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 Topic: Chelsea Football Club: The Somer Era
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 d32123gone postal
 total posts: 452 since: Jan 2008 |
 Dec 28, 08 at 6:28am |
 MIXED REVIEWS MAR SOMER'S FIRST SEASON "That ****ing Yank?" a notable Chelsea stated when interviewed about his opinions on the current Chelsea manager. "He's a ****ing piece of **** and can go **** 'imself for all I care. He ****s up in both cups and loses to a team that wears purple and just because he got lucky and won the league we're all supposed to worship the ****er? **** off!" More positive and less profane comments could be heard from another fan, this one who identified himself as a Japanese tourist who had just caught his first Premier League match. "Great man, great manager, great future ahead!" The reality is somewhere in between. Main criticisms of the 33 year old American manager is his lack of experience and inability to keep the team playing consistently. His transfer dealing we're seemingly weak as well, having brought in Nigerian keeper Vincent Enyeama and Turkish forward Nihat Kahveci. Enyeama was signed from Chelsea's allies Hapoel Tel-Aviv for a £350K fee before rotting in the reserves as a third-string keeper while demanding more playing time. Somer attempted to get him a loan deal but was unsuccessful. Nihat, who signed for £16M, scored only five goals, though was hindered by numerous injuries. Rumours fly that the Turkish captain could be on his way out. Somer had mixed results in his competitions. The Carling Cup was a poor campaign by Chelsea standards, defeating only Sunderland and Cardiff before falling to Liverpool on a controversial extra time goal at Anfield in the Fourth Round. The FA Cup run was not much better, as the Blues were bumped out in the Sixth Round by hated neighbors Tottenham at White Hart Lane after eliminating Hull, Middlesbrough, and West Ham themselves. The Champions League campaign was only slightly better, still not satisfying the fervor of the fans in Southwest London as Chelsea were knocked out in the Quarter Final by Fiorentina on 1-0 aggregate following a dissapointing 0-0 draw at the Bridge. Chelsea fans still were happy about his First Knockout Round success over Mourinho's Inter, but this was not enough. The one thing that really got the Blues fans happy in the end was their fourth ever Premier League title. Chelsea finished on top with 86 points, nine clear of the second-placed Manchester United team. They had an astounding +43 goal differential while having the least goals conceded. They finished only one behind in goals scored to Newcastle United, third placed finishers, who had 70. So, overall, Somer had a good enough year. He received a two year extension from notorious money-man Roman Abramovich in April and looks to be a success at the Bridge. This message was edited by d32123 on Dec 28 2008. This message was edited by d32123 on Dec 28 2008. | |
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d32123 gone postal
total posts: 452 since: Jan 2008 |
Dec 28, 08 at 7:16am |
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Next update coming tomorrow as I'm half-asleep atm.
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d32123 gone postal
total posts: 452 since: Jan 2008 |
Dec 28, 08 at 5:51pm |
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I'll update this this afternoon and trust me I'll improve. It's tough writing this stuff that late (I'm in PST!).
