At 3.00pm GMT, today, it will be exactly 12 days until the first round of Premier League fixtures get underway.
At Ewood Park, Craven Cottage, Anfield, Loftus Road, White Hart Lane, The DW Stadium and at St. James' "We-don't-know-quite-what-the -stadium-will-be-called" Park, the first whistle of the season will blow, and with it, absolute joy will wash over millions of football fans up and down the country!
After the (shorter-than-it-seems) Summer period where limited football is played and the back pages become filled with news of Cricket and Golf, we will finally start to see normality return as football will start to dominate
The fixture list in full, then, for the weekend of 13th-15th August: Saturday, 13 August 2011 Blackburn v Wolverhampton, 15:00
Fulham v Aston Villa, 15:00
Liverpool v Sunderland, 15:00
QPR v Bolton, 15:00
Tottenham v Everton, 15:00
Wigan v Norwich, 15:00
Newcastle v Arsenal, 17:30
Sunday, 14 August 2011
Stoke v Chelsea, 13:30
West Brom v Man Utd, 16:00
With Chelsea as close as it is possible to be to signing a new player without actually having signed him, Thibaut Courtois, the 19-year old Racing Genk player, has hinted at a loan deal once he officially becomes a Blue.
The young goalkeeper, still to agree personal terms over his move to London, expects to be loaned out to Atletico Madrid once the deal has been agreed.
"It is better for me to go to Atletico, I can learn more in Spain than in Belgium. I'll have to fight for my place, but that is life at the top. The easiest option for me would have been to stay at Genk. I could be loaned out for a second or even third season before becoming part of Chelsea's first-team squad."
He revealed that some of the club's (Chelsea) senior players had already welcomed him to Stamford Bridge, such as Lampard, Terry, soon-to-be-rival, Petr Cech, and Didier Drogba (who told Courtois how he'd seen him celebrating the Belgian title with Genk on the television).
I checked Courtois out on YouTube to see just how good this player is. And I must say, I was mightily impressed. As a non-Chelsea fan (particularly after the signed Petr Cech all those years back and dominated through him for a couple of years, in my opinion) I wanted this player to be overhyped. And for the first few saves I saw, I thought- "he saves with his legs too often..". But as the video continued and the number of great saves clocked up, I thought "wow, this guy is amazing!"
See for yourself by clicking the link below. And remember, he is only 19 years of age. There are far more experienced goalkeepers with a much less impressive catalogue of saves from their entire career! Thibaut Courtois- Racing Genk goalkeeper
Another round of fixtures produce some shocking results...
Darlington 0-2 Newcastle United
Firstly, on Friday evening, Newcastle United travelled to the Darlington Arena to take on Blue Square Premier League side, Darlington, who finished 7th last season.
A comfortable 2-0 victory for the Toon Army, through Barton (3) after a cross from Leon Best, and a strike from Ameobi (55), 10 minutes into the second half, were marred when Newcastle fans rushed onto the pitch and scenes turned ugly. Half-Time: 0-1
Full-Time: 0-2
Managing director, Derek Llambias said: "On behalf of everyone at Newcastle United FC, we wholly condemn the behaviour of a number of our supporters who invaded the pitch during the second half of the club's friendly against Darlington this evening (July 15). The club will be seeking to obtain footage of the disorder from Darlington FC and the police and will be taking the strongest possible action against those individuals responsible for the shameful behaviour.
This behaviour is not typical of the vast majority of our fans, however this incident gives a poor impression of Newcastle United and its loyal supporters."
On Saturday 16th July, six Premier League clubs played.
We'll start with the convincing victories- first Liverpool..
Malaysia XI 3-6 Liverpool
Charlie Adam got his first goal as a Red, converting a penalty in the convincing 6-3 victory over a Malaysia XI. Adam converted on 27 mins, after Jasuli's soft contact had taken down the big man, Andy Carroll. A Rahim goal levelled things on 43, giving a disappointing half time scoreline. Half-Time: 1-1
It took a further 23 minutes for Liverpool to regain the lead, with Ngog (68) first making it 1-2, then 2 minutes later on 70, making it 1-3. Rodriguez (76) made it 1-4, before Sali (79) got the first of his 2, making it 2-4, before adding Malaysia's 3rd on 82. At 3-4, and the scoreline the same as their earlier fixture, Liverpool turned it up a notch, hitting 2 stoppage time goals through Rodriguez (91) and Dirk Kuyt (94). Full-Time: 3-6
Gorleston 0-7 Norwich
An emphatic victory for Premier League newcomers, Norwich City, over Ridgeons Premier League side Gorleston at Emerald Park.
