chelseafc.comCHELSEA FOOTBALL CLUB OFFICIAL SITE

JOSE PLEDGE FOR 2012

José Mourinho today backed the 2012 Olympics in London.

The Chelsea Football Club manager was one of several personalities who helped launch the new London 2012 brand as part of the club's ongoing support for the Games.

At the event Mourinho made an Olympic pledge alongside Lord Sebastian Coe, the chairman of London 2012, double Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes and tennis star Andy Murray amongst others.

Mourinho said: 'My pledge is to live the Games in a special way and to live it as a Londoner, so probably in 2012 I will be in London.'

Chelsea FC was the first Premiership club to pledge support for the bid before London was awarded the Olympics and has retained close links since.

Barclays Premier League

Pos	Team	Pts
1	Man Utd	87
2	Chelsea	85
3	Arsenal	83
Full League Table

Next season's fixtures will be released on
June 16.
To get the news first, click here to sign up to our official SMS service


1	1
19:45 21/05/2008
Match Report

QUICKLINKS

RANDOM LINKS

ESSIEN DENIES INTER LINK

Michael Essien's representatives insists the midfielder is happy at Chelsea and have denied he has any interest in joining Internazionale.

NEW CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PICTURE TAKES SHAPE

With the relevant league campaigns across Europe now at an end, the list of club names to take part in next season's Champions League competition is now known.

BETTING: PUNTERS BACKING SPANISH

Despite their reputation as the perennial chokers of world football (and their lack of Chelsea players!) Spain is the most popular team for punters at Euro 2008 reports our online bookie Paddy Power.

FRENCH TRIO INVOLVED

Each of our three Frenchmen were involved in their country's final warm-up game before Euro 2008, a narrow 1-0 victory over Colombia in Paris on Tuesday night.

THREE DAYS LEFT IN SEASON TICKET COUNTDOWN

Three days remain for season ticket renewals. The deadline is 5pm on Friday June 6.

CHELSEA STATEMENT ON MANAGER

Contrary to reports Chelsea Football Club has not reached agreement with any individual to become manager, nor have we sought permission from any organisation to talk to their manager.

CHELSEA TV EXCLUSIVE: CECH ON CHANGE

The domestic season may be over with the European Championships about to begin but Chelsea players continue to talk on the club's official television channel. Petr Cech has been discussing life when the manager's job is passed on.

BLUES BACK FOR CLIC SARGENT

Kerry Dixon and John Hollins took up managerial roles at Stamford Bridge last Friday, as they ran two opposing teams for charity.

WEEKEND WORLDWIDE BLUES

With less than a week to go before Euro 2008 kicks-off, Chelsea players have been in weekend warm-up action while for our lone England representative, there was success in hot climes.

POST-SEASON BRIEFING

Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton look back on another epic season at Stamford Bridge, and find a range of remarkable happenings. All the stats from 2007/8 that you could possibly need.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Petr Cech's Czech Republic faced Scotland in Prague this evening in a game that saw the hosts win 3-1.

CHELSEA IN ISRAEL: BREAKING BORDERS

The Chelsea adventure in the Middle East continued on Thursday as the travelling group of players and staff spent the day coaching at the Davis-Lewis centre in Jaffa, Israel.

BLUES BAR CLOSURE

The Blues Bar at Stamford Bridge will close for business at the end of this month and will be replaced by Frankie's Sports Bar and Grill at the beginning of the new season.

ENGLAND IN THE CARIBBEAN

With only Wayne Bridge travelling to the Caribbean with England as Joe Cole, John Terry, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard are all rested, online betting partners Paddy Power have the left-back at 14/1 to score at any point in the game.

CHELSEA PART COMPANY WITH TEN CATE

Chelsea Football Club can confirm that it terminated Henk Ten Cate's contract today (Thursday, May 29). This follows a meeting this morning.

CAPELLO IMPRESSED BY TERRY

Fabio Capello has praised England captain John Terry for his performance during last night's 2-0 win over the USA.

PETER OSGOOD GOLF DAY

Team-mates and friends of the late, great Peter Osgood will be taking part in a Golf Day to help raise money for charity.

