Columnists

14.05.2008 GILES SMITH: CURIOUS ORANGE

A colourful season is drawing to a close with the possibility of a very bright conclusion. Wednesday columnist and supporter Giles Smith investigates.

13.05.2008 PAT NEVIN: COMMENCING COUNTDOWN

Put Bolton behind us, feel some pride in second place and somehow wait for a truly special night in Moscow is the message from columnist and former Chelsea Player of the Year Pat Nevin.

09.05.2008 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V BOLTON WANDERERS

Approaching a weekend needing little to build the sense of occasion, Chelsea club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton look in detail at what might tip a finely-balanced contest.

07.05.2008 GILES SMITH: 21 - KEY TO THE TITLE

Wednesday columnist and excited supporter Giles Smith sets the manifesto for the league season's final day.

06.05.2008 PAT NEVIN: TIMING OUR RUN

With no signs of cracking in mentality or performance level of his former club as the tension builds, columnist Pat Nevin is impressed with what he sees.

05.05.2008 PRE-MATCH: NEWCASTLE UNITED V CHELSEA

The final away league game of the season has the Blues taking the longest journey of all. Awaiting at the end is a match between two in-form sides and three points that can keep the title race alive. Club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton preview.

30.04.2008 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V LIVERPOOL

The moment of semi-final truth is nearly upon us and in the crowd cheering the team on this evening will be Chelsea club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton, armed with plenty of background information.

30.04.2008 GILES SMITH: PEACE PROCESS

From his vantage point in the Matthew Harding Upper, supporter and columnist Giles Smith is maintaining his sanity, even when others (Michael Ballack not included) are losing their cool.

29.04.2008 PAT NEVIN: COMING INTO THEIR OWN

So far so good in this potentially groundbreaking week for Chelsea and our former player and current columnist Pat Nevin has been keeping his eye on some key indivduals.

25.04.2008 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V MANCHESTER UNITED

A title crunch match sandwiched between Champions League semi final dates. Weeks don't come much tastier than this and club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton take a close look at the middle course in the big match banquet.

23.04.2008 GILES SMITH: KOP THAT!

Columnist Giles Smith forgives himself for forgetting his team's durability and casts a supporter's eye over the first leg happenings.

22.04.2008 PRE-MATCH: LIVERPOOL V CHELSEA

Another re-match in what has been the tightest in tight European ties is upon us. Chelsea club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton review the facts and figures and look for some pointers towards tonight's outcome.

22.04.2008 PAT NEVIN: THE FIRST LEG EFFECT

Like all Chelsea followers, former Blue Pat Nevin will be on the edge of his seat tonight, regardless of how many chances either side creates. In his column he previews a potentially historic tie.

17.04.2008 PRE-MATCH BRIEFING: EVERTON V CHELSEA

The important games come thick and fast but there's still time to look at the odd championship conundrum plus a few Chelsea v Everton facts. Making that possible are club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton.

16.04.2008 GILES SMITH: DAZED AND CONFUSED

Having weighed up the evidence, columnist Giles Smith accepts the unpalatable truth while wondering if 90 minutes support is such a good idea.

15.04.2008 PAT NEVIN: WEIGHING UP THE WHAT IFS

For the first time this season, Pat Nevin writes his Tuesday column just hours after a result and like all Chelsea followers, our former player is full of frustration and questions.

13.04.2008 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V WIGAN ATHLETIC

It's catch-up time as Stamford Bridge brings to an end the weekend's league fixtures. Needless to say, only three points will do for the Blues against bottom six Wigan. Chelsea club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton set the scene.

09.04.2008 GILES SMITH: HURRAH FOR HILARIO

Just back from an ultimately successful night at the Bridge, supporter and columnist Giles Smith was quickly putting into words his admiration for one participant, plus his appetite for the semi-final.

08.04.2008 PAT NEVIN: HOME LEG HOPES

Columnist and former Chelsea player Pat Nevin is in optimistic mood ahead of tonight's game but believes everyone, from the pitch to the bench to the stands, will need to be on top form for victory.

08.04.2008 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA v FENERBAHÇE

At 7.45pm, the talking stops and the contest begins to decide whether Chelsea for a fourth time or Fenerbahçe for a first will make the semis. Club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton look at words said and football played prior to tonight's kick-off.

07.04.2008 GIORGIO'S EURO COLUMN

Having seen our 2-1 defeat in Istanbul last week, our resident Champions League expert Giorgio Chinaglia believes there is all to play for at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.

04.04.2008 PRE-MATCH: MANCHESTER CITY V CHELSEA

Even if they have little else to play for, Chelsea's weekend opponents will be wishing to banish the memory of their last visit to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton prepare for a first away day at Man City managed by Sven.

02.04.2008 PRE-MATCH: FENERBAHCE V CHELSEA

As Chelsea prepare to take on the Turks on their home soil, club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton get in the Champions League mood.

01.04.2008 PAT NEVIN: FROM STAMFORD BRIDGE TO THE BOSPHORUS

Turkish football is a subject on which Pat Nevin has knowledge and first-hand experience. He shares some of it in this week's column.

28.03.2008 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V MIDDLESBROUGH

Boro have traditionally not enjoyed their visits to the Bridge. Chelsea club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton assess Chelsea's chances of continuing the misery.

26.03.2008 GILES SMITH: YOU DID KNOW

Like all Chelsea fans, columnist Giles Smith has experienced a range of emotions in the past week, from the agonising to the warming. He relives them here.

25.03.2008 PAT NEVIN: DIGNITY AND UNITY

In his column this week, Pat Nevin takes a look at the Arsenal win, the value of support and a new autobiography by his former team-mate Paul Canoville.