Captain Holt (6), Whitbread (12) and a Holt penalty (30) gave the Canaries a 3-0 lead. A Smith strike made it 4 and Jackson hit a 5th before half time. Half-Time 0-5 Johnson (49) and Wilbraham completed the rout, to set Norwich on their way to the Premier League. Full-Time 0-7
Blackburn Rovers 2-1 Accrington Stanley
At Morecambe's Globe Arena, Premier League Blackburn Rovers failed to convince against Accrington (Who are they? Exactly...) Stanley, but took the lead on 15 minutes through Keith Andrews. Half-Time: 1-0
Stanley equalised 9 minutes into the second half, through trialist, Kurtis Guthrie's 54th minute strike, before a Kalinic strike concluded the fixture. Full-Time: 2-1
Portsmouth 0-1 Chelsea
At Fratton Park, Chelsea fans had their first opportunity to see Andres Villas-Boas' line-up and match approach. Having played Wycombe behind closed doors in mid-week, fans were able to catch a glimpse in a damp squib of a match.
Former Chelsea defender, Ben-Haim headed past his own keeper on just 7 minutes. Half-Time: 0-1
A penalty for Portsmouth, taken by Luke Varney, and saved by Hilario, was the only thing of note in the second half. Full-Time: 0-1
Hangzhou Greentown 1-1 Arsenal
A desperately poor performance by the Gunners, as after just 16 minutes, Hangzhou took the lead through Sebastian Vazquez following a mistake from goalkeeper Vito Mannone. Carlos Vela drew Arsenal level on the stroke of half-time with a close-range strike. Half-Time: 1-1
Despite making a full 11 changes in the half-time interval, Arsenal failed to break down vastly inferior opponents and the 1-1 scoreline stood until the full time whistle blew. Full-Time: 1-1
Kaizer Chief's 1-0 Tottenham
A disappointing match for Tottenham at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. Twice denied by top-drawer saves from keeper Itumeleng Khune, the last in the 90th minute sparked the counter-attack that George Lebese scored the winner from.
Luka Modric, who handed a transfer request in this week was ruled out with an ankle problem, while fellow midfielder Sandro is expected to miss three months of action with a knee injury. Half-Time: 0-0
Full-Time: 1-0
Chelsea FC has unveiled a new third kit for the 2008-09 season of English football. Manufactured by sporting giants Adidas, the kit is finished from head to toe in a darkish shade of yellow apart from blue inserts around the round collar, the stripes and the logo of club sponsors Samsung.
The shirt is made from 100 per cent polyester and features Climacool technology to provide the best comfort for players under all conditions. The release of the third kit completes Chelsea's set of football kits for the 2008/09 season of English and European football.
Portugal midfielder Deco has joined Chelsea from Spanish giants Barcelona after he was told he did not feature in Barcelona's future plans by new coach Pep Guardiola.
Despite suffering injuries and a loss of form for Barca last season, Deco was still one of Portugal's best players in their failed Euro 2008 campaign and is still regarded as one of Europe's most highly-rated playmakers. The 30-year-old has joined the Stamford Bridge outfit on a two-year deal for a fee of about £8m and will once again team up with coach Luiz Felipe Scolari who he played under for the national team.
The Brazilian-born midfielder has a bulging trophy cabinet which includes two Champion's League medals, a Uefa cup winner's medal, and two La Liga titles from his time at FC Porto and Barcelona.
Deco spoke to Chelsea TV after officially signing and said that winning the Champion's League was a top priority for him and the club: "It is good for me to be here and first of all I am very happy to be here.
"I am sure I have come at the right time to do great things and be able to help Chelsea go back to the way it was and come back to being the first one, not only in England but also to win the Champions League that has been their dream for so long."