MERSON'S ON CHELSEA TV

Paul Merson offers his opinion on possible summer transfer targets on Chelsea TV in tonight's Blues News at 6.30pm.

CHELSEA IN JORDAN: FOOTBALL FOCUS

Our second and final day in Jordan has seen the Chelsea playing and coaching staff offer their expertise to the football-hungry children and coaches of Amman, with help from Right to Play.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

There were four Blues on international duty this evening as England hosted the USA at Wembley in a game that saw the home side win 2-0.

CHELSEA IN JORDAN: CARL IS KEEN

Fresh from completing a 72-hour bike ride to raise money for fighting breast cancer, Carl Magnay has joined his team-mates in the Middle East, and admits he wouldn't have it any other way.

GILES SMITH'S MIDWEEK VIEW

Seven days after the disappointment of Moscow, Wednesday columnist Giles Smith is beginning to get the feeling back, and slowly but surely gaining some sense of perspective on the events at the Luzhniki Stadium.

BALLACK'S BACK ON CHELSEA TV

Michael Ballack speaks to Chelsea TV in tonight's Big Interview at 7.30pm.

BLUES ON INTERNATIONAL DUTY

There was another bout of friendlies this evening (Tuesday) with six Blues on international duty.

CHELSEA IN JORDAN: KICK-OFF

The activities have begun in the Middle East as a 20-strong Chelsea party of players and staff team up with Right to Play in Amman.

PADDY POWER BACK TERRY

Chelsea's online betting partner Paddy Power have John Terry at 7/1 to score in tomorrow night's international friendly against the USA.

JT NAMED AS ENGLAND CAPTAIN

Fabio Capello has named John Terry as captain for England's international friendly with the USA tomorrow evening (Wednesday).

BLAIR BACKS CHELSEA VISIT TO MIDDLE EAST

Chelsea Football Club has embarked on a community tour in Jordan and Israel this week, using the power of football to bring people and communities together.

WRIGHT-PHILLIPS RELAYS HIS KNOWLEDGE

Shaun Wright-Phillips' dedication to football cannot be faulted and with Ian Wright as his father and mentor he was destined to become a star.

NEWS FROM JORDAN ON CHELSEA TV

You can hear all the latest from Chelsea's trip to Israel with the club's global charity partner Right To Play on Chelsea TV in Blues News at 6.30pm.

PAT NEVIN: IF ANYONE CAN COPE IT IS TERRY

With another season behind us, and one that almost brought the biggest trophy in the club's history, Pat Nevin takes a professional look at Moscow's outcome and what a certain kick will mean to our captain.

EUROPE WATCHED ON

The Champions League Final between Chelsea and Manchester United was watched in the United Kingdom by over half of all TV viewers tuned in at the time.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Euro 2008 warm-up preparations begin this week for the countries involved and there has already been match action for Chelsea players at various age levels.

GRANT LEAVES CHELSEA

Chelsea Football Club can confirm that Avram Grant has had his contract as manager terminated on Saturday. This follows meetings over the previous two days.

CHELSEA TV: 'LIVE FROM STAMFORD BRIDGE' SPECIAL

Chelsea TV will be broadcasting a 'Live From Stamford Bridge' special this Monday, 6.30pm-8pm, following the departure of manager Avram Grant.

JT LETTER TO FANS

John Terry has written an open letter to Chelsea fans following the Champions League Final.

THANKS TO THE FANS

Everybody at Chelsea Football Club wants to thanks our supporters for their incredible support in Moscow.

CHELSEA TV EXCLUSIVE: BUCK TO THE FUTURE

With thoughts moving on from the Champions League Final and ahead to challenges to come, chairman Bruce Buck has outlined some basic intentions.

UEFA CHIEF COMMENDS

In a summary of the second Champions League Final since he took charge of the European governing body, Uefa President Michel Platini has spoken highly of the fans who attended the game and of John Terry.

WIN FOR CHELSEA SENIORS

Chelsea Football Club may no longer carry the pre-war nickname of 'The Pensioners' but senior supporters at Stamford Bridge are in the news with an award for our Education Department.