21.03.2008 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V ARSENAL

For Chelsea, Easter Sunday presents both the chance to even scores after a narrow December defeat in north London, and overtake the Gunners in the table. Club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton prepare.

19.03.2008 PRE-MATCH: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR V CHELSEA

It's still one of the fixtures many Chelsea fans look for first, and with one derby victory a piece this season, club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton prepare for round three.

19.03.2008 GILES SMITH: SIX APPEAL

Columnist Giles Smith gives his personal instructions to the team for the game ahead - but warns don't believe the hype over the domestic league love-in.

18.03.2008 PAT NEVIN: HOME STRAIGHT HOPES

Former Blue Pat Nevin is enjoying a so-far unpredictable title race and looks for pointers to the weeks ahead, starting with back-to-back derby days.

14.03.2008 PRE-MATCH: SUNDERLAND V CHELSEA

Cheered by the midweek goal feast, club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton prepare for the long-trip to Wearside.

12.03.2008 GILES SMITH: ROMANCE IS DEAD

The final word on the FA Cup defeat falls to columnist Giles Smith who, tonight at the Bridge, is in search of goal therapy.

12.03.2008 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V DERBY COUNTY

As a club that's had a bad weekend hosts a club that's enduring a bad season, Chelsea club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton prepare.

11.03.2008 PAT NEVIN: CUP QUESTIONS

It's not an easy week for anyone with Chelsea in their heart, but columnist and former star player Pat Nevin knows the Barnsley defeat cannot be ignored.

07.03.2008 PRE-MATCH: BARNSLEY V CHELSEA

The FA Cup quarter-finals take Chelsea to Oakwell for the first time in a decade. Club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton preview.

05.03.2008 GILES SMITH: FROM BOTH SIDES NOW

From being beaten at Wembley to handing out a thumping in east London - the past two weeks has columnist Giles Smith looking at defeat from both sides now.

05.03.2008 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA v OLYMPIACOS

As the Chelsea look to join the final eight in this season's Champions League, club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton have been comparing the best with the best.

04.03.2008 PAT NEVIN: MAGIC MOMENTS AND MUST-WINS

Cheered for the time being, columnist and former Blue Pat Nevin sees big challenges and interesting choices ahead.

29.02.2008 PRE-MATCH: WEST HAM UNITED V CHELSEA

The last time Chelsea played at Upton Park the team enjoyed our biggest win there. Another good victory would be just what the doctor ordered. Club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton look forward.

27.02.2008 GILES SMITH: SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS

As the Wembley post-mortem draws to a close, columnist Giles Smith looks for a final lesson from the school of hard knocks.

26.02.2008 PAT NEVIN: CARLING HICCUP

Everyone has a bad day at the office, argues columnist and former Chelsea player Pat Nevin, but it's how you react to it that counts.

22.02.2008 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Chelsea and Spurs will roll back the years by filling Wembley Stadium once again on Sunday. Club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton preview a rematch from 41 years ago.

20.02.2008 GILES SMITH'S MIDWEEK VIEW (FROM THE SOFA!)

Following last night's European matches, supporter and columnist Giles Smith discusses the merit of uninterrupted live coverage.

19.02.2008 PAT NEVIN: FRANK ASSESSMENT

You don't have to be a Chelsea hero of the past to appreciate a Chelsea hero of the present, but in the case of our Tuesday columnist, it helps.

19.02.2008 PRE-MATCH: OLYMPIACOS V CHELSEA

An historic but redeveloped stadium and new opposition - penty for club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton to get their teeth into.

15.02.2008 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V HUDDERSFIELD TOWN

The visit from the Yorkshire side marks the start of three straight knockout ties in three different competitions. Club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton prepare.

13.02.2008 GILES SMITH: EBAY GUM

Taking time out from typing his Wednesday column, Giles Smith finds that online temptation awaits the average, everyday Chelsea obsessive.

12.02.2008 PAT NEVIN: VIEW FROM (JUST BEHIND) THE BENCH

At the weekend, our Tuesday columnist was back inside the stadium he used to thrill with his football. He gives a personal account of the day.

07.02.2008 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V LIVERPOOL

Sunday's game is not a current top four contest but is it a meeting between two of the 'Big Four'? Club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton make an assessment.

06.02.2008 GILES SMITH: POSITIVELY CONFUSED

Giving his personal account of the week's events, columnist and supporter Giles Smith examines the power of positive thinking, and other emotions besides.

05.02.2008 PAT NEVIN: HAIR TODAY

This week, our Tuesday columnist celebrates Chelsea's resilience and THAT haircut from quarter-of-a-century ago.

01.02.2008 PRE-MATCH: PORTSMOUTH V CHELSEA

As the team takes its annual league trip to the south coast, club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton look forward to visiting a ground accustomed to Chelsea success.

30.01.2008 GILES SMITH: MUD LARKS

Columnist and supporter Giles Smith casts a concerned eye over environmental factors that can still affect a modern day football match.

30.01.2008 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V READING

After three away games, Chelsea are back on Stamford Bridge turf and hungry for more home success. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton preview the latest league action.

29.01.2008 PAT NEVIN: NIC THE OPENING GOAL

The FA Cup dominated the last few days and Pat Nevin enjoyed watching a master at work. In his weekly column, he details why.

25.01.2008 PRE-MATCH: WIGAN ATHLETIC V CHELSEA

Chelsea's fight on four trophy fronts continues on Saturday with a second trip to the north-west this week. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton preview an all-top flight FA Cup date.

24.01.2008 THE THURSDAY INTERVIEW: CLAUDE MAKELELE

Chelsea's senior professional is well-accustomed to praise for his world-famous midfield work from colleagues and neutrals alike.

23.01.2008 GILES SMITH: PAPER BOYS

With a night of action on Merseyside to go to discover the make-up of this season's first Wembley final, columnist Giles Smith offers his personal take on events.

