David Brent

I've got a pristine copy of that calendar and I believe it could now be worth as much to collectors as the price of a black market ticket to a Bolton Wanderers match.

Dave.

David Brent

Chelsea had an incredible 29 shots on goal and could only score once.
Looks like the wheels are starting to fall off.

Roman was quite happy though. He was caught by the television cameras chatting up a very attractive lady sitting next to him during the game.
You have to get your priorities right.

Dave.

orpheum

When Rosenbourg came to Highbury a couple of years ago just before Xmas they were trounced 5-1.So that gives you some idea as to how good their defence is under pressure.

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BristolUK

Looks like Chelsea are looking for a new coach according to reports.

David Brent

Yes, big, big breaking news.
I did say that the wheels were falling off!

Jose Mourinho has reportedly stepped down as Chelsea manager.
He informed the players by text of his departure yesterday.
It is not known yet whether Jose left of his own accord or was pushed.

I'm sure the papers will be full of this story for the next week or so.

Dave.

batman

Mourinho has gone!

I can't say I am surprised, I said at the start of the I thought he would be gone if they weren't 10 points clear by Xmas. It just shows have fickle football is these days. As a fan I feel I can say that they have been a middle of the table club for years. We all accepted that and the cup wins and trips to Europe pre Mourinho we took as icing on the cake.

Suddenly we get success, it goes to lots of heads and, because we had a dodgy start to the season the team gets booed off when they can't beat a diffcult Blackburn side and then come waste a hatful against Rosenborg. Success has become a divine right! It was obvious something had to give, it wasn't going to be Abramovich or the wealthy prima donnas in the team (not mentioning any names Ballack, Shevchenko) so it had to be Jose.

I am sorry to see him go. He is a great manager and a real character, probably the best management media story since Cloughie! I wish him well.

But what deadbeat are we gonna get to replace him? Who's available? Not much to choose from ... especially as they'll have to be Abramovich-friendly. After the start Man City have had they may try and poach Sven, I hope not. It makes a change to see people saying nice things about him. He won't have that luxury if he comes to Stamford Bridge.

It'll probably be some big name European who Roman has already tapped-up. My gut feeing is Jurgen Klinsmann. Big mates with Ballack apparently, who I suspect has not been quiet behind the scenes. Shevchenko definitely hasn't.

What a pity Arsene Wenger just signed a new deal.

Bats.

"Boom boom a baby .... Banham Zoo .... Banana pants! Hahahaha"

DB7

I thought it inevitable but not until sometime near the end of the season. Bonkers decision really as there are few if any better managers. Delusion of grandeur down at the Bridge, the notion of building a Manyoo type fanbase and playing with the style of Barca is pie in the sky. I reckon Roman will call it quits in about 3 years time; or just get bored with his toy.

orpheum

Well if less than 25000 can only be bothered to turn up for a boring match then little surprise.Unlike the 59992 of us who turned up at Emirates last night expecting a contest but seing a rout.My guess would be Jose for Tottenham and Jol for Chelski.

Welcome To Highbury The Home Of Football

Harleybloke

THE MOURINHO YEARS........

YOU MUST BE BRAVE BATS..........................

.....You couldn't hear it, if they were shooting at me with howitzers!

batman

The deadbeat has been named as that giant of Israeli football ... Abramovich-friendly Avram Grant.

Bats.

ps - I'd rather have had Hope Powell! (and I'm not joking)

"Boom boom a baby .... Banham Zoo .... Banana pants! Hahahaha"

Fareham_Bee

If you are right about that, how long would Chelsea survive without his money? How long could they sustain the wage bill? How long could they cope with the losses?

As for the small crowd last night. When are the powers that be going to learn that your average fan can't keep lashing out big money on matches? Ok so Chelsea dropped the prices last night, but it was still thirty six quid for God's sake. Thirty Six quid plus the nipper, a programme, getting there etc.

In the past European Cup games were all important, You had to win or you were out, simple as that. Now you get the chance to draw a couple and win one and go through. The games aren't as important to win and there are so many now it's no longer a special thing as it used to be. The money men will deflect you from this however, as they still want a european super league.

David Brent

I thought the same but it seems that Jose has agreed on a termination package that clearly states that he is not allowed to become a manager for another Premier League team.
If Chelski do not rate Jose anymore why the stipulation that he not manage again in the Premier League?

He certainly is a loss to British football - unless they give him McLaren's job.

Dave.

orpheum

I believe that such a clause would not hold up in court as it is an unfair restraint of employment.I am not sure that he has agreed to this in any case.In any event if Chelski no longer think he is adequate to manage their team why should he worry if he manages another premiereship club.One other thought given Tottenhams leaky defence do we thgink that the goal they conceeded against Famagusta last night could be crucial.I once saw QPR beat a team 6-2 and loose on away goals!

Welcome To Highbury The Home Of Football

David Brent

The realistic worry is that if Roman quits Chelsea it is difficult to see the club ever recovering from the astronomical debts that he would leave behind.

Seems that club owners are now trying to pick the teams instead of the appointed managers. (Hearts, Leicester ect..). They think that their money also buys football knowledge - but it doesn't.
Guys like Roman live in a real football fantasy world.

Dave.

batman

£20 million .... I wouldn't work for the NHS again if I could get a package like that.

All these clauses in contracts these days get on my nerves .... if we sell you to them you can't play for them against us 'cos although we think you're crap you might still score against us and that won't do .... what a load of sphericals.

Chelski know Jose really is a 'special one' .... it's just another example of Roman's increasing megalomania. I expect he'll be having regular cosy chats with Avram about how to give poor Sheva a lot more TLC. I am more cheesed off about it now than I was yesterday!

IMHO the FA won't touch Jose, I reckon he's a bit too Cloughie for them.

Bats.

"Boom boom a baby .... Banham Zoo .... Banana pants! Hahahaha"