stadium. Apparently
    Chelsea now have a 20 year lease on the ground and a option to buy.
    This means Chelsea have the option to buy the ground at any time before
    the year 2012, if they want to.
    
    Chelsea will play Everton tonight in the Coca Cola replay and Man Utd
    on Saturday. Both game's will be at the bridge.
    
    Cheers 
    Nige.
                                        

    
    Lets hope the Blues can beat Everton tonight, I believe that this 
    will be Micky Harfords last game on suspension. If we get through
    against Everton it should be a walk over against Palace or Liverpool,
    lets face it their both crap....
    
    Andy..B
    
     

    
    Andy Townsend Fired Chelsea into the Coca Cola Cup quarter finals
    last night, even though they had to play the last 26 minutes with
    10 men after Gareth Hall was sent off. Townsend hit a 25 yard
    thunderbolt in the 19th minute to which Everton keeper Neville
    Southall got his fingertips but could not stop the ball from 
    rolling in off the post. Gareth Halls challenge is described as an
    X- Certificate tackle, Hall showed both sets of studs as he challenged
    Billy Kenny .
    
    Graham Stuart caused many problems for Everton with a succession of
    darting runs, clever flicks and passes. One well delivered through
    ball gave Wise the chance to run at Everton but was forced wide and
    shot weakly across the goal face. Paul Rideout laid a ball back to
    Beardsley, who shot straight at Kevin Hitchcock. Even with a one man
    advantage Everton rarley offered another threat in an increasingly bad
    tempered second half which saw four plyers booked - Chelsea's Mal
    Donaghy, Graeme Le Saux and Everton's Alan Harper and Barry Horne
    
    Andy..B
    

    >>Great News for Chelsea football club. Stamford Bridge was made safe last 
    >>night after the Royal bank of Scotland bought the stadium. 
    
    Hmmm?  The Royal Bank of Scotland are also underwriting the Arsenal
    Bond.  
    
    Mike M
    

    -1
        And CELTIC
    

Just a quick observation on Saturdays game....to annoy the ahh so famous Lions..

You actually paid money for this so called football ground...!!


Yours trully was wet to the bone, and was also made to wait for approx 30 mins
after the game had finished before we were let out..

I wont be going there in a hurry again..!!


Tony Ooh ah 

rep -1

Tony,

we can do without you.


Ton

    Why have Chelsea still got 15,000 Neanderthals following them - the
    thugs have died out at virtually every other club, but Chelsea still
    have more than their fair share ?
    
    (I'm not slagging off Chelsea, or any individuals - just asking a
    question)
    
    Paul

    
    I got wet too.
    
    Answer to -1.  I don't know, maybe it's something they put in the water.

    
    Well done Chelsea on your recent form...
    
    2 Questions...
    
    How many points were lost as a result of Dave Beasant's boobs.....
    
    Also , tell me something about the Bridge...
    On TV its looks a weird Stadium...
    
    On one side of the pitch is a huge stand (the main stand)
    Opposite is another smaller stand....
    But thats it......At the so called Shed end , its virtually open
    bar a small bit of a stand , the other end as far as I know is
    uncovered...There seems to be so much space behind the goals.....
    It must be a nightmare watching football at the Bridge if you sitting
    in the stands......Has Mr Bates any plans to develop the Bridge
    now that the lease has been sorted out.....
    
    Also what a great captain you have in the great Andy.....
    (another TGA)...
    
    jm
    

    
    Dave Beasant boobs.
                                                                 points
    Ball kicked straight to an Oldham player which ended up in
    the back of the night to make it 1-1                           2
    
    Liverpool away, Dave completely missed a cross which Redknapp
    score the winner.                                              1
    
    2-0 up at home to Norwich, and then Dave messed up big time,
    Norwich coming back to win 2-3                                 3
    
    Six points lost, this would have put Chels on 39 points level
    with Norwich.
    

    
            The Bridge
    
    A sketchey history from memory.
    
    Some of this may have been posted earlier.
    
    Stamford Bridge started life as an athletic stadium in the late 1800's.
    There wasn't originally any stands, the London underground was being
    built at the time and the earth from the new lines was used to build up
    banks around the running track for spectators.
    
    Chelsea football club was created and in 1905 started playing games at
    the bridge, I believe that by now the old eaststand was erect Fnarr,
    fnarr and possibly the north stand.  The north stand was situated over
    the entrance of where nowadays the visiting supporters stand.  Up until
    the early 80's the northstand area (though the stand had been pulled
    down) was used by home supporters.
    
    In the late 50's early 60's the West stand was added then in the 70's
    the old east stand was pulled down and the new 3 teir stand which you
    see today was built.  At the time it was planned to rebuild the whole
    ground but we got into finacial difficulty and all plans were shelved.
    At one stage I seem to remember we were 3 million in the red, which at
    the end of the seventies was quite a bit of dosh.
    
