Written by club historian Rick Glanvill and lavishly illustrated with archive photography and memorabilia from the museum at Stamford Bridge, the book is the most comprehensive history of the club ever published, including many new facts and stories and for the first time in a printed publication, the history of the Chelsea Women sides from the 1970s onwards.

Chelsea: The Official History has been nominated for the JP Marland Charitable Trust Illustrated Book of the Year, with the winner due to be announced at the Charles Tyrwhitt Sports Book Awards at The Oval in London on 21 May.

‘In many ways this book represents my life’s work, so I am absolutely delighted that the finished product has been recognised by the judges of this esteemed award,’ said Glanvill in reaction to the shortlisting.

‘The feedback from fans when it was published last year was reward enough – though of course it is always nice to pick up some silverware in May!’

Publishers Vision Sports Publishing (whose books have won this award seven times in the past 17 years), also published Blue is the Colour: The Official History of the Chelsea Shirt, which was nominated for the same award last year.

Copies of Chelsea: The Official History, personally signed by Blues legend Kerry Dixon, are available from the Megastore at Stamford Bridge and from our online store, price £40.