An American Footballer in London - A Chelsea Story (v2)

[Croco]

I'm sorry to announce this, but I'm going to have to call my last story off...my disk got corrupted and I had to reformat and wipe everything, including my FM files. So the first story attempt will have gone for naught. Fear not, for I will be doing things a little differently; I'll still go into this as if I was born ten years earlier and have played a full career and everything. And this time, I'll keep up with it. So if you enjoyed the first lines from me, then let's do this again from the top.



July 7th, 2009

The vacancy for the Chelsea manager position has been filled. In a surprise turn, the job has been offered to newcomer Jason Chilton, who had just retired from his duties as a player and had thrown his name into the pool for managerial vacancies. The Chelsea board chose the 36-year-old Chilton, who started his career with the west London club and had his highest amount of success with Leicester City and American MLS side Chicago Fire, over the once shoo-in candidate Carlo Ancelotti because they wanted "a bold man whom the players could related to. The former American midfielder and Leicester skipper had this to say when asked about the job:

It is definitely an honor to take the reins at the club where I started my career. I know there is a lot of work to be done to maintain the level of excellence that I have come to expect from the club, but it is a challenge that I am ready and willing to take with open arms.

When asked about his tactical approach, Chilton told reporters that he would look to play an uptempo, positive style that revolved around size in the boxes at each end and pace on the wings. He was not afraid to say that there would be changes forthcoming to his newly inherited squad. He didn't go into specific detail, other than to announce that he was going to revamp the coaching staff, but one source mentioned a possible interest in bringing Landon Donovan to London. When asked about the explosive American forward, Chilton said:

I would love to have a player of Landon's caliber on the squad. It would be an obvious coup if I can secure who I think is the best American footballer for one of the premier clubs in Europe and the world. His skill is on par with the best in the world, and his ability to find the net will be vital to our success.

One may only think of where Chilton plans to take Chelsea from here. It is going to be an interesting next few weeks to see what he does with a generous £68million transfer pot and a club that is already one of Europe's finest.


(Breaking News: Chelsea has announced the release of five members of the coaching staff, with the highest profile release being that of fitness coach Glen Driscoll. The other four were youth coaches Neil Bath, Ian Howell, Jimmy Morgan and Adrian Viveash. When word broke out on the club's official website, many supporters were unhappy to hear the news, but manager Jason Chilton gave a response of reassurance. "The future of Chelsea is of the highest importance to me," he said to reporters, "I would like to give the youngsters of the Academy the chance to learn from the same coaches that tend to the first-team." When asked if this would be a permanent move, Chilton shrugged and said that he would address that at the appropriate time.)



July 10th, 2009 - Coaching staff pieces come together

The picture of Chelsea's future became a lot clearer as the club announced the signing of coaches Paul McGuinness and Paul Winsper yesterday, while today the club revealed Dutchman John Versleeuwen as well as Brian McClair and Tosh Farrell. Winsper was revealed as the club's new fitness coach, with the 41-year-old having come off a spell with Toronto FC from Major League Soccer. McGuinness and McClair join Chelsea from rival Manchester United, with both being masters of offensive and techncal abilities, while tactical mastermind Farrell joins the club from Everton. Versleeuwen, a defensive guru, comes over from the Dutch side VVV-Venlo, who was recently promoted to the Eredivisie after winning the Jupiler League title.. They spent yesterday getting to know manager Jason Chilton and assistant Ray Wilkins in a closed door meeting, with little being revealed to the press.

(Breaking News: Chelsea has confirmed the signing of former Portsmouth coach Mark Chamberlain to the staff. A veteran of the English football leagues, Chamberlain was a longtime member of the staff at rival Southampton before taking the position with Portsmouth. He had been released from Pompey and out of work when the Chelsea management made him the offer.)

 

[Croco]

July 20th, 2009 - Chilton secures first transfer in fellow American

Earlier this afternoon, Chelsea came to terms with LA Galaxy forward Landon Donovan, who signed a 5-year deal worth in excess of £10million in front of media gathered at Stamford Bridge. This came to the delight of manager Jason Chilton, who came to know and respect Donovan's abilities in his final years with Chicago Fire. With rumblings out of Chelsea that Nicolas Anelka may be on his way out, the rookie manager did not let that damper his spirit as Donovan was given the number 9. "Nic's obviously a world-class player," said Chilton, "but we'll see where he fits within the squad and act accordingly. If it means letting him go, then it is a regrettable course that has to be taken. Spanish powers Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have already lined up to take shots at acquiring the services of the 30-year-old Frenchman, who still has three years left on a £90K/week contract.