23.01.2008 PRE-MATCH: EVERTON V CHELSEA

With Wembley just one performance away, club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton put tonight's semi-final at Goodison Park under the microscope.

22.01.2008 PAT NEVIN: TIE ON A TIGHTROPE

With the dust settled on Saturday's St Andrews win, Tuesday columnist Pat Nevin is relishing a midweek second leg showdown between two of his former clubs.

18.01.2008 PRE-MATCH: BIRMINGHAM CITY V CHELSEA

As Chelsea leave the capital for the first time in seven games to take on the second city's version of the Blues, club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton research the background to the fixture.

16.01.2008 GILES SMITH'S MIDWEEK VIEW

Delighted to discover his readership is ever-widening, columnist and Chelsea fan Giles Smith this week reaches out.

15.01.2008 PAT NEVIN: HELLO GOOD BUY

There is rarely a quiet week at Chelsea and the events of the last seven days have intrigued Tuesday columnist and former Blue, Pat Nevin.

11.01.2008 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

A fourth London derby in a month approaches. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton prepare for the defence of Chelsea's long and proud home record against Spurs.

10.01.2008 THE THURSDAY INTERVIEW: ASHLEY COLE

With dramatic results, significant London derbies and a go at being captain, it is not quiet for Ashley Cole at the moment. chelseafc.com hears what he has to say about it all.

09.01.2008 GILES SMITH'S MIDWEEK VIEW

A cup tie with a twist after 90 minutes and a controversial red card but a cup tie not yet over. It has columnist and supporter Giles Smith thinking hard.

08.01.2008 PAT NEVIN: THE STORY OF THE BLUES (PART ONE)

There are very few more suitable columnists on the day Chelsea and Everton go head-to-head in a major match than Pat Nevin, the man who graced both clubs in his playing days.

08.01.2008 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V EVERTON

Semi-final days are here again and club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton limber up ready for a second visit by Everton this season.

04.01.2008 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V QUEEN'S PARK RANGERS

It's time to set out on the road to Wembley we travelled all the way last season. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton welcome back a much-missed local derby.

02.01.2008 GILES SMITH'S MIDWEEK VIEW

Supporter and columnist Giles Smith found himself come over all neighbourly at the Cottage yesterday. He gives here his full seasonal assessment.

31.12.2007 PRE-MATCH BRIEFING: FULHAM V CHELSEA

Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton wave goodbye to the old year and ring in the new.

28.12.2007 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V NEWCASTLE UNITED

After the drama of Boxing Day, nothing less than three points against Newcastle can be contemplated. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton make sense of the Christmas story so far.

25.12.2007 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V ASTON VILLA

It's Christmas! - and with everyone at Chelsea keen to make it a more merry one than last season, club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton looked ahead to Boxing Day at the Bridge.

21.12.2007 PRE-MATCH: BLACKBURN ROVERS V CHELSEA

A run of four league games in ten days for Avram Grant's men begins on Sunday. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton prepare for a crammed Christmas.

19.12.2007 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V LIVERPOOL

The Blues are two rounds away from defending the first trophy we won last season but familiar opposition stand in the way. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton look at League Cup ties past and future.

19.12.2007 GILES SMITH: WORD OF THANKS

There may be grumbles and gripes after the weekend's result but columnist Giles Smith calls upon his fellow Chelsea fans to remember what is important.

18.12.2007 PAT NEVIN: SILVER LININGS AND SILVERWARE

Tuesday columnist and former Blue Pat Nevin insists it should be chins-up after Sunday's defeat with everyone looking forward to an important cup tie.

14.12.2007 PRE-MATCH: ARSENAL V CHELSEA

It's the time once more when the Blues look to gun down the Gunners and with more hits than misses in recent years, club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton look forward to another game of huge importance.

12.12.2007 GILES SMITH: FOOD FOR THOUGHT

As the Champions League is put to bed for the rest of winter and most turn attentions fully on domestic matters, supporter and columnist Giles Smith has been pondering some big questions.

11.12.2007 PAT NEVIN: SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Blues legend Pat Nevin has spent the past week studying strikers. In his latest weekly column he shares his findings.

11.12.2007 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA v VALENCIA

With the hard work already done, club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton are preparing to sit back, relax and enjoy a night of European football.

04.12.2007 GILES SMITH: HARD AS NAILS

From his regular vantage point high in the Matthew Harding End, our Wednesday columnist was pleased to see his team stand firm against the Hammers and their nails. But first, another derby?

04.12.2007 PAT NEVIN: LUNCH ON THE LANE

Our Tuesday columnist Pat Nevin was back among other Chelsea legends at the end of last week. He reflects on a memorable event and the football ahead.

29.11.2007 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V WEST HAM UNITED

It's west meets east early on Saturday afternoon and Chelsea club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton are already prepared for the Blues' second derby of the season.

28.11.2007 PRE-MATCH: ROSENBORG V CHELSEA

Another Champions League night brings another chance to qualify for the knockout stages. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton look forward to a night in Norway.

28.11.2007 GIORGIO'S EURO COLUMN

Giorgio Chinaglia is co-presenter of the True Blue Chelsea radio show on Sirius radio in the United States and is an expert on European football.

28.11.2007 GILES SMITH: RED ISSUE

Our Wednesday columnist sees red over seeing red on his recording of last weekend's game. Giles Smith explains.

27.11.2007 PAT NEVIN: REACHING TARGETS

From decisive internationals to a comfortable win at Derby and now a test of our skills in Scandinavia. It's a varied November. Columnist Pat Nevin reflects.

23.11.2007 PRE-MATCH: DERBY COUNTY V CHELSEA

Saturday's late kick-off will see the home side attempt to salvage pride at Pride Park after their previous heavy beating. Chelsea club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton look at a fixture that is no stranger to goals.