The arrival of the Portugese star adds a new dimension for the Chelsea midfield which currently includes Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack, Michael Essien, Jon Mikel Obi and Claude Makelele although some would argue that his arrival has only hastened the departure of Frank Lampard who is rumoured to be a transfer target for former boss Jose Mourinho who is now at Inter Milan.
To say that Chelsea's away kit last season was hideous would be an understatement - that fluorescent 'electric' yellow colour was absolutely shocking.
The players dreaded wearing it, the fans dreaded seeing their team wear it...so both fans and players alike will breathe a sigh of relief on the arrival of a new away kit for season 2008/09 of the English Premier League.
Finished completely in black albeit for the white collar and three 'Adidas' stripes, the new away kit is far more conservative than last season's effort and without a doubt much easier on the eye.
The kit is manufactured by Adidas and will be officially launched on July 10. Pre-orders are available now.
Brazilian World Cup winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has been confirmed as the new boss of Chelsea Football Club.
The current Portugal boss will be the fourth manager of the London club since Roman Abramovich took ownership in 2004 and will start work after the Euro 2008 Championship.
The authoritarian coach takes over from Avram Grant who was sacked last month despite guiding Chelsea to second place in the Premier League and to their first Champions League final where they lost to English Premier League rivals Manchester United.
Chelsea's official statement from their website said: "Felipe has great qualities. He is one of the world's top coaches with a record of success at country and club level, he gets the best out of a talented squad of players and his ambitions and expectations match ours. He was the outstanding choice.
Out of respect for his current role as Head Coach of the Portuguese national team, and to ensure minimum disruption to this work, there will be no further comment from Chelsea FC nor from Felipe about his new role until his employment with us commences."
Despite never having managed an European club before, Scolari still boasts an impressive CV which includes coaching his country to victory in the 2002 World Cup and guiding Portugal to the final of Euro 2004. At club level, Scolari won two Copa Libertadores, a Brazilian championship, three Brazilian cups and three South Rio Grande championships.
Scolari's appointment as Chelsea boss should result in a much more attacking-style of play compared to the defensive and sometimes boring style of his predecessors, Jose Mourinho and Avram Grant - something which the club's billionaire owner craves.
Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea (Manchester United wins 6-5 on penalties)
SUMMARY:
Manchester United and Chelsea played out a thrilling Champions League Final tie in Moscow overnight with the Red Devils emerging victorious to secure their third European cup with a 6-5 win on penalties after extra-time.
United dominated the first half and deservedly went ahead through Cristiano Ronaldo's brilliant header - his 42nd goal of the campaign - in the 26th minute. They continued to press and Carlos Tevez had two glorious chances to put the game out of reach for Chelsea but they held on to equalise from a goal out of nothing.
An attempted shot from Michael Essien 25-yards out took two deflections before landing sweetly into the path of Lampard, who duly supplied a left-footed finish from six yards.
Chelsea were back in it and it was the perfect time to equalise just before the break.
The London club came out rejuvenated in the second half and dominated proceedings much like their opponents did in the first half. Drogba saw a shot hit the woodwork as United held on and had chances of their own when late substitute Ryan Giggs saw a shot cleared off the line by John Terry.
Both teams were even in extra-time before drama unfolded. Drogba was shown a straight red for slapping Nemanja Vidic but his sending off came too late for United to make full use of their numerical advantage and penalties ensued.
Decisive misses by John Terry and Nicolas Anelka handed the trophy to United despite Ronaldo missing his second successive penalty but it did not matter as United marked the 50th anniversary of the Munich air crash with their third European crown.
With the richest club owner in world football, Chelsea hardly needs the revenue from merchandise sales so it is safe to assume that the special edition Chelsea Home Shirt 2008/09 with Champions League Final Embroidery is for commemorative purposes only.
Afterall, reaching the final of Europe's elite club competition is a cause for celebration in itself and having reached the final for the first time in the club's history, you can forgive them for getting a little carried away.
