The FA – It’s Time For Fan Power!

Admit it, you, just like me, have had enough of the FA our so-called ‘guardians of the game’. The national governing body for football in England are not really interested in the well-being of the national sport – unless there’s some cash in it for them.

This season has seen a long list of shameful decisions (and non-decisions) from the powers that be at Lancaster Gate and we, the fans, just swallow it time after time after time.

Enough, I say. It’s time to hit back. But before I explain how we, the downtrodden, can do that let’s have three reminders out of potentially hundreds as to why we should.

Foygate

To us Chelsea fans it was Foygate, the worst 90 minutes of refereeing many of us have witnessed in a lifetime of watching the beautiful game. To supporters of other clubs there have been a string of shocking refereeing performances. Not one off, human error, single bad decisions but appalling 90 minute demonstrations of incomprehensible shite. Yes, a number from Chris Foy, our own favourite excuse for a ref but he is far from alone.

Managers complain and get fined. Players complain and get fined. Fans complain and get accused of bias. The FA does nothing, the guardians of the game take no action to protect the integrity of football and we are supposed to just accept it.

England Shirts

In the middle of the biggest economic downturn for years and after only 8 (yes, eight) matches in the ‘new’ shirt design, the FA announce another new shirt to replace the ‘old new’ shirt. And at only £55 who cares how long its shelf life is, the FA certainly doesn’t! No, they don’t see fans they see mugs with wallets.

The Straw That Broke This Camel's Back

Of course, there has been more, you don’t need me to tell you. But the straw which breaks this camel’s back is the decision not to allow Chelsea to switch our FA Cup semi-final to allow more preparation time for our (potential) Champions’ League semi-final the following Wednesday. Oh no, sod that an English team might do well in Europe, sod fixture congestion, sod common sense – that might all impact on TV scheduling and hence the potential to exploit income opportunities for the FA. It is shameful and, before supporters of other clubs laugh, it is a precedent that the FA have now set and it is a precedent which could cost you in the future. It is not a decision in the best interests of football (the looking after of which is their job), it is a decision in the best interests of dosh. It is not a decision based in common sense, it is a decision based on greed.

Fan Power - What Can We Do?

It’s really quite simple. I’ve already started but on my own won’t have any impact. My solution? Boycott everything to do with the FA until they start putting the best interests of football, of English clubs and of fans back to the top of their greedy little priority list. (Match tickets not included – no point in cutting off the nose to spite the face).

That new £55 England shirt? Don’t buy it; hit them in their grubby little pockets. Other official England merchandise? The same; it isn’t like there isn’t plenty of unofficial stuff you can buy to show your support for the national team this summer. And wearing a shirt that is only eight games old or dates from 1966 says exactly the same without giving further support to the wankers at Lancaster Gate.

I’m also going further and invite you to do so too. Until the FA starts looking after football properly, staring with the rescheduling of a certain FA Cup semi-final,  I’m boycotting their sponsors too. Now that is a source of income they really would miss. I’m going to shout about it too so the sponsors know why.

Want to join me? It means not buying products, services or food from:

• Vauxhall (are their cars that good anyway?)
• Budweiser (American for tasteless lager)
• Umbro (£55 for a new shirt after only 8 games? ‘Nuff said)
• McDonalds (American for shit, unhealthy food)
• Mars (it’s not like there are no other options if you eat chocolate)
• William Hill (plenty of other bookies too)

These companies have chosen to associate their brands with the FA. They deserve to be boycotted.

Share this message on social media (use #NotMyFA), get fans of other clubs involved. There are hundreds of thousands if not millions who have had enough of the FA. On my own I can’t change things; together we can and doing it this way allows us to still support the team. See below for some ideas for Tweets to get you started.

Of course, you don’t have to join me. Just remember though that next time the FA pisses you off – don’t come bitching to me. We, the fans, have the chance to change things. Let’s do it!

NOT MY FA

KTBFFH

Tweet suggestions:

Why I’m boycotting @theFAdotcom http://ow.ly/a0yyC #NotMyFA

Why I’m boycotting @vauxhall http://ow.ly/a0yyC #NotMyFA

Why I’m boycotting Budweiser http://ow.ly/a0yyC #NotMyFA

Why I’m boycotting @umbro http://ow.ly/a0yyC #NotMyFA

Why I’m boycotting McDonalds http://ow.ly/a0yyC #NotMyFA

Why I’m boycotting Mars Bars http://ow.ly/a0yyC #NotMyFA

Why I’m boycotting @WilliamHillNews http://ow.ly/a0yyC #NotMyFA

And don’t forget you can post on their Facebook pages too!

