Chelsea & Liverpool in the same group, where are Celtic?

[WageSlave]

No? What will they pay the players with? Cheski without abramovich are another leeds in the making. They simply don't have the support to sustain it without him. Let's just hope for your sake he continues to keep well in with Putin!

Why does he need to keep in with Putin? As a governor he has immunity from prosecution. Plus he has always supported Putin.

Chelsea don't have the support? 45,000+ isn't enough? Success in Europe, TV money? Don't forget, in 5 years time Chelsea won't need to buy expensive imports. The new youth development programme will be kicking in, along with the graduates from the feeder clubs. Without Abramovich so publicly financing Chelsea, the club can start paying the market price for players rather than the inflated price currently demanded because everyone wants to ride the gravy train.

[Bagpuss]

Why does he need to keep in with Putin? As a governor he has immunity from prosecution. Plus he has always supported Putin.

Chelsea don't have the support? 45,000+ isn't enough? Success in Europe, TV money? Don't forget, in 5 years time Chelsea won't need to buy expensive imports. The new youth development programme will be kicking in, along with the graduates from the feeder clubs. Without Abramovich so publicly financing Chelsea, the club can start paying the market price for players rather than the inflated price currently demanded because everyone wants to ride the gravy train.

He won't be the first mafia boss friend of Putin to end up in prison. The loyal fan base(those who actually spend the money) is less than Leeds so I wouldn't get too caried away with that. Worldwide they are a minnow,which is why the really big world players won't join. Maybe they will strike gold with the youth set-up but it's not something you can bank on. Enjoy it while it lasts, because it won't last forever.

[Churchill]

Numerous tele surveys in the Manchester Evening news agree with my statement (which isn't available in surrey as far as I know).

Which other clubs do you elude to?

Bolton, Wigan, Manchester City, Oldham, Rochdale and of course, the scum of the Earth, Manchester United.

[WageSlave]

Bagpuss, major stars go where the money is and where the greatest chance of silverware is to be found. You say Chelsea are minows, yet we bought Veron and Crespo, both major stars a couple of seasons ago. Don't forget that Robben opted for Chelsea ahead of Utd, ditto Essien. I haven't seen too many stars choose Arsenal or Liverpool recently.

Why is it all about signing the big stars? Real Madrid prove that doesn't work. It's about building a team that works well together. chelsea (or any other team) don't need to buy Zidane to win silver. It's better to invest in young talent for the future.

[shaunbhoy]

It's better to invest in young talent for the future.

And aside from Terry, just what "young talent" has emerged through the ranks at Chelski lately? Big fat zero!!
100 years of history.......................with about 1 trophy a decade. Is that less than Villa, Bolton, and Preston or what?

Cue WS regaling us with tales of how he was a "Shed" regular when Kerry Dixon was still bonking David Speedie!

[BoredBloke]

"Bolton, Wigan, Manchester City, Oldham, Rochdale and of course, the scum of the Earth, Manchester United."

Curchill,

Bolton are in Bolton. Wigan are in Wigan, Oldham are in Oldham and Rochdale are in Rochdale. None of these are in Manchester. There is a clue in their name.

[Churchill]

"Bolton, Wigan, Manchester City, Oldham, Rochdale and of course, the scum of the Earth, Manchester United."

Curchill,

Bolton are in Bolton. Wigan are in Wigan, Oldham are in Oldham and Rochdale are in Rochdale. None of these are in Manchester. There is a clue in their name.

What County are they in?

[BoredBloke]

You originally said teams in Manchester. None of them are in Manchester.

[Churchill]

You originally said teams in Manchester. None of them are in Manchester.

They are in Greater Manchester.

[The Lone Gunman]

You did not say how many teams are there in Greater Manchester though did you! I think you will find The Scum are technically in Salford, but dont quote me on that.