CHELSEA TV EXCLUSIVE: CECH REFLECTS

Petr Cech said Wednesday night was one of the toughest games he's played and was eventually decided on 'a bit of luck' for Manchester United.

CHAIRMAN BUCK LIVE ON CHELSEA TV

Chairman Bruce Buck (pictured) and legend Kerry Dixon join Neil Barnett Live From Stamford Bridge on Chelsea TV at 6.30pm tonight to look back on the Uefa Champions League Final and forward to summer transfers.

CARL'S RIDE FOR CANCER AWARENESS

Reserve team defender Carl Magnay is setting off a on a cross country bike ride this weekend, in support of a charity close to his heart.

OLD BOYS ACTION THIS SUNDAY

Chelsea Old Boys travel to the home of Leatherhead FC to play Bookham Old Boys this Sunday (May 25).

LAMPS: WE'LL BE BACK

Frank Lampard, the first Chelsea player to score in a Champions League Final, believes that the better side lost out in Moscow on Wednesday evening, but is adamant that the Blues will return stronger for the experience.

CLARKE: IT WASN'T OUR NIGHT

Steve Clarke, Chelsea's assistant coach, knows just how hard it was for the Blues and our fans to be beaten in the Champions League Final on penalties.

LAMPARD SET FOR JUNE TALKS

Chelsea duty for Frank Lampard may be over for another season but the vice-captain has explained international action must end before he can turn his attention to contract negotiations.

STATEMENT ON DISORDER

Chelsea Football Club totally condemns the disorder that occurred in the local area near Stamford Bridge after yesterday's game.

REACTION: THE REASON WE WERE HERE

Avram Grant's final post-match thoughts of his first Chelsea season reflected a painful defeat inflicted by the narrowest of margins.

MATCH REPORT: MANCHESTER UNITED 1 CHELSEA 1 (6-5 ON PENS)

Making history with a first Champions League Final appearance, Chelsea lost out on penalties to Manchester United after a penalty shootout concluded an enthralling 120 minutes of football at the Luzhniki Stadium.

MINUTE DETAIL: MANCHESTER UNITED 1 CHELSEA 1 (PENS 6-5)

Manchester United v Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League Final at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Wednesday May 21, 2008.

TEAM NEWS: CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL

Ashley Cole has won his race to play following yesterday's training knock on his ankle. In front of the full-back on the left wing, Florent Malouda has been selected in preference to Salomon Kalou.

RED SQUARE DELIGHTS

The grey weather failed to dampen the mood inside Red Square today as throngs of Chelsea fans enjoyed the football festivities.

JT: A CAPTAIN'S DESIRE

Not long after midnight in Moscow, John Terry could be climbing the steps inside the Luzhniki Stadium to lift the European Cup high into the Russian sky. There is no other inspiration necessary.

GILES SMITH'S MIDWEEK VIEW

It's Champions League Final day - and who'd have believed - Chelsea are there! Who better to set the scene than columnist and supporter Giles Smith.

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

The new Mayor of London Boris Johnson has sent a good luck message to Chelsea today ahead of today's Champions League Final in Moscow.

DOUBLE UP ON BLUES LIFTING THE CUP

Online betting partner Paddy Power look ahead to the most hotly anticipated game of the season.

GIORGIO'S EURO COLUMN

Ahead of tonight's showdown, resident Champions League expert Giorgio Chinaglia tells us how he thinks the game will be won and lost.

BEST BUILD-UP AND REACTION ON CHELSEA TV

Chelsea's official television channel will be the place for the earliest, longest and most in-depth coverage of tonight's historic Champions League Final.

IT'S KERRY VERSUS PADDY!

It's the big one! - and although there is no chance that tipster Kerry Dixon can overhaul bookie Paddy Power in their season-long betting challenge, he will still take pleasure from coming out on top from the game the world is watching.

FERGUSON: CHELSEA ARE STRONGER

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes his side will have to adapt their game to cope with our physical power, and admitted his side lack the experience of the Blues.

FRANK: ENJOY THE MOMENT

Frank Lampard, on the eve of the biggest game of his career, is refusing to let matters outside those taking place on the grass of the Luzhniki Stadium, cloud his view of the task in hand.