*If anyone knows Twitter handles for Budweiser, McDonalds or Mars, please post in comments (below).

The Europa League – An Unfair Idea?

I have wanted to write this for a few weeks but put it on hold while the two Manchester clubs were still involved in the Europa League and also just in case (sounds crazy now) we got knocked out of the Champions’ League by Napoli.

Why? I didn’t want to be accused of sour grapes when making what I think is an important point.

The Europa League is an unfair idea. It goes against all the principles of fair competition, in other words the principles of sport.

To me, the whole idea of the teams that finish third in their groups in the Champions’ League then getting a free run at another trophy is wrong. It is unfair on those teams contesting the Europa League from its group stages but worse it gives a team that has by definition failed, the opportunity to win a European trophy while the team that knocked them out can end the season empty handed.

Imagine Manchester City had gone on to win the Europa League. Which team finished above them in the Champions’ League, thus knocking them out? Napoli. Manchester City could have picked up European silverware while Napoli did not.

Is that right? I don’t think so.

KTBFFH

Time For An Honest Appraisal Of The Chelsea Squad

It’s been a roller coaster few weeks; poor form looked to be turning around before disappointment against Wigan and poor finishing against Tottenham left us fourth in the table with no real prospect of mounting a title challenge and, if we are realistic, looking over our shoulder in the fight for Champions League qualification next season. While we are busy laughing at the Manchester clubs’ exit from this year’s competition we should note that both are likely to finish ahead of us in the Premiership and that we might not even get the CL group stage next season if we are not careful!

So, what has gone wrong? Where is the squad too lightweight? Where must we strengthen?

Management

Let me start with management. There has been lots of ‘Trust in AVB’ crap (for that is what it is) with fans borrowing a phrase used by Scousers with regard the hopeless Rafa Benitez and Gooners with regard Arse W*n*er. However, there has also been plenty of crap giving the contradicting view that he should get the chop.

Why are both views crap? The ‘Trust in’ camp need to realise that blind faith is rarely a good thing especially in someone yet to prove himself while the ‘give him the chop’ camp need to gain perspective.

AVB came with a short but exceptional record but, as I have stated more than once, came untested by the kind of challenges that come with a downturn in form, with rebuilding a squad, with anything close to Premier League type pressure. In short, I would not have offered him the job but now he is here he deserves the chance to make amends for Carlo Ancelotti’s oversight in allowing a squad to both age and get thin without taking action. That task is not a small one and should we even fail to qualify for next season’s Europa League AVB must be given the opportunity to rebuild. Sacking him will only leave his replacement with the same squad and same task.

The Squad

That squad is looking desperately thin. Last season it was exposed when injuries to Lampard, Essien and Drogba left the team struggling in the middle part of the season. This season the picture is worse, especially if (God forbid) we have another couple of long term injuries.

Goalkeeper

Petr Cech has been at fault for both of the last two goals conceded but is still a world class keeper. But what if he should succumb to injury? Hilario and Turnbull are competent but would we really be comfortable if either had to have a long run in the side? They’re okay for occasional cover but not much more. We need better cover for Petr Cech especially given growing rumours his knees are ‘fragile’.

Defence

We have some serious problems here. JT continues to be a legend and Ashley Cole although no longer at his peak is still by far the best left back in English football. David Luiz is good and will improve and Branislav Ivanovic has provided competent cover both at right back and centrally. The less said about Jose Bosingwa the better and Paulo Ferreira is a loyal servant but, for all his great game v the Spuds, is at the tail end of a career. It says everything about the squad’s problems at right back when the injured Essien, a midfield player, is our best right back by far!

As a minimum we probably need one if not two right backs and another central defender preferably one with pace.

Midfield

I am less concerned about the ability we have in the middle than I was at the start of the season although quantity is still lacking. Romeu has been a revelation relegating Mikel to competent cover in that holding position. I’ve made no secret of the fact I am not a John Obi fan but as cover, he’ll do. Whether he’ll be happy with that is another matter. Lampard is still brilliant but AVB is right to use him more sparingly and to get the most out of his twilight years. Ramires has improved no end, while Mereiles is mostly good but needs to show more consistency. Essien has yet to come back and we can only hope two long term knee injuries have not reduced his desire, energy or confidence. Then there is Josh McEachran, one for the future and who surely deserves more playing time, not to say needs it, for his development – perhaps a January loan?