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Dan_B_LFC You'll Never Walk Alone
true seeker    total posts: 1193 since: Nov 2008 |
 Dec 28, 08 at 5:56pm |
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Not bad performance first season. COuld add some screenshots and a lil bit more detail. Not bad though
 -------------------  Credit to FSC100 | |
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d32123 gone postal
total posts: 452 since: Jan 2008 |
Dec 28, 08 at 5:59pm |
quote Dan_B_LFCThanks for commenting. I think I'll do match-by-match updates. Next update will be about the squad and the transfer period. I'll give my analysis of each squad member as well as youths and reserves. If people want to give transfer advice please keep it to PM's as to not clutter up the thread.  | |
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AVFC_FAN Birmingham City 0 - 1 Aston Villa
true seeker  total posts: 1175 since: Jun 2008 |
Dec 28, 08 at 8:19pm |
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Fairly good start
( you've spelt first wrong on title )------------------- 
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d32123 gone postal
total posts: 452 since: Jan 2008 |
Dec 28, 08 at 8:49pm |
quote AVFC_FANLol thanks, fixed. Update coming up! | |
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d32123 gone postal
total posts: 452 since: Jan 2008 |
Dec 28, 08 at 9:25pm |
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TEAM ANALYSIS: GOALKEEPERS Petr Cech  This 27 year-old, 6'5" Czech Republic international is a truly fantastic player. He started in 54 games for the Blues last year, using his bright orange keeper's kit to intimidate the opposition. He excels in all goalkeeping departments, having some of the best hands in the world. He also has top aerial ability and has earned 69 caps for the Czech Republic. He is indisputably the starting goalkeeper for Chelsea Football Club. Carlo Cudicini  This 6'1", 35 year-old Italian goalkeeper is the current backup for Petr Cech. A long-time servant of the club, Cudicini has served 11 years in blue. His age is catching up to him, though. He has recently acquired British citizenship and has stated that he would have to consider accepting the call if Capello were to ever include him on England's list, due to the fact that Italy has never capped him. Speculation looms that Cudicini could retire of be forced to retire at the end of the season, as his contract runs out. Vincent Enyeama  Somer's first signing, this 5'11" Nigerian international was brought in to replace former third-stringer Hilario at the club and eventually succeed Cudicini as backup. Enyeama, 26, appeared in one game for the Chelsea first team last year, spending most of his time in Cobham with the Reserves. His one game, a Carling Cup match against Cardiff City, was pretty poor. The ruthless Chelsea fans booed Enyeama as he fumbled the ball, allowing Ross McCormack to score the Bluebirds only goal in a 4-1 Chelsea win. | |
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Jakeyd Neo or Bust
 total posts: 7654 since: Mar 2007 |
 Dec 28, 08 at 9:40pm |
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This SOMS is looking good so far, keep up the good work and this will be amazing...
return the favour vv -------------------
Can't you see that i'm trying? Don't say another word about the other boy. Can't you see that i'm dying? | |
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d32123 gone postal
total posts: 452 since: Jan 2008 |
Dec 28, 08 at 10:39pm |
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TEAM ANALYSIS: DEFENDERS John Terry  Chelsea and England captain John Terry is arguably the best player on the team. He recovered last season after his incident in Moscow to lead the charge to Chelsea's fourth league title, winning Chelsea Player of the Year for the third time in his career. He led a Chelsea backline which was best in the league, conceeding the fewest goals. His natural leadership was important on a team with several internal issues. Known to the fans as JT, the Blues' captain will look to repeat his 2008-09 form in 2009-10, and hopefully add a few new shiny trophies to the collection. José Bosingwa  The 26 year-old Portugal international José Bosingwa is Chelsea's starting right-back. He was a Scolari signing during his brief stay at the club from F.C. Porto. His solidity and explosive attacking power made him exactly what Chelsea needed and his display during the last season assured this in the minds of the Southwest London faithful. He had a couple very good stretches during the season and successfully out-dueled teammates Juliano Belletti, Paulo Ferreira, and Branislav Ivanovic to start. He had 51 appearances last year for the team, scoring one goal. Ashley Cole  It took a season or two for former Arsenal star Ashley Cole to adapt to his new surroundings, but it seems that he's finally settled. The 72-time capped, 28 year-old, England international has established himself as the main left-back for the Blues, beating out former starter Wayne