New Season Approaches Part II

Firstly, let’s consider recent events this summer. How much speculation and journalistic hearsay have we, the Chelsea supporters had to endure during the close and pre-season?

How many nights have we spent praying to the almighty that come the new season, Eidur, Jimmy and Gallas would still be wearing Chelsea blue? So we finally got through that awful time (let’s hope it’s over), and so we may have developed a drinking habit or stutter as a direct result/consequence of these stories but hey, we made it through and so far, everything remains the same.

So let’s look at the positives.

Chelsea have arrived at the start of the new season with a degree of squad stability. Sure we saw the arrival of Enrique De Lucas and the sad departure of Slavisa Jokanovic and Sam Dalla Bona but, for the first time in many a year, we are to have a degree of continuity. Continuity. Solidity. Togetherness. Camaraderie.

Maybe the lack of transfers has been partly financially motivated but for me, this can only be a good thing.

The stability of the squad will surely give the players a sense of togetherness and belonging, a togetherness which is surely crucial to a successful start to the season.

Allied to this why should Chelsea over indulge themselves in the transfer markets when so many good, vibrant, hungry youngsters are making their way through the Chelsea ranks and knocking on the first team door?

Take a look! Carlton Cole, Joe Keenan, Robert Huth, Oliveira.

I have said it before and I will say it again: This squad has depth, has potential, and most importantly is developing a blend between youth and experience.

These are exciting times at Chelsea. No I don’t expect Chelsea to win the Premiership this season and yes we need to hope and pray that John Terry and Morris are not given an enforced absence by the courts – that will be a severe blow - but I am sure will see a more consistent, determined, purposeful Chelsea.

So what that the press and media have written us off. So what the that the club are being dismissed as inconsistent and underachievers. They can brush us aside and ignore us – but I believe the club is being massively underestimated. All to our benefit I’m sure.

Let’s not forget though that this team last season reached a semi-final, final and qualified for Europe for the sixth successive season. Look at that word successive – it has the word success hidden in their.

I consider last year a success, but let’s look at the difficulties of last year.

Consider a year ago………………………?

A manager who could not communicate his needs to his players because he was still getting to grips with the language. A manager still struggling with a side still yet to make his own.

Consider a year ago………………………?

Those players that Ranieri did bring to the club (in particular the midfield) needed time to settle, re-adjust themselves and get to know each other on and off the pitch. Many came to the club unfit and regrettably late into pre-season.

And consider now………………………….?

A determined, settled squad threatened by a number of young starlets who have tasted first team experience and are eager for more.  If anybody underachieves or feels settled in the first team.  Be very, very careful.

And consider now………………………….?

A manager with a new 5 year contract and Chairman’s blessing who communicates his emotions and wants to his players perfectly.

And consider now………………………….?

A team who have completed pre-season TOGETHER. A team who have endured the pain of the FA Cup Final defeat TOGETHER. A team that wants to improve each year, wants success, and wants to command respect.

Indeed……these are exciting times at Chelsea.

Steve’s Predictions/Hopes: Champions League Qualification and successful UEFA Cup run. Watch out for a dramatically improved Zenden, a re-vitalised Gianfranco Zola, and the explosion of Carlton Cole. Jimmy and Eidur? More of the same!