Our midfield has got ability without depth, energy without quality and creativity. We need at least one midfield player of quality, an artist to match the industry.

Up Front

Thank F*** for Danny Sturridge and Juan Mata! I include Mata up front although have little doubt he could also provide the artistry our midfield lacks but what would that do to our front three (assuming we continue to play the same system)?

Nicolas Anelka has gone and had passed his sell by date anyway and Didier Drogba still looks good in flashes but, though we love him, is no longer the Drog of old. Salomon Kalou? Well if he is the answer someone is asking the wrong question! Florent Malouda comes out and goes in with the sun and his inconsistency in a side desperately needing players to ‘turn up and be counted’ adds him to my transfer list. Danny Sturridge has been brilliant (despite wasted chances) and will get better. Lukaku? I remain to be convinced but will be happy to be as wrong as I was about Ramires.

I know I haven’t mentioned Torres but I’m not convinced we signed the right player. Yes, he was quality but was he made for Chelsea or would we need to change too much else to accommodate the player he was. As for the player he is? Blind loyalty aside; the jury must be out. The African Cup of Nations offers him what, to me, should be his last chance to rediscover old form.

Nonetheless, even should the real Fernando Torres stand up, for a team which aspires to Champions League and Premiership glory our attack is under-whelming and only one injury away from being threadbare. We need at least two more decent strikers to back our likely end of season preferred trio of Mata, Sturridge, and El Nino.

Ah yes, the African Cup of Nations! Don’t get me wrong there are some fantastic African players out there and I love watching the tournament but please Chelsea, don’t sign any more Africans!

I do however think about the youngsters who can be added to bolster the team, not forgetting that surrounding them with the right quality will bring them through far better.

It was only a couple of seasons ago I smugly looked at other sides and played the game of ‘how many of your players would make it into our team?’ It was rarely more than one or two, very occasionally three. Now? Against the Spuds possibly only four of our starting eleven would have made theirs. You may agree with me on that or disagree but surely you will accept my argument that we simply do not have the quality or the depth required right now.

AVB must start to earn that trust some fans talk about by beginning the rebuilding process with some sound purchases and some difficult decisions on who to let go come January and (given it  won’t all be done in one go) again in the summer.

KTBFFH

The Suarez Decision – Am I Alone In Feeling Conflicted Over This?

Racism: it is a really hot topic in football at the moment, and rightly so. There is no place for racism in society let alone football.

This afternoon we heard that John Terry is to be charged over that incident at Loftus Road but I am not going to comment on that other than to repeat what I have said all along; he is innocent until proven guilty and to treat him any other way would be to discriminate against him . I hope he proves to be not guilty but, if the verdict goes the other way it doesn’t matter how Blue I am, he will deserve to have the book thrown at him.

But did Liverpool’s Luis Suarez deserve to have the book thrown at him?

Don’t get me wrong, the fight for Champions League places will be tight this year and his eight match suspension certainly works in our favour and yet……I feel extremely conflicted and therefore uncomfortable over the treatment Suarez has received.

That he called Partice Evra ‘Negro’ is not disputed. That Evra found the term racist (and therefore offensive) is also not disputed. Case closed surely?

Had Suarez been born and raised in the UK, undoubtedly I would be happy with this outcome. But he wasn’t, he was born and raised in Uruguay a nation where the word ‘negro’ is in everyday usage and is not considered racist or otherwise offensive (the word even has its roots in the latin languages). Chelsea legend Uruguayan Gus Poyet has gone on record to confirm this, to insist Suarez is not making up a convenient story.

In his 1963 ‘I Have A Dream’ speech Martin Luther King Jnr used the term Negro to describe his own race. Was he being offensive, racist even? Okay, that was nearly fifty years ago and times move on but have those times moved on in different directions in the UK and Uruguay? Clearly they have, and not only in those two countries; in the US organisations such as the United Negro College Fund continue to conduct great work in assisting black people afford college educations and the 2010 United States Census included the term for individuals to identify racial origin.

Confused? Conflicted? To some (even to many) the term ‘Negro’ is undoubtedly racist and carries uncomfortable connotations and reminders of slavery. In the UK it is accepted as a ‘no-no’ word. But this is not so in many parts of the rest of the world.

I am conflicted because I fear that in the rush to condemn racism the FA have actively discriminated against Suarez’s own culture. They have chosen the defence of one culture over that of another.