    You may have noticed that the new east stand is quite close to the
    pitch unlike the other 3 sides.  All the new stands were going to be
    brought closer to the pitch, over the old atheletic track which has also 
    been used as a dog track in the past.
    
    
    Over the last 10-12 years Chelsea has been recovering finacially from
    the 70's and also been fighting legal battle's over the fate of the
    ground.  When the club took up residancy at the bridge it was given a
    90 year lease with option to buy, that option was sold off by Mears in
    the 80's.
    
    No major redevelopements have been carried out out the Bridge because
    of the uncertainty of the future.  Now that there appears to be a
    future for Chelsea football club I am sure that you will see a lot of
    developement over the next few years.
    
    The Plan.
    
    I beleive the plan is to build a 40,000 all seater sports stadium with
    a hotel and other facillities and make it available to the community.
    
    There were in some of the plans I've seen a move to make a covered
    walkway from Fulham Brodway tube station direct to the (what is now)
    the rear of the ground.
    
    Of course all this will depend on planning permission, costs, results
    etc. but there will definately be developements of sorts.
    
    At the end of this season I believe they are going to knock down the
    away end, this will be followed upon completion (and no doubt if the
    money is available) by the Shed end and finally the West stand.
    
    As for winning anything, who knows? 
     

    
    Basically the Bridge is the worst ground in the Premier Division....
    
    It's one massive urinal.....
    
    It really is a disgrace...
    
    Neil...
    

    
    Hi Neil,
    
    I don't think there is any doubting that.  How about we start a
    favourite/most disliked topic.
    
    I've been to many a ground some good some bad (most better than the
    Bridge I have to admit).
    
    I quite like Goodison, in the seats there you get a terrific veiw, the
    atmosphere is great as for the pies, well I never tried them.  The
    locals aren't too friendly though, mind you being a Chelsea supporter
    locals never seem to be very excited about meeting you.  Bristol, now
    there was an exception, when we took a mini bus to Bristol we found
    this nice little pub on the outskirts of the city, even went out and
    bought us all fish and chips they did.  In Marlborough on the way back
    the landlord bought us all a round.  Still got totally soaked though.
    
    Crewe is quite a nice ground, pretty new and nice and dinky, I liked it
    there a lot.
    
    I used to enjoy going to West Ham when I was younger, my old man the
    Hammer fan wouldn't let me go to see Chelsea on my own and certainly
    would never take me (<- Deprived childhood = hooligan??) so I had to
    make do with the Irons, nice family atmosphere, cosy little ground good
    day out and all that.
    
    Have never liked the Dell, didn't see what all the fuss was about at
    Roker and St James park.  Quite impressed with old trafford, Anfield
    was okay.  Norwhich well that was a few years ago, I went in the
    Barcalys stand and spent the whole game ducking coins thrown by the
    children in the then called barclays stand (there probably all grown
    men by now).
    
    Cardiff, well they are just total nutters down there.
    
    The west midlands grounds, shan't comment except to say that their
    policeforce is the worst I've ever come across on my travels.  
    
    I could go on and on and on and on, so many wonderful memories, heaves
    sigh... goes back to work.

    
    Did I tell you my views on Leeds, Bransely, Rotheram, Brighton,
    Leicester, Forrest, Reading, Highbury, WHL, Loftus etc.
    
    Well, no I really should do some work.

    
    Thanks to PEKING::JOLLYL for an excellent report/history of the
    Bridge....well done.....
    
    What's your opinion on QPR's ground at Loftus Road......
    
    The only two grounds I've actually been in are Wembley and Loftus
    Road..
    
    jm

    >>What's your opinion on QPR's ground at Loftus Road......
    
    I like Loftus Road, but in terms of away supporters in general I think 
    I'm in the minority.
    
    I used to go to Rangers back in 66/67/68, with a neighbour, when Rodney
    Marsh, Mike Keen et al were playing for them.  In those days it was
    standing on three sides with the only cover, if you were standing, being 
    at the "Loft" end.  The fourth side, the current single tier stand, 
    contained the seats. The only game I remember much about was Rangers v 
    Plymouth Argyle a few weeks before, or maybe after, the 1967 League Cup 
    final.  I think Rangers won 4-0 and the Rangers winger, whose name escapes
    me for the moment, was outstanding.
    
    In the past 25 years the ground has changed quite a bit - new stands on
    all four sides, with the majority of people being seated.  All this 
    development work has been done without bankrupting the club and without
    seriously affecting the team.  This is because I think on the
    commercial side the club is very well managed and they have fingers in
    many pies.  For instance, I think they own most of the small cafes
    around the stadium and hence have income 52 weeks of the year.
    