As you are probably aware, this special edition shirt is based on the new kit design for the forthcoming English Premier League season 2008/09 with the only difference from the standard shirt being the the orange embroidery on the player's right chest which says "FINAL MOSCOW 2008 - 21st May LUZHNIKI STADIUM Manchester United v Chelsea".
Priced at £49.99, it is exactly £10 more than the shirt without the embroidery - perhaps Chelsea needs the money afterall?
But what if Manchester United end up clinching a Premier League and Champions League double? Chelsea fans will be rewarded with an extra £10 out of pocket and bittersweet memories.
Captain John Terry models the new Chelsea home kit
Chelsea has become the second club after Liverpool to unveil their new home kit for the upcoming English Premier League season 2008-09.
Unlike the Reds who will be wearing their new kit for the next two seasons, the London club will be wearing this new design for one season only. The new kit is identical to the one that was leaked onto various forums in March and features a new collar design in white with a yellow rim around the outer edge of the collar and sleeves.
The kit also appears to sport a lighter shade of blue than the tradition royal blue colours of Chelsea and the main kit sponsor has been changed slightly to Samsung from the previous Samsung Mobile.
The goalkeeper's shirt is a disastrous shade of very deep orange which is ridiculously 'loud' and one must think the colour is to avert any dangers to their injury prone goalkeeper, Petr Cech.
Petr Cech's new goalkeeper's shirt for 2009
The new kit will be officially launched on May 8, 2008.
The destination of the Barclaycard Premiership trophy will be decided on the final day of the season after Chelsea's 2-0 win over Newcastle at St. James' Park last night.
Needing a win to stay level on points with leaders Manchester United, Chelsea's Michael Ballack opened the scoring for the visitors in the 60th minute with a header before French winger Florent Malouda wrapped up the win in the 82nd minute.
There were nervous moments for Avram Grant's side as the hosts had good chances of their own with Michael Owen going particularly close to scoring on a number of occasions.
Ultimately, Chelsea had too much class despite the absence of Ashley Cole, Claude Makelele, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, and Salomon Kalou from the side that beat Liverpool in the Champions League semi-final.
Chelsea will now have to win their final game at home against Bolton and hope that Manchester United draw or lose against Wigan in the corresponding game to clinch the Premiership title.
Wed, Apr 30: UEFA Champions League (Semi-Final 2nd Leg)
Chelsea 3-2 Liverpool (Chelsea wins 4-3 agg)
SUMMARY:
It was a case of third-time lucky for Chelsea as Roman Abramovich's multi-million dollar squad finally ended their Liverpool jinx in Europe by reaching the final of the Champion's League for the first time in the history of the club.
On a rainy night in the capital, Chelsea ran out 3-2 winners - and 4-3 on aggregate - over Liverpool courtesy of a brace from Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard penalty while Liverpool ended their barren run of goals at Stamford Bridge through Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel.
The match ran into extra-time between the closely-matched sides after Drogba opened the scoring with a thunderous drive in the first half before Fernando Torres hauled the five-times European champions level with a slotted finish in the 64th minute.
With neither side willing to give in, extra-time loomed and Michael Essien thought he had scored the winner for the hosts with a 20-yard effort that was correctly ruled offside. Rather than feeling sorry for themselves, the Blues continued to attack and were awarded a penalty just moments later when Reds defender Sami Hyypia brought down Michael Ballack just a fraction inside the box.
Up stepped Lampard - who returned to the side after the death of his mother last week - to send Pepe Reina the wrong way to spark emotional celebrations.
A 2-1 scoreline was never going to be safe against a never-say-die Liverpool team and the home side knew that the visitors only had to equalise to go through on the away goal rule so Drogba made sure of victory in the 105th minute after good work from ex-Liverpool striker Nicolas Anelka.
There was more drama though as Ryan Babel conjured a goal out of nothing in the second half of extra time with a rasping 35-yard shot that caught Petr Cech off guard, It was, however, a mere consolation for the Reds as Chelsea held onto win the match and book a place in the showpiece final in Moscow on May 21.
Tue, Apr 22: UEFA Champions League (Semi-Final 1st Leg)
Liverpool 1 - 1 Chelsea
SUMMARY
Liverpool were on the brink of securing a thoroughly deserved 1-0 win over Chelsea at Anfield overnight before disaster struck in the fourth minute of extra-time when a John Arne Riise own goal gave the visitors a vital away goal in the 1st leg of the first semi-final.
