RAWSE, our new No. 2
By: Jack |
3 Comments
RAWSE.
Yeah, I know. Ross — as in former Middlesbrough goalkeeper Ross Turnbull, our newest signing — is mispelled.
From henceforth, our new No. 2 between the pipes who just signed a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge, will be known as RAWSE in honor of everyone’s favorite fictional druglord/correctional officer/rapper Rick Ross. The large emcee from Miami likes to be known as RAWSE, and I’ll be damned if Turnbull isn’t gangsta enough to also warrant the nickname.
Stop me if I’m rambling. Oh, and also welcome RAWSE to the club.
Category: Chelsea Team News
City launch Terry bid, promptly told to f** off
By: Jack | 3 Comments
Those baby blue boys on the other side of Manchester have come knocking again. And, again, they’re bringing the chocolate and flowers to the door of England’s Brave John Terry.
As expected — like City’s initial inquiry in January — they were quickly told to beat it. This time, however, there was an official statement, a rather snarky one at that. I likes.
Via the official Web Site …
“Chelsea Football Club can confirm it has completely rejected an offer from Manchester City for John Terry.
“It was made clear to City, for the second time following an approach last season, that we would not entertain any conversation on the subject. At that time John also reiterated his total commitment to Chelsea.
“We would like to make clear, and will not do so again, that John is not for sale.”
Gotta love that last sentence. Romes is throwing it down, mob style.
The Guardian’s take on these events is a tad different, suggesting EBJT may well be intrigued by a move to Midlands. Nonsense.
All I’m going to take from that article is the figure being quoted for the transfer, between £25-30 million. Really, City? You’re going to insult us with that kind of garbage? At least present a credible £40-plus million offer.
Moving on.
Kaka snubbed Chelsea?
By: Jack | 2 Comments
So says the Sun, who have some quotes that somewhat confirm that Chelsea were, in fact, interested in signing the 27-year-old Brazilian midfielder this offseason from AC Milan.
Says the former AC Milan player about his former boss, now Chelsea manager, Carlo Ancelotti…
“I thanked (Ancelotti) for everything he did for me in all the years we spent together at Milan and all the triumphs we lived. But I had made the decision a long time ago that if I left Milan I would only go to Madrid — and that meant I couldn’t join him at Chelsea.”
Then again, this is the guy who said he would never leave Milan. Still, I think this gives us a tad more insight into what has been going on at the club during this summer. (Glad we didn’t get this guy, though.)
Chelsea appeal Drogba, Bosingwa bans
By: Jack | 1 Comment
Not much going on in the world of Chelsea at the moment. I’d gauge tomorrow will change that drastically.
Anyway. On the official front, the Blues filed appeals against the UEFA fine and bans handed to Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa for actions during that Champions League atrocity in May. Shocking, I know.
Via the official Web site …
“Chelsea Football Club can confirm it has today lodged an appeal against the UEFA bans given to Didier Drogba and José Bosingwa, and the fine imposed against the club. We believe these punishments are unnecessarily harsh given the circumstances.
“We would reiterate that the players and the club are acutely aware of our responsibilities towards setting a good example as role models and upholding the values of the game. That is why honest and sincere apologies were made swiftly after these regrettable incidents occurred.”
I doubt the appeals will hold much weight with UEFA but, hey, at least the club is acting on it’s players behalf.
Category: Chelsea Team NewsSahar shipped out
By: Jack | 3 Comments
Via the official Web site of RCD Espanyol (note: this report has been doctored a bit) …
“Ben Sahar (10/08/1989 Jolón, Israel) has become a new Espanyol player for the next four seasons, after the an agreement between Chelsea and RCD Espanyol. Although (there was an) offer from Ajax, the youngster has shown strong will to land in the Spanish La Liga instead of returning to the Dutch Championship, where he has played for the last months for De Graafschap.
The Israeli forward, known as ‘The Kid,’ soon awakened interest from international scouts after his appereances with Israel youth national teams. Indeed, he was only 16 years old when Chelsea recruited him from Happoel Tel-Aviv.”
Remember when “The Kid” was the next thang thang? He never quite lived up to the billing at Chelsea did he?
Though obviously having the talent, Sahar rarely displayed proficiency with the first team — resulting in just five first-team appearances in three seasons with the club. Loan spells at QPR, Sheffield Wednesday and, his latest stop, De Graafschap did little to enhance his appearance, either.
Sahar joins Espanyol for £1 million. Am I the only one that thinks that’s a joke fee for a 19-year-old with international experience (Sahar already has 15 caps for Israel)? But, then again, this is Chelsea so I guess that fee is just about right.
Rumors suggest there is a 25 percent sell-on clause in the contract — hopefully. Where is the buy-back clause, though?