THE FINAL PREPARATIONS

Over 1,500 miles away from Stamford Bridge, the full Chelsea squad has trained for the final time before they run out for the game of the club's life.

ALL EYES ON AVRAM

Moments after arriving at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Avram Grant faced the world's media for the last time before the Champions League Final.

CLIVE'S COMMENTARY CLICHÉS

It's the one we've all been waiting for. Betting's biggest football match ever, the first all-English final, the mission to Moscow. It's Manchester United v Chelsea in the Champions League Final.

BLUES HEAD TO RED SQUARE

A day after arriving in Moscow, the Chelsea players have been out and about in Red Square. Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini are just two who have savoured the sights.

PAT NEVIN: WHAT YOU DESERVE

In Moscow on Wednesday night, former Chelsea Player of the Year Pat Nevin will join tens of thousands of the club's fans in savouring the occasion. In his column this week, he considers a night well-earned.

THAT'S MY FINAL ANSWER - PART THREE

With the countdown to the Champions League Final now down to hours rather than days, Chelsea squad members continue to recount the memories that have stayed in their minds from watching the competition.

WILKINS: BLUES HAVE THE EXPERIENCE

Few players down the years have enjoyed such an accomplished career with both Chelsea and Manchester United but despite having worn both shirts, Ray Wilkins is prepared to call the outcome of the biggest ever clash between the two clubs.

RUSSIA GETS READY

The Chelsea squad has landed in Moscow and as the Russian capital prepares for the biggest football event on the European stage, chelseafc.com sought the low-down on what the host nation is feeling as Wednesday draws near.

PRE-MATCH BRIEFING: CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL

Both Moscow-bound and excited, Chelsea club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton can wait no longer to provide their extensive preview to the big night.

CHELSEA TV EXCLUSIVE: ASH ON RONALDO

On Wednesday, Ashley Cole is likely to have the unenviable task of marking double Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo. The defender spoke exclusively to Chelsea TV to outline his expectations.

TEAM TAKE OFF FOR MOSCOW

The Chelsea squad departed England for Russia this afternoon, as the final preparations for the Champions League date with Manchester United begin.

HAVE A GOOD TRIP

Chelsea Football Club would like to wish all our fans travelling to Moscow a safe journey, and to ease your experience we would suggest certain observations.

VOICES OF EXPERIENCE

After several near misses, the club is preparing for its first Champions League Final, yet within the squad there are no fewer than nine players who have been here before. We caught up with a few to share their experiences.

FINAL REF NAMED

Slovakian Lubos Michel will referee the UEFA Champions League Final in Moscow on Wednesday.

COUNTDOWN TO MOSCOW ON CHELSEA TV

With the Champions League Final drawing closer, Chelsea's official television channel builds up towards the club's biggest game in our history.

CHELSEA OLD BOYS WIN AGAIN

Chelsea Old Boys gained another triumph yesterday with a 2-1 win over Ampthill Town FC.

OUR STARS WILL SHINE

Nicolas Anelka, veteran of a Champions League Final eight years ago, believes our big players can be the difference against Manchester United on Wednesday.

RED SQUARE COMES ALIVE

The UEFA Champions League Festival opened on Saturday, and already thousands of fans have been enjoying the friendly atmosphere in Red Square.

THREE IN FOR FRANCE

Claude Makelele, Florent Malouda and Nicolas Anelka have all had their places in France's provisional Euro 2008 squad confirmed.

PETRESCU: DEFENCE CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

Dan Petrescu has become the latest ex-Chelsea player to rate the Blues' chances in Moscow. He gave his views to chelseafc.com at last week's Star on a Stool event.

BALLACK JOINS CALLED-UP BLUES

Michael Ballack is the latest Chelsea player to have his selection confirmed for this summer's Euro 2008 tournament.

CHELSEA TV EXCLUSIVE: IT WILL BE TIGHT

Just weeks before he joined Chelsea in 2004, Didier Drogba sampled defeat in a European final. It was a taste of something he is determined to avoid next week.

THAT'S MY FINAL ANSWER - PART TWO

With the countdown to the Champions League Final now at four days to go, we continue to catch up with the first team squad for past memories of watching Europe's number one club fixture.