So dominant were Liverpool's display throughout the match that the mighty Reds could have scored at least four goals without reply on a night when several players were on brilliant form.
Unfortunately, Chelsea keeper Petr Cech chose last night to reaffirm his position as arguably the best goalkeeper in the world with a string of impressive saves to deny both Steven Gerrard and Fernando on countless occasions throughout the match.
The hosts took the lead in the 43rd minute through Dutch striker Dirk Kuyt who had robbed Frank Lampard of the ball before forcing it past the inspirational Cech. Buoyed by the breakthrough, the Reds went all out thereafter for the killer blow but time and time again, Cech was able to thwart the efforts of the home side.
With the match ticking away and Chelsea clearly bereft of ideas, the Blues fans amongst the crowd at Anfield were anxiously waiting for the final whistle before the sucker punch was delivered.
Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou curled a hopeful cross into the box from wide on the left which was headed in by Liverpool sub John Arne Riise and the Kop were stunned.
The vital away goal means that the London club are now in pole position to reach the Champions League final for the first time on May 21 with the return leg of the semi-final to be played at Stamford Bridge next week.
Chelsea beat Everton 1-0 at Goodison Park overnight to reach within two points of leaders Manchester United albeit having played an extra game. The win keeps the pressure on the reigning Premiers with a possible title decider awaiting the two clubs at Stamford Bridge on April 26.
A first-half goal from midfielder Michael Essien just before the break was the difference between the two sides with the likes of Joe Cole, Ashley Cole, Ricardo Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira and Shaun Wright-Phillips returning for the visitors.
England midfielder Joe Cole's creativity was badly missed against Wigan on Monday and his return to the side gave the visitors a creative impetus that was lacking in their last game. Despite having 10 shots on goal with 5 of them on target, the home side failed to breach Petr Cech's goal with stern resistance coming from defensive lynchpins John Terry and Carvalho.
As it were, Chelsea grounded out an efficient 1-0 victory that leaves Everton's chances of clawing back a 5-point deficit on bitter rivals Liverpool for the coveted 4th place in tatters.
Arguably, the highlight of the match came afterwards in the post-match conference when Chelsea manager Avram Grant chose to answer questions from the press with short responses only.
Here's a transcription courtesy of Soccernet.com:
A deserved win Avram?
Grant said: 'Yes.'
What particularly pleased you about the performance?
'I'm pleased.'
What in particular pleased you?
After an eight second delay: 'I don't know.'
Is it a relief to win here?
'Yes.'
You seem lost for words by the performance. Are you more satisfied with the performance or the victory?
'Both.'
You seem distracted. Do you have a problem?
'No problem.'
Is there an issue?
'No. I'm ok. I have nothing to say.'
Do you have a message for the Chelsea fans?
'You represent the Chelsea fans?'
They must believe you are still in the title race, do you have a message for them?
'No message.'
Does this result mean you are back in it now?
'I don't know.'
How many steps have you climbed to undertake this press conference?
'I don't know.'
You seem less voluble than usual. Is it because of Sky TV moving the game to a Thursday?
'Maybe it's because of you. I don't know. I am ok.'
You are saying that you don't know if you are still in the title race?
'No.' Is it easier to say nothing Avram?
'I don't what to answer. It is a good question. I don't know what to answer.'
Is this because of Sky?
'No. Sky is ok. I enjoy watching them.'
Is it a protest against newspapers?
'No. Why?'
Why else would you come in and refuse to answer our questions?
'I answer every question.'
You are two points behind Manchester United and you don't know if you are still in the title race?
'No.'
Have you told the players that you don't know if you are back in the title race?
'What I tell the players is something else. You want me to tell you what I say to the players?'
We just want you to answer the question really. Are you in the title race?
'I don't know.'
Would you not like to gain some positive publicity for the result rather than this bizarre silence?
'I'm sorry. You can write whatever you want and I can answer what I want.'