Bridge for the spot. He is a lightweight, but his dynamic speed along the flank makes him one of the best at his position in the world. He scored one goal in 52 appearances last year. Ricardo Carvalho  Reportedly unsettled, the Chelsea center-back and Portuguese star Ricardo Carvalho had another brilliant year for the Blues. He was chased by numerous foreign clubs, and several bids were submitted, but Somer rejected all of them, making it clear that the 31 year-old was still in his plans. Speculation continues, but as it remains, Carvalho is manning the Chelsea backline in the shadow of teammate John Terry. Both players compliment each other, with Carvalho's speed covering the stronger of the two, Terry. He nabbed two goals in 49 appearances last season. Branislav Ivanovic  This versatile 25 year-old Serbian international was a surprising Avram Grant signing a year and a half ago. An important backup on the squad, Ivanovic made numerous apperances off the bench, mostly at right-back. It was clear that he has some adjusting still to do, but he is still a big player on the team. Nicknamed Bane, this defender will look to pressure the starting back four and maybe crack into the starting lineup. Wayne Bridge  Former Chelsea legend and England international Wayne Bridge, has fallen a long way. The 28 year-old has lost his starting spot to an excellent Ashley Cole on both the club and international stage, resulting in his being unsettled at the club. Reports from Spain are that a couple of unnamed clubs have been seen scouting the backup left-back. However, he still remains a fan favorite and though he is clearly not a Somer favorite, missing the bench in favor of Ivanovic numerous times, he may have a future in soccer still. Alex  This Brazilian center-back saw little action last year under Somer's reign, making only eight appearances in the first team and not even making the bench numerous times. He is known for his trademark powerful shot and strong defending as well as his common forward runs. He hopes to play a bigger role in Somer's team next year, and with rumors flying about teammate Carvalho's future, Alex may catch some more playing time next season. Juliano Belletti  A former Barcelona player, this 33 year-old Brazilian player is one of the oldest on the Chelsea squad. He saw a little action last year, as he can play in midfield as well as right-back. His days in blue are most likely numbered, as his contract runs out at the end of the year and Chelsea are likely to seek a profit for the experienced full-back. | |
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killer iPod Billy iPod
Resident Neo   total posts: 3009 since: Apr 2008 |
 Dec 28, 08 at 10:43pm |
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Looking good aat the mo. One tip though. Maybe get your pictures all the same size? maybe download a face pack and use them? Anyway being a Chelsea supporter I'll be reading!
Return Da Favour? ------------------- | |
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d32123 gone postal
total posts: 452 since: Jan 2008 |
Dec 28, 08 at 10:46pm |
quote killer iPodLol well I like using Google images. I can pick out the coolest pics though I might use a face pack once I run out of good pictures. | |
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d32123 gone postal
total posts: 452 since: Jan 2008 |
Dec 29, 08 at 12:06am |
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TEAM ANALYSIS: MIDFIELDERS Michael Essien  To many, this Ghanaian international is the best player on the squad. At 26, he is a beast in midfield, one of the toughest and fittest players in the world. He dictates tempo, and is the perfect compliment to teammate Frank Lampard. He scored 2 goals in 54 appearances, avoiding injury all year. He is his country's vice-captain and plays a more attacking role for them, scoring 12 goals in 46 appearances. He was Chelsea Player of the Year a couple of years ago and can even play in defense if necessary. He is entering his fifth season in Chelsea blue. Frank Lampard  Chelsea vice-captain and attacking midfielder, this England international is an important player in the Chelsea squad. He is coming off a down year, where he struggled to adjust to Somer's new system. He scored 11 goals and had 5 assists in only 33 appearances with the first team, having to compete with teammates Michael Ballack and Deco for starts. He will look to rebound this year as the two-time Chelsea Player of the Year looks to re-claim his title. Often criticized for his England form, he has usually been superb for the Blues. He is the nephew of Harry Redknapp, Tottenham manager. Joe Cole  Versatile and creative Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole plays on both flanks and up the middle. He is a different sort of player in the team, adding a different dimension to the Blues. He had an injury-riddled campaign last season, but still managed eight goals and eight assists while battling for his starting spot against the likes of Salomon Kalou, Florent Malouda, and the Turkish captain and Somer