21.11.2007 GILES SMITH: LICENSED TO COACH

No Chelsea game last weekend but still no shortage of topics for discussion by our Wednesday columnist as he casts his eye over the week's main stories.

20.11.2007 PAT NEVIN: MAKING A QUALIFIED SUCCESS

On the eve of a qualification decider at Wembley and in the wake of heartbreak at Hampden, columnist Pat Nevin examines the ingredients for international achievement.

14.11.2007 GILES SMITH'S MIDWEEK VIEW

Having watched from the stands as his team let slip two points on Sunday, our Wednesday columnist tries to make sense of the Everton game, while giving up on someone else's decisions.

13.11.2007 PAT NEVIN: FLYING HEADERS AND FLYING OFF

It took something a little special to halt the team's league winning run, stirring the memory of our Tuesday columnist and former purveyor of spectacular Chelsea goals, Pat Nevin.

09.11.2007 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V EVERTON

After tasting Carling Cup and Champions League action, it's back to the bread and butter of the League and a visit by the Toffees. Club historian and statistician Paul Dutton lay the table for the weekend fare.

07.11.2007 GILES SMITH: OFFICE POLITICS

Like many Chelsea fans, our midweek columnist is trying to get his head around the latest version of his team. He has also been thinking about Schalke and Scousers.

06.11.2007 PAT NEVIN: BRIGHT IDEAS

The world may not yet have turned day-glo as X-ray Spex once suggested but Chelsea playing away have. Pat Nevin looks forward to another eye-catching display in Germany.

06.11.2007 PRE-MATCH: SCHALKE 04 V CHELSEA

Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton adopt a European frame of mind with qualification to the next phase potentially one game away.

02.11.2007 PRE-MATCH: WIGAN ATHLETIC V CHELSEA

Will it be another late, late show by the Blues at Wigan or will a couple of ex-Chelsea men triumph. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton set the scene.

31.10.2007 GILES SMITH: SERIOUS BUSINESS

Before heading for his seat at the Bridge for tonight's game, our Wednesday columnist decided to extol the virtues of the shortest route to silverware this season.

31.10.2007 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V LEICESTER CITY

The run of three home games in three different competitions continues tonight with lower league opposition standing between the Blues and a quarter-final. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton limber up for Leicester.

30.10.2007 PAT NEVIN: NOT CARRIED AWAY (TOO MUCH!)

A veteran of a Chelsea six-goal performance against Coventry 23 years ago, Pat Nevin joins the admirers of the team's efforts on Saturday.

26.10.2007 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V MANCHESTER CITY

A resurgent Manchester City are next to test themselves against Chelsea's record-breaking home league invincibility. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton are ready for the famous Swede and his side.

24.10.2007 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V SCHALKE 04

Football returns to Stamford Bridge for the first time in nearly a month. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton prepare the groundwork for a European night.

23.10.2007 PAT NEVIN: HEART AND GOAL

Columnist and former proud wearer of Chelsea blue, Pat Nevin, has been listening carefully this past week to the words of fans and a player.

19.10.2007 PRE-MATCH: MIDDLESBROUGH V CHELSEA

The internationals are over so the team is on its travels again for a third consecutive away game. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton prepare to hit the road.

17.10.2007 GILES SMITH: NOT BEING FRANK

In a week when England hopes as much as expects, columnist and lifelong Chelsea fan Giles Smith gives a blue view on national concerns.

15.10.2007 PAT NEVIN: BEATING THE BOOS

Tuesday columnist and former Chelsea star Pat Nevin joins the debate on those times when supporters are less than supportive.

10.10.2007 GILES SMITH'S MIDWEEK VIEW

This week our Wednesday columnist breaks all golden rules about taking each game at a time and looks well, well ahead.

09.10.2007 PAT NEVIN: LANGUAGE LESSONS

Remember the good old days when a couple of wins were greeted by a gleeful roar of approval as opposed to a massive communal sigh of relief?

05.10.2007 PRE-MATCH: BOLTON WANDERERS V CHELSEA

Two men in charge both new to their jobs this season pit their wits on Sunday in the north-west. Chelsea club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton prepare as the Blues head to a stadium of happy memories.

03.10.2007 GILES SMITH: UNRAVELLING BUT NOT UNRAVELLED

Wednesday columinst and regular Chelsea watcher Giles Smith thinks all is not balancesd in the world of football writing. He explains why.

03.10.2007 PRE-MATCH: VALENCIA V CHELSEA

It's Matchday Two in Valencia's Estadio Mestalla and club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton prepare the way for a massive European night.

02.10.2007 PAT NEVIN: HEAD IN WHERE IT HURTS

Former Chelsea star Pat Nevin suffered a broken cheekbone once, and knows exactly what our skipper is going through. He discusses JT's injury, and takes a look at what lies ahead.

28.09.2007 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V FULHAM

Chelsea historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton open the door to neighbours for what will be a keenly-watched home league fixture this weekend.

26.09.2007 PRE-MATCH: HULL CITY V CHELSEA

The defence of one of the two trophies won last season is upon us. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton prepare for a Premier League versus Football League clash.

25.09.2007 PAT NEVIN: BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO

Former Chelsea star Pat Nevin has seen a few managers leave in the past and has even removed one himself. He discusses the week just gone.

21.09.2007 PRE-MATCH: MANCHESTER UNITED V CHELSEA

At the end of a momentous week comes a momentous match. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton look forward to the latest meeting of last season's top two and cup finalists.

19.09.2007 GILES SMITH: COSMIC WAYS

Columnist and Matthew Harding Stand season ticket holder Giles Smith has found ways to cope with the trials of the last week. He shares them here.