Do you feel under pressure to deliver a trophy. Is that the reason for the monosyllabic answers?
'No.'
Are you upset? Do you feel you have been misrepresented?
'Maybe I have said because it is a bad season.'
Did Michael Essien faint?
'He had some problems, but he is ok.'
Michael Ballack?
'Injured.'
What's his problem?
'Ask the doctor.'
He's not here Avram.
'Well call him then.'
Have you ever played the yes/no game Avram?
.....
[Transcript & Video source: Soccernet.com & DailyMotion]
Manchester United are sitting firmly in the driver's seat for a second successive Premiership title after nearest rivals Chelsea suffered a shock 1-1 draw against Wigan overnight.
The home side were punished by an injury time equaliser from England striker Emile Heskey which means the gap between the 1st and 2nd placed teams on the ladder has now stretched to five points with just four games remaining.
A lethargic Chelsea display capitulated in the dying seconds of the match despite Michael Essien giving the hosts the lead in the 55th minute following good work from France striker Nicolas Anelka. Chelsea had further chances to put the result beyond doubt with Joe Cole going close on a few occasions but their inability to finish off a side in the bottom half of the table came back to haunt them in injury time when Heskey volleyed home a cross from substitute Jason Koumas.
Chelsea will now have to beat Everton on Thursday if the much hyped 'decider' against Manchester United on April 26 is to have any bearing on the outcome of this season.
Watch the video of Heskey's dramatic equaliser here.
Tues, Apr 8: UEFA Champions League (Quarter-Final 2nd Leg)
Liverpool 4 - 2 Arsenal (Liverpool through on 5 - 3 Agg)
Chelsea 2 - 0 Fenerbahce (Chelsea through on 3 - 2 Agg)
SUMMARY:
Liverpool and Chelsea have been reunited in the Champions League semi-final for the third time in four years courtesy of wins over Arsenal and Fenerbahce overnight.
Liverpool went into the return leg with a slender away goal advantage but it was Arsenal who started the brighter of the two sides and it came as no surprise when they went in front in the 13th minute through an Abou Diaby strike.
The Kop was silenced but not for long as defender Sami Hyypia restored parity on the half hour mark with a trademark headed goal and the home side began to dominate with new found confidence.
The Reds then took the lead in the second half when goal machine Fernando Torres gratefully latched onto Peter Crouch's flick on to fire a shot into the top corner. But with just seven minutes left, Arsenal stunned the hosts with an equaliser through Emmanuel Adebayor to make it 2-2 and it was advantage Gunners on the away goals rule.
A minute later, Liverpool were awarded a penalty when substitute Ryan Babel was adjudged to have been brought down by Toure. Up stepped captain marvel Steven Gerrard to fire the spot kick into the top corner to restore the home side's lead.
But the action was not over yet. Arsenal surged forward in search of the equaliser that would send them through to the next round but were caught out by a Ryan Babel breakaway goal which sealed a 4-2 victory on another famous European night at Anfield.
In the other quarter-final clash of the evening, goals from midfielders Michael Ballack and Frank Lampard gave Chelsea a 2-0 win at home over Turkish side Fenerbahce to book a place in the semi-final for the fourth time in five years.
Wed, Apr 2: UEFA Champions League (Quarter-Final 1st Leg)
Arsenal 1 - 1 Liverpool
Fenerbahce 2 - 1 Chelsea
SUMMARY:
Last season's Champions League finalists Liverpool hold a slender away goal advantage heading into next week's return leg at Anfield after a 1-1 draw against Arsenal in the quarter-final first leg overnight.
The home side took the lead through Emmanuel Adebayor's header only for the visitors to equalise just three minutes later after a moment of genius from captain marvel Steven Gerrard. Bursting his way past three Arsenal defenders, the England midfielder then crossed for Dutch striker Dirk Kuyt to bundle the ball home for a crucial away goal.
Both sides had opportunities to take the lead thereafter including a strong penalty claim for the Gunners after Alex Hleb appeared to have his shirt tugged by Kuyt as he made his way inside the box only for referee Pieter Vink to wave play on.