Friendly Results:

July 18th, 2009 - Tranmere 1-2 Chelsea
(Shuker 78 - Sturridge 28, Drogba 54)

July 20th, 2009 - Fehnerbahce 0-1 Chelsea
(Anelka 11)

July 25th, 2009 - Preston 0-2 Chelsea
(Ivanovic 8, Drogba 38)

July 27th, 2009 - Middlesbrough 1-2 Chelsea
(McDonald 20 - Malouda 30, Anelka 78)

July 30th, 2009 - Southampton 0-2 Chelsea
(Donovan 15, Malouda 22)

August 1st, 2009 - Scunthorpe 0-3 Chelsea
(Donovan 36,47, Anelka 75)

August 8th, 2009 - After preseason tuneup, Chilton ready for first test in Community Shield

While the elite teams in the Premier League have finished working out the kinks in preseason friendlies, Chelsea and Manchester United are set to square off at Wembley for the Community Shield. It will be the first true competitive match for freshman manager Jason Chilton, and he couldn't have hand-picked a more difficult challenge as he is set to match wits with legendary Man U. boss Alex Ferguson. "I cannot tell you how much respect I have for Sir Alex Ferguson," Chilton said when asked about him, "The man is a legend in the game, and even if we lose tomorrow, I hope to be able to gain some insight or maybe a thing or two from him." Right now, the oddsmakers have set league champions United as slight favorites over the current FA Cup holders from Chelsea, but expect a close and thrilling match between the two sides.

INJURY REPORT: Chelsea's Ricardo Carvalho has been back in training after straining a groin muscle in the friendly again Preson North End on July 25th. Manager Jason Chilton has been keeping an eye on the center-back, but he says that it is unlikely the Portugal native will see any action. Midfielder Michael Ballack is also on the mend after straining ligaments in his right knee during a training session, but a more likely return for the Germany captain will be the opening Premier League match against Stoke. For United, Michael Owen says that he might be able to go after sustaining broken ribs in a friendly against Newcastle Town, but the striker is also willing to sit out the Community Shield match in order to fully mend for the upcoming season.
​

 

[jthamrun]

Good luck mate, some screenshots would be great

 

[Croco]

Sure thing. First will be the friendlies, and then I've completed the Community Shield So without further ado...

Tranmere

Fenerbahce

Preston

Middlesbrough

Southampton

Scunthorpe

That should put us up to date. Now, to continue:


August 9th, 2009 - Malouda powers Blues to Community Shield win over Man United

​

In a match that many saw as a thriller down to the very end, Chelsea was able to secure the Community Shield with a 2-1 victory over Manchester United. It was the first true competitive match for new Chelsea manager Jason Chilton, and the consortum gathered at Wembley were very positive in their assessment. There were times where the emotions got to him, but he appeared to be cool under pressure. Chilton's grace under adversity would be tested in the 55th minute after Wayne Rooney scored the opening goal, taking a pass from Paul Scholes and beating Petr Cech with a well-struck shot. It didn't take long for the Blues to respond, as newcomer Landon Donovan would find the back of the net three minutes later. Donovan, who has already proven to be lethal in the area with three goals in friendlies, took a pass from Michael Essien, then took a touch before beating Tomasz Kuszczak on the near side.

But it was Florent Malouda who would take the glory for Chelsea in the 70th minute off a Manchester United corner. After Wayne Rooney's shot was blocked from 25 yards out, Malouda beat Patrice Evra to the loose ball and moved in uncontested against Kuszczak, where he proceeded to slide his shot underneath the diving Pole's arm to put Chelsea ahead. They would survive a late flurry from the Red Devils and hold on to lift the Community Shield. After the match, Chilton praised his left-winger's efforts. "Flo was superb out there today," he said, "At times, he looked untouchable and there is no doubt that he will be a catalyst in our ventures this season. I hope that he has a few more goals like that one in him, that was a thrill to watch." When asked about Donovan and his debut, Chilton beamed brightly, barely able to contain his joy. "This was only a small taste of what you will see from him. I will expect him to be a major force in the attack, and I know for a fact that he will be successful in his time here at Chelsea." Chelsea will prepare to open up league play against Stoke at Stamford Bridge Saturday afternoon, while Man United also has a home opener on Saturday against Wigan.
​

 

[Alcaraz]

Good luck mate

 

[Croco]

The league and cup matches will be brought in a form of a Manager's Report, so here's a taste of what will come.

August 15th, 2009 - Chelsea 1-0 Stoke

Our opening match was an exercise in frustration. We were clearly the better team today judging by the number of chances we had and the amount of the possession we had as well. Donovan had a couple of good opportunities from in close, as did Drogba and Nicolas Anelka when I brought him into the game. After Bosingwa had to be helped off the pitch with a leg injury, which I've been told is nothing serious, Branna Ivanovic did a stellar job at his right-back position and should have had the first goal. If only for the crossbar, his header would've made it 1-0. It wasn't until the 90th minute that we finally got it on a beautiful first-time pass from Deco to Ashley Cole, who beat an in-form Thomas Sorensen. He is an excellent keeper; anyone lesser would've let in three or four, so Stoke should be fortunate to have someone as solid as Sorensen in goal.