That racism took place here cannot be disputed but surely the right outcome should be one of learning not punishment; learning for Suarez about what is acceptable and a warning that now he knows he should not repeat it (plus a public apology to Evra). Learning for the FA in that they must take the lead in ensuring that those coming into the English game from other cultures understand the new (to them) culture in which they now live and work and therefore avoid a repeat of this situation again. And learning for us all; if we are to celebrate the diversity of our culture we must guard against jumping to conclusions based on our own cultural background without taking steps to understand the culture of others – you, me, Suarez and Evra included. No matter how Blue (or Red) we are.

KTBFFH

Jose Mourinho And The Key Bit His Successors Have Missed Out

I think we would all agree that watching recent Chelsea games has been difficult  and although yesterday’s result at Blackburn saw a clean sheet and three points, I am sure I’m not alone in finding it as unconvincing a performance as the defeats (and draw) which preceded it.

Reviewing recent events it occurred to me that an element of coaching last seen under Jose Mourinho and which I expected to see return under AVB is still absent. It could be it is too early for it to be showing under our new Manager but nonetheless I feel it is worth highlighting.

The Special One was indeed special in many ways but to me one of the most exceptional aspects of his coaching was in his development of ‘the thinking player’. The thinking player was developed by posing tactical problems to the team in training and facilitating their ability to solve those problems themselves without coaching intervention during matches.

We saw its benefits most clearly during Mourinho’s Champions League touch line ban but it was at work in every game and was incredibly frustrating for opposition managers who had got used to changing their own sides tactics and then having at least a short window in which to exploit the unpreparedness of the opposition before their coaching staff could relay instructions. Not so with Jose’s Chelsea, they thought as a team and reacted swiftly to opposition changes.

Perhaps the greatest triumph of this part of Mourinho’s coaching philosophy came after he had gone. Uncle Fester (aka Avram Grant) was in charge as we faced Liverpool in the Champions League semi final and were looking in danger of blowing it. Grant made some inexplicable substitutions; JT was seen gesticulating to the bench apparently seeking explanation which was not forthcoming. Never mind, the thinking player coaching of Mourinho kicked in and the team arranged its own tactics accordingly. I know others agree with my view that the run to Moscow was a triumph of Mourinho’s not of Grant’s and this example demonstrates why.

As with all things coaching, you use it or you lose it and, as managers came and went those players who had starred under Mourinho gradually forgot the thinking player and returned to the classic need for instruction from the bench.

I had hoped that as he had worked under Mourinho, AVB might bring the thinking player back to the Bridge. Maybe he still will? The signs are not good and the defensive frailties of this season only serve to highlight this fact. We had defensive lapses under the Special One but they were very quickly sorted out ON the pitch and hence were rarities.

Of all the Special One’s special gifts, to me the thinking player was the best. I hope we see its return before too much longer.

KTBFFH

The Good, The Bad And The Ugly – A Blue Analysis

Was it really only six days? Six days which have included Foygate, defeat at Loftus Road, a win but at a stretch and with another red card, the CPO vote and home defeat to Arsenal. I don’t know about you but I don’t know how many six day periods like that one I can take!

Time to hit the pause button, time to analyse where we are, what we’ve got and what we lack.

Obviously we are not on the FA’s favourite’s list. Foygate was shocking as was the FA’s failure to investigate and the media’s total disinterest in exploring why not. Although today’s ref was better (he had to be), questions still need asking, not least how Szczesny’s foul with the scores at 2-2 warranted any less punishment than Bosingwa’s far more innocuous one of last week. A game changer without doubt but what might be of more interest will be (I predict) the total silence from both FA and media over van Persie’s Nazi style salute to the Arsenal supporters after his second goal. Both the foul and the salute would be major talking points had Chelsea players been responsible for either.

But what of the internal; the manager and the squad at Chelsea?

My intention here is to take a fans eye view of some of what we have and to suggest where change is needed. Of course, not everyone will agree but a good discussion would be healthy.

Starting at the top with Andre Villa Boas, I was amazed to hear some Chelsea supporters on the platform at Football Broadway after the game today suggesting that he should go. My own view was (and is) that he should never have been given the job in the first place, however now he is here we should give him at least two seasons to shape the team in his image – unless things really go tits up!