Arsenal and Liverpool face off again on Saturday in a Premier League clash before meeting for the return leg at Anfield next Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Chelsea suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at the hands of Turkish giants Fenerbahce at the Sukru Saracoglu in the second Champions League quarter-final match last night.
The London club took the lead in the 13th minute courtesy of an own goal by Deivid but the home side kept at it and were rewarded for their efforts when substitute Colin Kazim-Richards equalised on the 64th minute.
Own goal villain Deivid then made amends for his earlier error by scoring the winner in the 80th minute with a spectacular 35-yard shot that gave Cudicini no chance.
Chelsea will need to go all out for a win at home in the return leg to reach their fourth semi-final in five years.
The Sun newspaper in the UK has printed an image of what appears to be the new Chelsea home shirt for the 2008-09 season of the English Premier League.
Seen here modelled by England midfielder Frank Lampard, the traditional shade of blue remains but the 'new' design by kit manufacturer Adidas features a white collar with a yellow ring on the edge and sleeves while the current Samsung Mobile sponsorship logo is replaced with just Samsung.
Whether this is genuine or not, we cannot be so sure - it could quite easily be just one of many shirt designs discarded in favour of the current Chelsea strip. If it does prove to be genuine, Chelsea fans around the globe will breathe a sigh of relief since it looks nowhere near as bad as their current away kit.
Another thing that remains uncertain is whether Frank Lampard will be around next season to model any new Chelsea kits if reports of stalling contract talks are true.
The president of AC Milan and former Prime Minister of Italy, Silvio Berlusconi, wants to re-sign Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko from Chelsea to replace the injured Ronaldo.
Chelsea's £30million flop is a legend back in Milan where he spent a glorious seven years and became the club's second all-time leading goalscorer before moving to the London club in the summer of 2006.
Since moving to Stamford Bridge, he has hardly captured his form and has lost the reputation as one of Europe's deadliest strikers. Spending most of his time on the bench under the Mourinho era, he was rumoured to have caused the huge rift between the ex-manager and club owner Roman Abramovich.
It is hard to see why Sheva would rule out a return to his old hunting ground if Milan were to make an offer to Chelsea. His chances of a starting berth in the side has recently taken another blow with the capture of French striker Nicolas Anelka during the January transfer window. He also seems miserable in London so a move back to Italy, a country which he loves, might be able to reignite his passion and form.
However, at 31 years of age and clearly over the hill, it is very doubtful that he would be an 'ideal choice' as a replacement for Ronaldo, another player who is approaching retirement age, or to help a club which is in a bit of a crisis.
Eight players aged thirty or older featured in the second leg of the Champion's League match against a young Arsenal side and were ran ragged. Adding another 30-something to the squad is hardly planning for the long-term nor rebuilding a squad that needs quite a heavy overhaul to challenge for domestic and European honours.
Berlusconi may be a sentimental guy and the Milan faithful would certainly welcome 'home' one of their favourite sons but the team desperately needs some new blood...thick and fast.
Chelsea captain John Terry and coach Henk ten Cate were involved in a bust-up prior to the Carling Cup final loss to Tottenham.
The pair traded insults and a few F-words before they were pulled apart by other players in front of bemused club owner Roman Abramovich. The coach later admitted to the fracas when interviewed by The Sun newspaper saying that there had been a disagreement about the intensity of the training session prior to the game and that heated words were exchanged.
Ten Cate said: "We are both kind of emotional - but we respect each other fully.
"We just had a discussion about the intensity of the training session. That’s a normal part of the game. There have been a few F-words, no doubt. But that’s common in England."
Whether this bust-up would have an unsettling affect on a team still trying to overcome the Carling Cup final loss to Tottenham remains to be seen. However, you can guarantee England manager Fabio Capello will be making notes about the incident which would go against Terry's chances of resuming the England captaincy on a permanent basis.
John Terry was made captain of the England national team by former England boss Steve McLaren in the aftermath of England's 2006 World Cup campaign and David Beckham's resignation.
However, there has been murmurs in the England hierarchy that Terry's off-field troubles - which has often made the tabloid newspapers - has given the team and the FA a reputation that it would rather do without.
Fabio Capello is due to select a permanent England captain before the World Cup qualifier in September.
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