Anyway. The Chelsea Offside wishes young Ben the best in Spain. Perhaps he’ll finally live up to the hype — then we can buy him back for an absurdly bloated fee.
Ladies & Gents, Mr. & Mrs. Joe Cole!
By: Jack | 3 Comments
Joey Boy and sweetheart Carly Zucker wed Saturday in a £3 million extravaganza that featured Joey belting out some of Oasis’ greatest hits on the karaoke stage. Even cooler, the couple sold the wedding rights to Hello magazine and are donating the fee, around £2 million, to charity.
Here at Chelsea Offside, we’d like to offer our congratulations to the newlyweds…
Bison wants pay raise. Give it to him.
By: Jack | Add Comments
And then there was news out of left field.
Today, Michael Essien’s agent, Fabien Piveteau, was quoted as saying the Bison may be up for a move away from Stamford Bridge.
“Some clubs are interested in Michael,” Piveteau said. “He likes Chelsea very much but football is football and if Real Madrid, Barcelona or some other club make an offer, he needs to sit down and discuss what is best for him.”
Really? I kind of remember Essien saying he wanted to close out his career in London not too long ago.
Perhaps this is a bit of sly bargaining on the part of Piveteau. But, to throw a wrench in that theory, Essien signed a new five-year deal last season. Then again, maybe he’s seeing all these mega-deals surfacing and wants a piece of the action.
If that’s the case, then give this man whatever he wants. He’s only the best midfielder in the world.
Do it, Romes.
Category: Chelsea Team NewsSigh of relief: Flo re-ups
By: Jack | Add Comments
Arguably Chelsea’s best player during last season’s run-in has, after intense speculation linking him with Milan and Juventus, finally agreed a contract extension with the Blues.
Now, everybody together, breathe.
Via Chelseafc.com …
“Chelsea Football Club has agreed terms with Florent Malouda on a new four year contract.
The 29-year-old, who recently regained his place in the France side, joined the Blues from Lyon in 2007, where he spent four seasons.
Last season saw his second campaign with Chelsea, one in which he scored several crucial goals, including the equaliser in our eventual 2-1 win over Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final.
In total, Malouda scored nine goals last season, doubling the four-goal tally he netted during his first campaign with the Blues.
The new contract will see Malouda remain at Chelsea until 2013.”
Great news for the club. Hopefully Flo will continue to flourish under Carlo & Co.
More Flo
For those who haven’t seen it, here’s Malouda getting all reggae with it in French Guiana. For archival purposes, as well — clearly.
Sturridge deal nears completion
By: Jack | 8 Comments
It looks as if Chelsea has signed its first player of the summer. And a pretty good one it is, if you ask me.
Both Sky Sports and BBC Sport are reporting that Chelsea has finally agreed a deal with Daniel Sturridge that will bring the talented England Under-20 international to Stamford Bridge when his contract with Manchester City runs out at the end of June.
Very nice.
The clubs were unable to reach a compromise on a compensation fee, required since the player is under 24, so a tribunal will decide the amount Chelsea must pay City for Sturridge’s service. Sky thinks that number might be around £5 million — not half bad considering City was seeking 10m.
Sturridge, 19, has scored six goals in 12 starts and 19 substitute appearances at Eastlands.
While I think this is a positive step for the club — a more youthful approach has certainly been needed of late — I’m curious as to how much input Carlo had in this move. It feels more like an Arnesen signing to me.
Regardless, I like it. This kid has fantastic potential. Let’s hope, unlike a majority of our younger players, he’ll actually get some games. With the contract he’s probably on, I don’t see how that won’t happen. Then again, watch us loan him out — along with Di Santo. Please no.
So, what is the overall feeling on Sturridge at the Bridge? Good signing? Meh signing? Egregious move? Let me know, people.
England’s Brave John Terry now planet’s best father
By: Jack | 3 Comments
On the cusp of Father’s Day, it’s only appropriate to gaze upon the greatest dad on earth, Chelsea defender John Terry.
Terry, father of the father of 3-year-old twins, Georgie John and Summer Rose, beat out reigning champion Peter Andre in a UK poll of adults sponsored by Daddies Sauce to become Dad of the Year.
“It’s a great honour to be voted Dad of the Year,” Terry said. “I have won many trophies in my career but I’m proud to say that this is up there with all of them.
“Georgie and Summer are great kids and I love them both dearly. My family mean the world to me and receiving this award has made me feel extremely proud. Being with the kids and watching them grow up and learning new things every day is a privilege and I’m honoured to receive this award.”
Gift ideas for Pop
For those still looking for that perfect gift for dad, another survey offers up some great ideas.
Says the Independent: “Chocolate and alcohol were the most popular Father’s Days presents this year.”
If I was a dad, I’d take both.
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