BETTING: THE WORLD'S BIGGEST MONEY-BACK SPECIAL

Money-Back on Champions League Final if Ronaldo scores

EURO UNDER 17S: FRANCE FALL

There was disappointment for Chelsea's France Under 17 international Gaël Kakuta as his country lost heavily to Spain in the European Championship Final but the player did not end the day totally empty-handed.

JOE'S ROAD TO MOSCOW

Joe Cole has been in the starting line-up for every Champions League game this season and as a True Blue, reaching the finals means all the more. chelseafc.com joined our artful dodger of tackles to review the Road to Moscow.

DAN PETRESCU - STAR ON A STOOL

Last night Dan Petrescu took part in our third Star on Stool event at Stamford Bridge and fielded questions from True Blues keen to get the low-down on the Romanian's career with the club.

RICCY: WE HAVE TO WIN

Ricardo Carvalho insists we have to win the Champions League this season, and that there is far more expectation on us than there was on his successful Porto side in 2004.

THAT'S MY FINAL ANSWER

With just five days until the match football fans the world over will make sure to watch, chelseafc.com will be asking the Chelsea squad for outstanding memories from viewing Champions League Finals past.

PLAY LIKE YOUR HEROES

A few places still remain for the chance to strut your stuff on the hallowed Stamford Bridge turf in support of our national charity partner CLIC Sargent.

EURO UNDER 17S: CHELSEA NAME IN TODAY'S FINAL

The Champions League Final is understandably the centre of all Chelsea attention this week but Friday afternoon sees our Academy player, Gaël Kakuta, represent France in the final of the European Under 17s Championship.

BILLBOARD BLUES

Travellers around London this past fortnight may have noticed the city turning blue as the brand new adidas home kit for the 08/09 season takes up prominent positions.

CHELSEA PARADE STATEMENT

The club has today released a statement on the subject of a parade should we win next week's Champions League Final.

STATEMENT FROM CHELSEA ON CHINA EARTHQUAKE

Everybody at Chelsea Football Club has been shocked and saddened by the consequences of the earthquake in China.

FREE MOSCOW GUIDE FROM LONELY PLANET

The publishers of the famous Lonely Planet guidebooks have produced a free mini-guide to Moscow especially for Chelsea fans attending the Champions League Final.

THE FESTIVITIES START EARLY

The showpiece Final may not be until Wednesday, but festivities in Moscow will be beginning as early as Saturday, when the UEFA Champions Festival kicks off in the city's famous Red Square.

DESAILLY: BLUES HAVE THE ADVANTAGE

There are few players better versed in Champions League achievement than former Chelsea captain Marcel Desailly. He has told chelseafc.com how he rates our chances next week.

PODCAST PREPARES FOR CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

This week the official Chelsea Podcast goes Champions League crazy, as we prepare for the biggest game in the club's history.

CHELSEA TV EXCLUSIVE: JT FREE TO TAKE BIG CHANCE

John Terry has supported Avram Grant's assessment that the player will be fit and ready to lead the team into Chelsea's biggest game next week.

PETRESCU PRACTISES FOR TONIGHT

Dan Petrescu is looking forward to his chance to answer questions from True Blues at tonight's Star on a Stool.

CECH CONFIRMED FOR CZECH SUMMER

Petr Cech is the latest Chelsea star to receive a formal call-up for Euro 2008. He is one of three keepers in the Czech Republic's provisional 23-man squad.

THE MOST IMPORTANT GAME

Two sides who know each other better than most will go head-to-head in Moscow in a week's time but Avram Grant doesn't anticipate familiarity breeding an uneventful game.

KALOU CAN'T WAIT

Still early in his career, Salomon Kalou has admitted his excitement before next week's Champions League Final, and has been discussing the improvements he has made under Avram Grant's tutelage.

ANTI-RACISM TAKES CHELSEA TO DOWNING STREET

Peter Kenyon and Avram Grant met the Prime Minster, Gordon Brown at Downing Street to celebrate the achievements of tackling racism within the game and society.