favorite Nihat. He will be looking for a new contract as his current one ends at the end of the season. Manager DI Somer has yet to comment on the situation but it would be shocking if the former Chelsea Player of the Year wasn't brought back after this season. Deco  A Scolari signing, Deco had a very rocky debut season. The skilled Brazilian attacking midfielder had mixed performances, showing signs of possible Blue stardom. He teamed up well with fellow Chelsea player Nikolas Anelka, but struggled to get the same chemistry with the Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba, who had a different style. Deco only scored three goals, but at the same time had a nice tally of eight assists in 33 appearances. He will look to possibly establish himself as a star for Chelsea this year. Florent Malouda  Malouda did better in his second season for Chelsea, which was not hard to do. Despite being relegated to the bench for the majority of the season, the French international managed 23 appearances, scoring one goal while getting eight assists. He was at the disadvantage of only being able to play on the left wing, while teammates Joe Cole and Salomon Kalou could play on both. His style is slightly different and he needed time to adjust but it seems he's finally settled. John Obi Mikel  22 year-old Nigerian talent John Obi Mikel had a disappointing season last year for the Blues. He plays central midfield, a crowded department for Chelsea, but still managed 24 appearances, not getting any goals of assists. He is a unique type of player, more of a true center-mid than any other player on the team. He is possibly a bit more defensive-minded, but has good passing skill and technique to go along with his physical prowess. He has been known to be brash at times, but if he keeps progressing he could become a huge player at Chelsea and for his national team, where he is already a regular starter. Michael Ballack  The German captain struggled to get playing time last season under Somer. It is well-known that the American manager and the German midfielder do not get along particularly well and it is rumored that this may be cause for his lack of playing time. More likely, it is the stiff logjam in the center of the Chelsea lineup keeping him out. He managed only 28 appearances, scoring just two goals and 4 assists. He will look to gain a legacy at Stamford Bridge as he is 32 already and has stated that he wants to retire a Blue. | |
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johnlfc newseeker
since: Jul 2008 |
Dec 29, 08 at 1:02am |
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good recent updates kutgw
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d32123 gone postal
total posts: 452 since: Jan 2008 |
Dec 29, 08 at 1:06am |
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TEAM ANALYSIS: FORWARDS Nihat  Somer's big summer signing had an underwhelming debut season. The Turkish captain provided some much needed pace into the Blues lineup but struggled with the more physical aspects of the game, getting bullied around at times by Premier League fullbacks. He was primarily deployed at the right-wing position in Somer's 4-3-3, getting 5 goals and 4 assists in 24 appearances. Two of his goals came in Chelsea's huge championship clinching win over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge when Nihat burned the Reds' Andrea Dossena twice, giving the Blues a happy ending with a 2-0 win. Didier Drogba  The Ivory Coast captain took a back seat for Chelsea last season, suffering injuries and being frozen out of the starting eleven by teammate Nikolas Anelka. However, the bestial striker nabbed 11 goals in 26 appearances, though it was clear that he was off-form. Somer will be hoping that the old Drogs will come back, as he's been a hero for Chelsea in the past, scoring those game-winners which the Blues lacked last season. It is well reported that Drogba is unhappy with his performance last season and looks to improve drastically this year. Salomon Kalou  The Ivorian wing-forward had a good season last year, notching up four goals and seven assists in 29 appearances for the Blues. He even has a song about him that is sung weekly by Chelsea fans. He got a lot of action when he was healthy on the wing and thrived in Somer's new system. Since he is only 23, he has a bright future ahead of him. He is a popular guy on the team, and is good friends with stars Frank Lampard and Joe Cole. Nicolas Anelka  The French mercenary had a very good year this past season, leading the team with 15 goals in 30 appearances. He had four assists as well. His speed was on show, scoring most of his goals by beating out slower defenders on the counter, and has adapted well to Somer's new system. He will look to continue his form and actually stay for a decent amount of time at a club as he is 30 and has already played for nine clubs. He gets along well with the American manager and is always one of the first to defend him when the media gets on his case. | |
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