Why did I think he shouldn’t have got the job? Experience. Not lack of experience based on age, I believe his success speaks for itself. What I questioned was his experience of dealing with adversity; for the manager we employed last summer has never had to manage a team through a ‘sticky patch’ and we therefore have no Way of knowing how or if he will cope when such a patch inevitably comes along. Mistake made, he has the job, let’s stick with him.

The defence has looked shaky all season and I’m sure I’m not alone in getting through more than my share of finger nails watching our defensive frailties thus far this season. Work is needed on tactical positioning not just in the defence but in a midfield which has, at times, left the back four woefully exposed. Remember 2005 and how we defended as a whole team? It seems a long time ago!

Other than that, we don’t look too bad! We play some nice flowing, attacking football. But is it winning football? Draw comparisons with Arsenal’s last Premiership away scalp (Blackpool) and you can soon see that such football should not be mistaken for good football and certainly not for successful football!

On the player front, we have more than a few passengers.

Top of most people’s passenger list seems to be Salomon Kalou and I don’t disagree but I made my feelings on Kalou clear earlier this month (‘Salomon Kalou? You’re Having A Laugh!). Today I want to look at some of the other components either not up to scratch or perhaps getting past their sell by date.

Top of my list is Jose Bosingwa. At times he looks quite stylish, he looks great going forward and has even been known to deliver a mean cross on occasion but Bosingwa is a right back and in that role he is perhaps average at best. Defensively he is often caught out of position, frequently loses his man and is not definitely not the world’s best tackler. It is time he was moved on and a replacement found. The club’s best right back is probably Ivanovic but he was needed in the middle today and the second best right back we have is out injured and, anyway, Michael Essien is of far greater value in midfield. Paulo Ferreira? Great servant but at this stage of his career no more than useful squad player. The right back slot has needed addressing for some time and must be sorted out in January, although I fear that will already be far too late to save this season. Not AVB’s fault, Ancelotti had two years to address it and failed, AVB has merely inherited it.

The next player in my sights might be more surprising; John Obi Mikel. Although he is regularly among the top passers in the Opta stats, he has failed to fill the role of holding midfield player adequately. His pass completion ratio may be north of 85% but of real concern is how many of the 15% are in critical areas of the pitch. The stats look good but the reality is he has a habit of leaving our back four exposed. His tackling is suspect too, on occasion looking great then seconds later clumsy. A genuine holding midfield player needs to be high on AVB’s January shopping list.

The paucity of defensive cover is highlighted by the above two players’ shortcomings and the lack of viable alternatives. Yes, Michael Essien is out and yes we do have four good centre backs (when David Luiz concentrates) but the weakness at right back and in front of the back four will inevitably leave us exposed several times a game.

Holding position aside, our midfield looks stronger than last season when it was the long term injuries to Lampard and Essien which, in my opinion, undid our campaign. Or, more accurately, the lack of genuine, quality cover. This season Ramires has looked improved, Lampard is getting back to his best (but will need more rests as he ages), Meireles is a bargain and, erm, well, Essien aside that’s it. Cover is provided by promising youngsters in the shape of McEachran and Romeu but they will need easing in to gain experience. Mata can play deeper than he has been but, In short, we are still short in the middle of the park and realistically only an injury or two away from real problems.

Up front, Kalou must go. Drogba, much though we have loved him, has had his best days and Anelka is a shadow of his former self. Malouda continues to lack consistency looking world class one minute and non-league the next (okay, a bit harsh but you understand my sentiment). Sturridge is definitely one for the future and is becoming one for now and, today aside, Torres is starting to look a little bit more like, well, Fernando Torres! I like the look of Lukaku but like McEachran and Romeu, he will need time.

Then there is Juan Mata. Sublime. By far the signing of the summer.

So, who should be shown the door?

Kalou, Bosingwa and Mikel; thank you but good bye. You are not Chelsea class.

Drogba and Anelka; thanks for the memories, it’s been a privilege to watch you play but your time has passed.

Desperately needed?

A decent right back and a world class holding midfield player plus another midfield player of quality to bolster squad size and strength.

Add to that a better coached team (not just back four) defensively and we aren’t a million miles away from where we need to be.

Without? I don’t think it’s good. My preseason prediction last season was that we would struggle to qualify for the Champions’ League. That we did qualify was down to Arsenal and Liverpool’s woeful performances rather than any quality of our own. This season we need to improve considerably or start preparing for the Europa League (or worse). The starting point in personnel is at right back and holding midfield and in coaching terms is to again start defending as a team.

KTBFFH