GILES SMITH'S MIDWEEK VIEW

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

EURO UNDER 17S: KAKUTA TO CONTEST FINAL

Gaël Kakuta, one of the key players behind Chelsea's run to the FA Youth Cup Final, will play in another final on Friday after France's semi-final win in the European Under 17s Championships.

GRANT: SKIPPER SHOULD BE OKAY

Avram Grant has given his views on Chelsea's injury situation plus some recent newspaper stories, speaking with optimism on the club captain's chance of leading the team onto the pitch in Moscow.

CECH CLARIFICATION ON MEDIA STORIES

Petr Cech has today issued a statement after speculation in today's media linked him with a move away from the club.

PETRESCU PREPARES

Dan Petrescu said he is excited about being part of Chelsea's next special event when he becomes our Star on a Stool this Thursday.

DROGBA: I'LL BE THERE

Didier Drogba is confident he can be fit for next week's Champions League Final after taking a knock to his knee on Sunday.

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.

OLD BOYS AT AMPTHILL

Chelsea Old Boys return to action this weekend as they meet Ampthill Town of Bedfordshire in a fundraising friendly on Sunday.

THREE IN FOR PORTUGAL

Chelsea new boy José Bosingwa has more to celebrate today as he has been named in the Portugal squad for Euro 2008, alongside new team-mates Paulo Ferreira and Ricardo Carvalho.

WINSTON'S CELERY IS OUT AGAIN

The third edition of Chelsea TV's mad quiz show Winston Bogarde's Huge Celery is broadcast at 10.30pm today.

LOOKING FORWARD TO MOSCOW

John Mikel Obi believes the disappointment of missing out on Premier League silverware can spur us on to European success when we meet Manchester United in Moscow next week.

LIVE THE BRIDGE DREAM

The last chance to sign up and play at Stamford Bridge in aid of CLIC Sargent is fast approaching.

BOSINGWA AIMS HIGH

Chelsea's early summer capture, José Bosingwa, has been speaking following his agreement to join for next season, explaining his decision to move from Portugal.

SEASON TICKET RENEWAL NEWS

The renewal date for season tickets has been extended for fans paying by credit/debit card, cash or cheque.

BOSINGWA TO JOIN CHELSEA

José Bosingwa has agreed terms with Chelsea Football Club and will join the club after Euro 2008. He has agreed a three-year contract.

LADIES DAY AT COBHAM

Cobham played host to the first national tournament for female college players with disabilities last week, and our Ladies World Cup winner Lorrie Fair was on hand to help out.

GET KITTED OUT WITH THE NEW CHELSEA MAGAZINE

The season may be drawing to a close, but it remains all-go with the Chelsea magazine, packed with a host of features to see you through the next month.

CHELSEA AGREE BOSINGWA DEAL

Chelsea Football Club can confirm we have reached agreement with FC Porto for the transfer of Jose Bosingwa. The player is now in England to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical.

GO TO THE FINAL WITH THOMAS COOK

Chelsea's allocation of tickets (without travel packages) for the Champions League Final is now sold out.

EXPERT ANALYSIS ON CHELSEA TV

Avram Grant, John Terry and Ashley Cole all give post-match reactions on Chelsea TV in tonight's Monday Night Live.

MOSCOW - DO OR DIE

John Terry said all eyes are now on the Champions League after the penultimate day of the season saw Manchester United secure the title.

COBHAM NOMINATED

Our Cobham training ground has been nominated for a prestigious award by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

REACTION: NOT GIVING UP

After praising his players and congratulating Manchester United, Avram Grant would not rule John Terry out of the Champions League Final in Moscow next Wednesday.

MATCH REPORT: CHELSEA 1 BOLTON WANDERERS 1

Chelsea finished yet another season unbeaten at Stamford Bridge but we were held by Bolton to a 1-1 draw.

MINUTE DETAIL: CHELSEA 1 BOLTON WANDERERS 1

61 CHELSEA GOAL Shevchenko turns Lampard's bouncing shot in from eight yards for the long-awaited goal. Cole's earlier shot was blocked and fell Lamps's way.