    I think the total development of the ground has cost less than 10
    million which these days is pretty good.  OK, the stands are a bit
    basic and there isn't exactly a lot of leg-room in the seats, but for
    an inner city club with not much room to develop they've done pretty
    well.
    
    The other thing I like about Rangers, which I've only appreciated in
    later years, is it's (relatively) near the Crown and Sceptre which
    serves an excellent pint of Fullers London Pride (God's own drink!)
    
    Mike M  

    
    Loftus road isn't one of my favourite grounds but I do enjoy going
    there for the atmosphere if nothing else.  On all bar one of the
    occasions that I've been I don't think that I've had a decent view of
    the pitch.  One of the things I like most about the ground though is
    it's proximity to the pitch.  When Chelsea play Q.P.R. there there
    seems to be little or no segregation and the games always seem to be
    well exciting.  Last time I went I stood in the Chelsea end (the only
    time I have) and we got stuffed 4-0 (or it may have been 4-1).  I hope
    to be there on Jan 27th with John "Boy Dalek" Wood, that's if the 
    bambino comes on time, could be my first game as a father AGHHHHHHHHH!
    
    Loz.
        

    
    Must agree with you Lawrence, it isn't the best but the  Atmosphere
    is exceptional, Its a nice tight ground and close to the pitch.
    

	Sorry about cluttering the Chelsea topic but...

>	...Rangers won 4-0 and the Rangers winger, whose name escapes
>    	me for the moment, was outstanding....

		Ian Morgan, perchance ?

    
    RE:Last,
    	   Nah,'fraid not.THE Rangers winger is called Pieter Huistra.

Last night another stunning Chelsea game with the tirth draw in a row, if
we want to keep up with the big guys we can't afford to draw against teams
like Southampton (certainly at home) and Wimbledon.

T_

    
    Pretty poor results over Christmas.  Yesterdays Cup game was called off
    due to bad weather.
    
    Coca cola cup on Wed. 6th. and Man City at home on Saturday, the boro
    chelsea game will probably be the following Wed or Tues.  IF we go
    through we meet Forest in the next round,
    
    Loz.

    Well, we're out.
    
    From the telly, it looked like the ball (literally!) just wouldnt run
    for us, whereas everything Palace tried came off.
    
    What can you say about that goal!! 
    
    I felt that we played some great football,and only for Nigel Martin
    we'd at least have a draw.
    
    One of those games you just ain't destined to win.
    
    *Tiger*

    I thought we played well and were unlucky, we'll play worse and win.
    
    Good result for Palace, I wasn't at the game, watched it on the telly. 
    It looked entertaining enough despite the conditionsmaybe one of the
    FE's went and could give us their opinion.  30,000 crowd wasn't bad,
    the blues seemed to have a decent support, unfortunately it didn't
    help.
    
    I thought Townsend goal was superb, best goal of the match and I don't
    mean to take anything away from Palace.  I thought their goals were down
    to poor Chelsea defending and the conditions.  Best of luck in the next
    round Palace.
    
    Boy, am I taking stick today or what??  I wouldn't mind but one of
    these guys is a Manc and I've been to Old Trafford more times than he
    has,
    
    Loz :-(

    
    Chelsea 2 Man City 4
    
    2 goals in the last 10 minutes from Stuart and Spencer made this look
    semi respectable.  First Palace and now this.  We must get a result at
    Ayresome on Wed to keep our season alive.
    
    Gary.

	Can someone post the result of the match against Boro last night.

	Or is it tonight ?


	Thanks
	Well-out-of-touch jon

    
    	Well "it" wasn't last night, so it must be tonight....
    
    	Anybody?
    
    	Andy.

    
    Yes the match is tonight...  Lets hope Chelsea get their first 
    win in six matches..
    

      I just received a mail message saying that Lawrence Jolly
      has become daddy for the first time, it's a boy named Scott
      and the little fellow already has got a Chelsea season ticket

      
      T_

    
    Boro 2 Chelsea 1
    
    Season over.  Wake me up in August.  
    
    Chelsea took the lead on 68 minutes after being the better side.  Mohan
    put through his own goal.  We gifted them an equaliser 2 minutes later
    as Hitchcock (come back Dave Beasant all is forgiven) dropped the ball
    on Tommy Wright's toe.  Falconer scored the winner 7 minutes from time.
    This has all come from the Irish Times report and from very brief
    highlights on BBC.
    
    Gary (who suffered the agonies of watching Ceefax last night)

    Well at least we did'nt lose this weekend!!  8^).....
    
    *Tiger*

    Hullo IS there anybody here??
    
    ECHO

    ECHO
    

    ECHO
    

    
    Tiger,
    
    maybe you could ask Cunno to post Liverpool's honours in here ?
    
    :-)
    
    Paul