18.09.2007 PAT NEVIN: THOUGHTS BACK TO FRONT

Our columnist and former Chelsea wing magician discusses the latest performance, having kept a close eye on a member of the attack and one of the rearguard with a fondness for a forward run.

18.09.2007 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V ROSENBORG

Scandinavian opposition is new to us in the Champions League but that doesn't mean club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton lack points to discuss as they preview the match.

14.09.2007 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V BLACKBURN

It's feels an age since we were last inside Stamford Bridge but the resumption of league activity is upon us. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton whet the appetite for the game ahead.

12.09.2007 GILES SMITH: WHAT'S RIGHT ABOUT WRIGHT-PHILLIPS

Faced with another week without his beloved Blues in action, our columnist weighs up his options - and settles on joining the SWP debate.

11.09.2007 PAT NEVIN: INTERNATIONAL INCIDENTS

Breaks for national team matches can be tough for managers left waiting and for players returning defeated, as our columnist and former Chelsea and Scotland star recalls.

05.09.2007 GILES SMITH: HEADLINE BLIGHTERS

Some of this week's screaming newspaper headlines may not have our Wednesday columnist screaming back just yet - but they have left him keen to make a few points here.

04.09.2007 PAT NEVIN: VILLA PARK IN PERSPECTIVE

In this week's column, Pat casts an ex-professional's eye over the first defeat of the season and sees no reason for major concern.

31.08.2007 PRE-MATCH: ASTON VILLA V CHELSEA

There is the chance of a first for José Mourinho when we travel to Villa Park on Sunday. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton explain.

29.08.2007 GILES SMITH: REF AND TUMBLE

The heads of two of football's organisations have been speaking out recently. It's time for our columnist to have his say.

28.08.2007 PAT NEVIN: ADIOS ARJEN

In his column this week, Chelsea's winger from the 1980s looks back on the contribution made by another winger 20 years on.

24.08.2007 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V PORTSMOUTH

As we enter our second home game in second place, club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton are ready for the first Saturday kick-off this season.

22.08.2007 GILES SMITH: SWINGS AND ANFIELD ROUNDABOUTS

Chelsea season ticket holder and columnist Giles Smith is in empathetic mood this week, but still has some post-Anfield arguments to make.

21.08.2007 PAT NEVIN: VALUE ADDED ATTACKS

Pat saw several positives in the Anfield game, both for Chelsea and the season as a whole. He explains in this week's column.

17.08.2007 PRE-MATCH: LIVERPOOL V CHELSEA

Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton prepare for yet another momentous game at Anfield.

15.08.2007 GILES SMITH: BE SEEN!

He's back to start a new season of Wednesday columns and Stamford Bridge season ticket holder and national newspaper regular Giles Smith thinks the team just might get noticed tonight!

14.08.2007 PRE-MATCH: READING V CHELSEA

We're ready to hit the road for the first time in the league campaign and club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton have all the info needed for the short trip down the M4.

14.08.2007 PAT NEVIN: HAPPY HOME TRUTHS

Our columnist and former star player was one of many enthralled by Sunday's game and thinks Stamford Bridge fans can expect goals, goals, goals this season.

10.08.2007 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V BIRMINGHAM CITY

After three months away, it is everyone back to the Bridge for the opening league encounter. Historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton prepare for the next nine months of intense competition.

07.08.2007 PAT NEVIN: FULL BACKS AT THEIR BEST

Chelsea's former star winger and our regular Tuesday columnist Pat Nevin is back. On Sunday he enjoyed the performance from a type of player he once dreaded facing.

03.08.2007 PRE-MATCH BRIEFING: CHELSEA V MANCHESTER UTD

Here we go again! Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton look forward to Sunday's rematch of last season's FA Cup Finalists.

23.07.2007 THE GIORGIO COLUMN: CHELSEA TO WIN SOMETHING BIG

Giorgio Chinaglia, the former Italian international who is a seasoned observer of both the European and American game, has been watching Chelsea's pre-season every inch of the way.

21.07.2007 THE GIORGIO COLUMN: MOURINHO THE KEEPER

In his penultimate column, NASL legend Giorgio Chinaglia tells us about the Galaxy, Mourinho's injury and who he sees as the favourites for the Barclays Premier League.

17.07.2007 THE GIORGIO COLUMN: BLUES OLD AND NEW

Sirius Radio's former Italy legend Giorgio Chinaglia continues to give us his take on the club's American tour.

14.07.2007 THE GIORGO COLUMN: THE METICULOUS ONE

Lazio and New York Cosmos legend Giorgio Chinaglia has been watching closely as José Mourinho's men are put through their paces in LA.

11.07.2007 THE GIORGIO COLUMN: GOOD SIGNS, GOOD SIGNINGS

For the duration of the team's stay in the United States, chelseafc.com will bring you the words of one of the most colourful and outspoken characters on the American soccer scene.

24.05.2007 SPY ON THURSDAY - HISTORY IN THE MAKING

What a dreadful Uefa Champion Clubs' Cup Final! It was far worse than the FA Cup Final. It was full of mistakes.

23.05.2007 GILES SMITH: NO NEUTRAL TERRITORY

There is but one subject and one subject only for our Wednesday columnist to reflect upon this week.

22.05.2007 PAT NEVIN: WORKING SOCKS OFF FOR SILVERWARE

Chelsea bodies found strength to win the Cup deep into extra-time but as our columnist and former professional explains, those limbs were feeling the strain.

21.05.2007 LOOK AT IT THIS WAY - FA CUP WINNERS COUNTER THE COUNTER

A good tactical and technical game, but a dull game for the neutral. That was the conclusion on the FA Cup Final of most Chelsea people on Saturday evening.