TEAM NEWS: CHELSEA V BOLTON WANDERERS

Alex comes into defence in place of Ricardo Carvalho with Michael Essien at right-back and Player of the Year Joe Cole returning in front of the Ghanaian.

MATCHDAY PROGRAMME NOTES

You can read today's matchday programme notes online.

CHELSEA TV EXCLUSIVE: COLE CONSIDERS

Joe Cole, Chelsea Player of the Year, has been speaking ahead of today's game, picking out some of names that could prove influential in the final act in the league season.

THE FIRST TITLE TRAIL

Find yourself in the Chelsea dressing room before kick-off this afternoon and not own a past league championship winners' medal and you will be in a tiny minority. Two of those few looking for a first league medal, Salomon Kalou and John Mikel Obi, have been speaking of their desire to join the majority.

GRANT RECALLS GRAND FINALE

Today's final 90 minutes of league football may stir memories of 1995 when Manchester United lost the title race on the final day; Blackburn the beneficiaries, but 13 years ago, Avram Grant was involved in a final day shake-up of his own.

EURO UNDER 17S: KAKUTA PROGRESSES

Chelsea youth team top scorer Gaël Kakuta will play in the semi-finals of the European Under 17 Championships after France's 2-0 group stage win over Switzerland.

AVRAM: WE WAIT

With the Premier League title going to the last day of the season for the first time in nine years tomorrow, Avram Grant believes he will not need to look far to find out what is going on at the JJB Stadium.

PETRESCU BACK NEXT WEEK

Chelsea this month continues our series of special events when Dan Petrescu takes part in Star on a Stool on May 15.

AVRAM NAMED MANAGER OF THE MONTH

Avram Grant has been named Manager of the Month for April by the Barclays Premier League.

GRANT: THE RIGHT FOOTBALL AT THE RIGHT TIME

On Sunday at 3pm, all the talking will stop. Before then, Avram Grant has been asked views on his own team, on Bolton, on Wigan and on the Friday comments of Sir Alex Ferguson.

LAST DAY PREMIER LEAGUE BETTING

What a season this has been already and it's going to get a lot better come 3pm on Sunday.

NEW GROUND FOR RICCY

As we approach the season's end, Players' Player of the Year Ricardo Carvalho admits he cannot recall a closer run-in, and insists now we must simply do our job.

JOE: THANK YOU

Having had a little time to familiarise himself with the award, Joe Cole has been discussing how it feels to be the Chelsea Player of the Year for 2008.

AWARDS HOST NOTES WIGAN'S RESOLVE

Jeff Stelling, Sky Sports presenter and host of the Chelsea Player of the Year Awards, believes Wigan could be a tough test for Manchester United on Sunday.

MATCHDAY TRAVEL NEWS

If you are travelling to Stamford Bridge for Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash with Bolton then you may appreciate the following information.

PRE-MATCH BRIEFING: 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.

TALK TO JOE COLE LIVE ON CHELSEA TV TONIGHT

Player of the Year Joe Cole is a studio guest on Chelsea TV's Big Match Countdown at 6pm this evening.

JOE IS FANS' NUMBER ONE

Chelsea supporters have voted Joe Cole the club's Player of the Year for 2008.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR NAMING NEARS

With anticipation building toward tonight's Chelsea Player of the Year awards at Stamford Bridge, the evening's host, Jeff Stelling, has speculated on the winner of the main prize.

CHELSEA SCREENSAVER

To celebrate reaching the UEFA Champions League Final we are delighted to announce the launch of a new, and completely free service for fans - the Chelsea FC Interactive Screensaver.

UNITED REPORT GOES IN

Chelsea Football Club today submitted our observations to the Football Association, as requested, regarding incidents that occurred after the recent match against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

CHELSEA TV EXCLUSIVE: COLE - WIGAN WILL BE TOUGH

Ashley Cole believes Manchester United will have to fight for their points against a tough Wigan side on Sunday.

STATEMENT ON MEDIA STORIES

Chelsea Football Club would like to officially distance ourselves from comments in the media this morning regarding the reasons behind any criticism Avram Grant may or may not have received since he became our manager in September.