17.05.2007 PRE-FA CUP FINAL: CHELSEA V MANCHESTER UNITED

It took 65 years for Chelsea to win our first FA Cup and another 27 to make it two. No longer strangers to silverware, club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton take aim for FA Cup no. 4.

17.05.2007 SPY ON THURSDAY - CHANGING CUP FINAL PREPARATION

Chelsea's Spy In The Camp has been bringing inside news, banter and comment for 20 years in the matchday programme, on Chelsea TV and now on the web. He finds a new approach to FA Cup Finals in that time.

16.05.2007 GILES SMITH: NUMBERS DON'T ADD UP

Just three days to go and our columnist is still struggling to make some sense out of Wembley seating capacity sums.

15.05.2007 PAT NEVIN: TALES FROM BENEATH THE TWIN TOWERS

Pat this week joins the increasing excitement over Saturday's Wembley showpiece and the nostalgia for the stadium that once was there.

14.05.2007 LOOK AT IT THIS WAY - ENDING AS WE BEGAN

Neil Barnett has been writing, editing and broadcasting for Chelsea for over 20 years. He sees a week of treatment for injured players as the most important pre-Cup Final factor.

11.05.2007 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V EVERTON

The curtain is ready to fall on another league season and club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton prepare for the final act.

09.05.2007 GILES SMITH: NO CRUMBS OF DISCOMFORT

Columnist Giles Smith surveys the field of play at the end of a hard-fought championship contest - and finds debris difficult to find.

08.05.2007 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V MANCHESTER UNITED

What could have been a crucial fixture is now a Cup Final warm-up. Club historian Rick Glanvill puts the meeting between new champions and runners-up in context. Paul Dutton provides the penultimate league game statistics.

08.05.2007 PAT NEVIN: COMMENCING WEMBLEY COUNTDOWN

Pat understands Chelsea's pain over missing out, but he also knows firsthand the pleasure of a cup final May day. In this week's column, he insists we all look forward.

07.05.2007 LOOK AT IT THIS WAY - THE FACTS OF MODERN CHELSEA

1. If anyone had said in the early summer of 2003, you're going to come second, champions, champions and second in the next four years, Chelsea supporters would have laughed at a dreamer.

04.05.2007 PRE-MATCH: ARSENAL V CHELSEA

Ahead of the second of three consecutive meetings with 'big four' sides, club historian Rick Glanvill looks at the effects of the title race. Statistician Paul Dutton notes more records breaking.

03.05.2007 SPY ON THURSDAY - NOW WE KNOW THE SEASON'S CLIMAX

So the 2007 FA Cup Final will be a first team game.

01.05.2007 APRIL DIARY: THE PENALTY OF NO PENALTIES

Sun Apr 29th Carvalho has a scan. His torn ligament is clear... Shevchenko reports a groin strain after training, and now he too is out of the game.

01.05.2007 PAT NEVIN: ATTEMPTS TO HAVE IT ALL

As his former club looks to book a place in Europe's biggest single match, Pat believes goals are certain tonight.

01.05.2007 PRE-MATCH: LIVERPOOL V CHELSEA

Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton get ready as this Chelsea side aims to go where no Chelsea side has gone before - the Champions League Final.

27.04.2007 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V BOLTON WANDERERS

With just 12 points more to play for, club historian Rick Glanvill says Chelsea must guard against an awkward Saturday afternoon. Statistician Paul Dutton spots approaching new records.

26.04.2007 SPY ON THURSDAY - A FEW DAYS IN THE LIFE OF A CHELSEA PLAYER

When the final whistle goes, the job isn't over.

25.04.2007 GILES SMITH: VOTING WRONGS

Our columnist this week has found cause to ask one of the fundamental questions of life. Do footballers know anything about football?

24.04.2007 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V LIVERPOOL

The remaining Champions League campaign will be a card game as well as a ball game according to club historian Rick Glanvill. Paul Dutton has the statistical background to English football's big night.

24.04.2007 PAT NEVIN: WATCHING FROM AFAR

This week, Pat has joined the large band of supporters who, during an eventful week, have all followed the Chelsea from over land and sea.

23.04.2007 LOOK AT IT THIS WAY - NOW MAN UTD HAVE FOUR AWAY

Scott Parker, Newcastle's captain and former Chelsea midfielder, stood outside our dressing room after yesterday's draw shaking his head in disbelief.

20.04.2007 PRE-MATCH: NEWCASTLE UNITED V CHELSEA

Sunday lunch is booked in at St. James' but there will be no stroll in the Park. Club historian Rick Glanvill looks at another crucial clash as stats man Paul Dutton charts the present and the past.

19.04.2007 SPY ON THURSDAY - WELL DONE, TAKE A BREATHER

The first thing José Mourinho did last night when he returned to the dressing room after the win at West Ham was tell the players they could have today off.

18.04.2007 GILES SMITH: FOR CHRIS SAKE!

Love us or hate us, they can't ignore us. As another pundit attacks, Chelsea season ticket holder and columnist Giles Smith leaps to his team's defence.

18.04.2007 PRE-MATCH: WEST HAM UNITED V CHELSEA

The title fight reaches its closing rounds but club historian Rick Glanvill argues there will be no let-up in intensity as Chelsea travel down the Thames and the table to meet old London adversaries. Statistician Paul Dutton charts mixed fortunes ahead of the game.

17.04.2007 PAT NEVIN: WATCHING THE LATE SHOW

Is there a secret to winning games late on? No, just good, solid football reasons says Pat, a veteran of 242 Chelsea appearances and more recently our Tuesday columnist.

16.04.2007 LOOK AT IT THIS WAY - EPIC REACHING CLIMAX

We know no club has ever won the Quadruple, but don't forget that no club has ever won the Domestic Treble.

14.04.2007 PRE-FA CUP SEMI-FINAL: BLACKBURN ROVERS V CHELSEA

Between us, Chelsea and Blackburn have contested 35 FA Cup semi-finals. Club historian Rick Glanvill tells of a time when broadcasters took only a passing interest in the two teams meeting. Paul Dutton supplies stats both past and present.

11.04.2007 GILES SMITH: YAAAARRRGGGHHH!

Last night was without doubt a night for top drawer celebrations. The efforts were not wasted on our sofa-bound but enraptured Wednesday columnist.

10.04.2007 PAT NEVIN - CONCENTRATION THE KEY

There is only one subject on Chelsea minds today and our Tuesday columnist explains the need for no distractions ahead of a momentous night in Spain.

10.04.2007 PRE-MATCH: VALENCIA V CHELSEA

As Chelsea stand one good result away from our third semi-final in just five Champions League campaigns, club historian Rick Glanvill previews a hot encounter on the Med. Paul Dutton runs through the numbers needed for the big night ahead.

06.04.2007 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Barely a moment to catch breath after Europe, especially for our visitors, but club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton have found the time to preview the lunchtime encounter.

05.04.2007 SPY ON THURSDAY - LETTING OFF STEAM

The day after a big game like last night, players seem to fall into two camps.

04.04.2007 GILES SMITH: THE LATE, LATE SHOW

Where will you be five minutes before tonight's final whistle? Our Wednesday columnist won't be found anywhere but his vantage point in the Matthew Harding Upper.

04.04.2007 PRE-MATCH BRIEFING: CHELSEA V VALENCIA

Chelsea club historian Rick Glanvill has the low-down on Los Ches as the Blues welcome Spanish opposition for the fifth time in three Champions League campaigns. Statistician Paul Dutton compares English and Iberian records.

03.04.2007 PAT NEVIN: BEHIND OPPOSITION LINES

This week Pat writes his column fresh from meeting a man who Chelsea may yet encounter in all three competitions we are currently contesting.

02.04.2007 LOOK AT IT THIS WAY - THE WEEKEND'S GOOD NEWS

On Saturday we qualified for next season's Champions League. On Sunday Joe Cole and Wayne Bridge returned to full training.

01.04.2007 MARCH DIARY: STILL HUNTING FOR ALL THE GLORY

Sat March 31st: At Cobham, Essien is running again along with Joe Cole and Bridge... Somehow, we're still six points behind United. We're still in with a chance of winning every tournament we entered in August.

30.03.2007 PRE-MATCH: WATFORD V CHELSEA

After a two-week break, the title marathon race is back on. Club historian Rick Glanvill spots a healthy pattern to results after gaps in fixtures. Statistician Paul Dutton provides further figures.

29.03.2007 SPY ON THURSDAY - NO TIME TO BREATHE

Training today is at 1pm so that all the internationals can get back and do a warm-down.

28.03.2007 GILES SMITH: TWO'S NOT A CROWD

With tonight's England team-sheet awaited with a little interest and a dearth of Chelsea action to occupy the mind, our Wednesday columnist gets teeth into the Lampard-Gerrard debate.

27.03.2007 PAT NEVIN - WHAT ENGLAND SHOULD EXPECT

Our Tuesday columnist, son of Glasgow and former international player is perfectly placed to give a dispassionate view on England's trials and tribulations and the Chelsea players within.

26.03.2007 LOOK AT IT THIS WAY - ENGLAND CHELSEA

All the other journalists have had their say on England, and I disagree with them all. So here is my view. Not surprisingly, it's very informed by Chelsea experiences.

22.03.2007 SPY ON THURSDAY - JOE COLE IS NEARLY READY

Joe Cole was out on the fields of Cobham yesterday running hard, putting real weight bearing pressure on his mending foot.

21.03.2007 GILES SMITH: CARRY ON GLOVING

Our Wednesday columnist calls on the authorities to take the gloves off when dealing with misbehaviour from Monday, but for the players to most definitely not.

20.03.2007 PAT NEVIN: THE SHEVA OF OLD

Not a man unknown to scoring a memorable Chelsea goal or two himself in the past, this week Pat Nevin discusses current players finding their true feet.

19.03.2007 LOOK AT IT THIS WAY - WHAT SHOULD JOSÉ DO FOR SPURS?

A random phone-in and email vote amongst Chelsea TV viewers on Friday evening concluded that our best performance of the season was the 2-2 draw away to Barcelona.

19.03.2007 FA CUP PRE-MATCH: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR V CHELSEA

Here we go again! Just two days after the two teams were last in action and eight after their original quarter-final meeting, club historian Rick Glanvill is expecting to see a different Chelsea from the 3-3 draw. Stats man Paul Dutton looks at the replay records.

16.03.2007 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V SHEFFIELD UNITED

Saturday is a day of home truths for the top two with both Man United and ourselves expected to take three points off visiting sides. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton set the scene as the race heats up.

15.03.2007 SPY ON THURSDAY - WHY CFC IS SPECIAL

In the front row of the upper tier of the visitors' section at Manchester City last night were Kevin Hitchcock and his son Thomas.

14.03.2007 GILES SMITH - PLAYING THE JOB MARKET

Our Wednesday columnist, amused by the workings of Fleet Street this week, decides to take on the mantle of careers advisor.

14.03.2007 PRE-MATCH: MANCHESTER CITY V CHELSEA

Club historian Rick Glanvill prepares for José Mourinho's troops to lay siege to Stuart Pearce's beleaguered forces. Statistician Paul Dutton charts fluctuating fortunes.

13.03.2007 PAT NEVIN - TRIALS OF COMEBACK TRAIL

Our Tuesday columnist played in a couple of the all-time great Chelsea fightbacks, at Cardiff and Sheffield Wednesday. He discusses the stresses and strains of such occasions.