KIT LAUNCHED WITH MOSCOW NEWS AND BIG GIVEAWAY

Chelsea's new adidas home kit for the 08/09 season, which is on sale for the first time today (Thursday), has been confirmed as the one the players will wear for the Champions League final in Moscow.

THE THURSDAY INTERVIEW: PETR CECH

As he approaches two of the biggest games in his career, Petr Cech believes we face a huge challenge for silverware, but insists that if anybody is capable, it is Chelsea.

PLAYERS FANS OF OUR TRUE BLUES

In the week Chelsea launched our new membership packages, the players have been speaking about the value they place on the fans' loyalty and support during games.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: LIVE ON CHELSEA TV

Both Chelsea TV and Chelsea Plus will offer full, live coverage of tonight's Player of the Year Awards at Stamford Bridge.

BUILD-UP ON PODCAST

This week's podcast gets you ready for the title showdown as we head toward the last weekend of the Barclays Premier League and possibly the biggest prize.

EURO UNDER 17S: CHELSEA PROSPECT IN DRAW

Gaël Kakuta, Chelsea Academy's France Under 17 international, was involved in another exciting game as the European Championships for his age group continue in Turkey.

LOOK RIGHT FOR MOSCOW

A full range of exclusive Road to Moscow merchandise to celebrate our historic Champions League final appearance is now available.

LE SAUX: CHELSEA LOOKING GOOD FOR MOSCOW

Former Chelsea star Graeme Le Saux took time out from a recent event to speak to chelseafc.com about a mouth-watering month ahead - plus the Blues' dramatic victory over Liverpool and the character shown by Frank Lampard in the shadow of bereavement.

PORTSMOUTH'S HUGHES MAKES STATEMENT

Portsmouth player Richard Hughes has issued a statement via his club's website in response to newspaper stories concerning Avram Grant.

NEW-LOOK TRUE BLUE MEMBERSHIP

Following consultation with our fans, we have made changes to our 2008/9 membership scheme.

WARM RECEPTION

It was training in the sun today as the first team squad returned to Cobham as preparations begin for our final Premier League game of the season.

GILES SMITH'S MIDWEEK VIEW

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

LOOKING AHEAD WITH CHELSEA TV

Ashley Cole looks ahead to the final day of the season on Chelsea TV in tonight's Blues News at 6.30pm.

MIDDAY CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TICKET SALES

In a change to previous ticket news, seats for the Champions League final in Moscow will go on sale today at 12 noon to all members and season ticket holders, one ticket per person.

CHELSEA TV NEEDS YOU!

Chelsea's official television channel is looking for True Blues from across the nation for a new series on Chelsea TV.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR ON CHELSEA TV

The Player of the Year Awards will be broadcast live on Chelsea TV as the ceremony unfolds.

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.

PAPERVIEW ON THE BIG GAMES AND THE BIG RUMOURS

There is certainly no shortage of topics to discuss on Chelsea TV's popular Paperview show tonight as our season approaches its most dramatic climax ever.

GREAT JOB DONE

John Terry and Michael Ballack both feel yesterday's victory will keep the pressure high on Manchester United as we head towards the last game of the season.

REACTION: IN THE ENGLISH GAME, ALL IS POSSIBLE

So the 'cup finals' keep on coming. Avram Grant's final league game in his first Premier League season will be a championship decider.

MATCH REPORT: NEWCASTLE UNITED 0 CHELSEA 2

The title race will go to the final day after a merited win. Two second-half goals - a Michael Ballack header and a Florent Malouda shot - did the job, the Blues also striking woodwork through John Terry.

MINUTE DETAIL: NEWCASTLE UNITED 0 CHELSEA 2

Barclays Premier League clash with Newcastle United at St James' Park, Monday 5 May, 2008.

UEFA CONFIRM UCL FINAL TICKET WILL ACT AS VISA

UEFA have released information regarding visa arrangements for the Champions League Final in Moscow.

TEAM NEWS: NEWCASTLE UNITED V CHELSEA

Avram Grant has shuffled his pack for the last away league game of the season including starts for Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda in attack, John Mikel Obi in midfield and Paulo Ferreira and Wayne Bridge at full-back.

PRE-MATCH BRIEFING: 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.