12.03.2007 LOOK AT IT THIS WAY - APPETITE TO KILL THE VIRUS

We've caught the virus again! Starting games badly and going behind.

09.03.2007 FA CUP PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

So many memories, so much to play for. Club historian Rick Glanvill looks forward to this most evocative of our London derbies as statistician Paul Dutton prepares the FA Cup facts and figures.

08.03.2007 BALLACK - I RECOMMEND THE PREMIER LEAGUE

What a significant month it has been for Michael Ballack. He has been speaking to www.chelseafc.com about it, the Bundesliga and his English experience so far.

08.03.2007 SPY ON THURSDAY - HARD MEN DIVING

Here is my all-time Chelsea Hard Man XI.

06.03.2007 PAT NEVIN - GOLDEN GOALIES

In this week's column, Pat joins the band of people who come to praise our keeper - and remembers back to his Chelsea playing days and a great goalkeeper who sadly didn't recover from injury.

06.03.2007 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V PORTO

The past doesn't win matches and stats don't win matches said José Mourinho on Monday. That's a pity reckon club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton because those factors point in the Blues' favour for this big home leg.

05.03.2007 LOOK AT IT THIS WAY - THE WAY WE ARE

Didier Drogba's goal at Portsmouth on Saturday was his 29th for Chelsea this season. That puts him level with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's best year for the club.

01.03.2007 FEBRUARY DIARY: ONE TROPHY WON, THREE TO GO

Sun February 25th. Lampard collects the trophy, Chelsea's fifth in two-and-a-half years under Mourinho, and our fourth ever League Cup, and celebrations begin.

28.02.2007 GILES SMITH: SO FAREWELL CARDIFF

Our Wednesday columnist just about made it back from Cardiff in time to pen his thoughts this week - and in a strange way, he'll miss his trips across the Severn Bridge.

27.02.2007 PAT NEVIN: REFLECTIONS ON THE SILVERWARE

As promised last week, our Tuesday columnist and former Blue gets up close and personal with the Carling Cup heroes.

26.02.2007 LOOK AT IT THIS WAY - THE GOOD NEWS FINAL

Neil Barnett has been writing, editing and broadcasting for Chelsea for over 20 years. He believes the 2007 Carling Cup Final deserved better reviews than today's newspapers gave it.

23.02.2007 PRE-MATCH: CARLING CUP FINAL

It's Chelsea's big guns versus the Gunners' fledglings. Or is it? Chelsea club historian Rick Glanvill investigates. Statistician Paul Dutton has cup final facts fever.

22.02.2007 SPY ON THURSDAY - RECOVERING FROM EUROPE

Chelsea's Spy In The Camp has been bringing inside news, banter and comment for 20 years in the matchday programme, on Chelsea TV and now on the web. Today he follows the team back from Porto to Surrey and beyond.

21.02.2007 GILES SMITH: LET THE TRAIN TAKE THE STRAIN

Chelsea are back on the European trail and back in a cup final. Our midweek columnist looks at the trials and tribulations of the travelling fan.

20.02.2007 PAT NEVIN: THE EYES HAVE IT

If you notice a Chelsea player throw a glance towards José Mourinho and the bench during Wednesday night's game in Porto, our columnist and former Chelsea star knows why. Pat explains here.

19.02.2007 LOOK AT IT THIS WAY - GAINING PLAYERS, AVOIDING REPLAYS

Neil Barnett has been writing, editing and broadcasting for Chelsea for over 20 years. Today he is thinking about Cech, Wright-Phillips and Wenger!

16.02.2007 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V NORWICH CITY

The Canaries were on song midweek but club historian Rick Glanvill finds nothing in our FA Cup past with Norwich to give our opponents hope for Saturday. Statistician Paul Dutton has the 5th round facts and figures.

15.02.2007 SPY: IT'S ONLY WORDS

Chelsea's Spy In The Camp has been bringing inside news, banter and comment for 20 years in the matchday programme, on Chelsea TV and now on the web. He's found worldwide reaction to Lassana Diarra speaking English.

14.02.2007 GILES SMITH: THE UNDERCARD

Our Wednesday columnist takes a break from the Premiership main event to score some other heavyweight contests.

13.02.2007 PAT NEVIN: SALOMON SWIFT AND A HEALTHY HEART

In his Tuesday column, former Blues winger Pat Nevin discusses the benefits of swift feet up front, and spots a young talent settling in.

12.02.2007 LOOK AT IT THIS WAY - NOTHING SPECIAL, IT'S ONLY 3-0

Neil Barnett has been writing, editing and broadcasting for Chelsea for over 20 years. He took Saturday's 3-0 win for granted.

09.02.2007 PRE-MATCH: CHELSEA V MIDDLESBROUGH

Tales from the Riverside have not made pleasant reading for Chelsea the past two seasons but as club historian Rick Glanvill recalls and statistician Paul Dutton proves with figures, it's a whole different story at Stamford Bridge.

08.02.2007 SPY ON THURSDAY - WHO'D TAKE ON BLUES UNDER-23s?

Chelsea's Spy In The Camp has been bringing inside news, banter and comment for 20 years in the matchday programme, on Chelsea TV and now on the web. He selects a Chelsea Under-23s team which can give us hope for the future.

07.02.2007 GILES SMITH: WHITE HART PAIN

Mentally bruised from his experience at the weekend, our Wednesday columnist ruminates on the dangers of relying on others.

06.02.2007 PAT NEVIN: THE RACE AND THE REWARDS

In his first column of February, Pat Nevin watches on as the teams turn into the home straight in the pursuit of the title.

05.02.2007 LOOK AT IT THIS WAY - LAMPARD'S LINE AND TEAM CHINA

Neil Barnett has been writing, editing and broadcasting for Chelsea for over 20 years. Frank Lampard and tonight's game against Team China are looked at today.