August 18th, 2009 - Wigan 1-3 Chelsea

This was our first test away from the comfort of Stamford Bridge and it'd be fair to say we passed with flying colors, though it will get a lot more difficult with Arsenal looming on the horizon at the Emirates. Again, we came out hard and could've put up a couple before we actually did, with the best chance coming when Donovan cleanly beat the keeper but was denied by the post. Speaking of, Landon was absolutely on his game today, getting off good shots, making good decisions with the ball and creating panic within Wigan's defense corps. He more than deserved the goal he got in stoppage time in the first half. A couple other guys I was impressed with were Florent Malouda and Didier Drogba. Malouda had an absolute stunner off a free kick from about 20 yards out late in the first half. I may consider him for future free-kick duties. Whereas Drogba did a phenomenal job today, though he was more setup man than finisher. I felt he deserved credit for the third goal, which he headed off the crossbar and back against the keeper Kirkland, but they ruled it an own-goal. Didier was unlucky to have not gotten one as a reward for his efforts. It wasn't a flawless game, though...Jason Scotland had a beauty of a goal for Wigan, hitting one that found the top corner with absolute precision. I asked Cech about it and he said that no one would've gotten that one. But you can't get 'em all, I suppose...that's football, and I'm happy with ours so far.

August 22nd, 2009 - Chelsea 3-0 Burnley

​

A freshly promoted Burnley squad was ready for us today, and it would be a fair assessment on my part to say that they are a good squad that may need another piece or two to stay afloat. I was planning on resting Jose Bosingwa for the Wigan game anyway, but he was not ready to go then. And he was ready today as he was in flawless form; he had the entire right side of the pitch on lockdown, intercepting everything that came to him and making solid tackles. On offense, he was the linchpin to our attack along the right side, distributing the ball with precision to the midfielders and forwards. He definitely earned his goal today. And again, Drogba was in top form today, scoring twice, with one of them being pure brilliance. He got the ball off a free kick, split two defenders before skinning a third at the top of the box, then rifled a rocket into the far side of the net. That one was worthy of the highlight reel. The second one was a spectacular one as well, but on the part of Ashley Cole, who made a trademark run down the left touchline and past a defender before bending a cross in for Drogba to head home. When they are on their games, Cole and Drogba are without a doubt the best in the world at their positions.

August 29th, 2009 - Arsenal 1-2 Chelsea

If there was a showcase game so far for me in my brief managerial career, it would have to be this one. This was the biggest test of my cool and nerve, though I think it would be safe to say that I'm not gonna be inviting Arsene Wenger out to dinner anytime soon. He had the nerve to say that we were not ready to bring home the hardware, even after our performance in the Community Shield. Typical Wenger, I suppose...so I said that we needed no further motivation to take on the Gunners. Imagine the look on my face when I saw the headline in the Sun: "WENGER: CHELSEA WILL FALL". So I said to reporters before the match that I would take pleasure in beating Arsene and his squad today...though for a moment, it looked like I would be eating my words after Van Persie's early goal. It was a nice play by Alex Song that sent him on his way, I'll give him that much. But for the most our shots weren't getting through, or they were missing the net, and I was starting to get frustrated. That all changed at the 63rd minute after Daniel Sturridge was hauled down in the box...finally, a break we needed to turn the tide. Frankie Lampard stepped up to the spot and drove the penalty home, and we were alive again. Ten minutes later came the dagger...I had originally purchased Landon Donovan to be a playmaker on the right wing. He comes to the edge of the box and puts a pass right at the feet of Didier Drogba, who in turn struck a thunderous drive at net. Almunia didn't have a chance as it found the top corner. I literally lept from the dugout, screaming and pumping my fists as we had come back. But the job wasn't done, as I brought in my defensive unit, who in turn did their job and preserved the victory. I have to say that this so far is my greatest achievement as a professional manager, though I'm sure that there will be more moments like this to come.
​

---------- Post added at 01:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:34 AM ----------

September 2nd, 2009 - Chelsea makes waves in transfer market

Here are the faces that have come and gone in the recent transfer window:

In: Landon Donovan AM RLC, F C (United States, LA Galaxy, £10,500,000)

Blues manager Jason Chilton had his eyes set on Donovan from the moment he took the post, having seen up close what the dynamic American forward is capable of. After the deal was completed, he put him on the right wing of his 4-3-3 formation and so far, Donovan has kept the critics at bay. He has a goal and an assist in 5 appearances to his credit, while showing off his ability to threaten a defense in the final third. It is only a matter of time before Donovan does more damage for Chelsea.

In: Alfred N'Diaye D C, DM, M C (France, AS Nancy Lorraine, £5,250,000)

The signing of the 19-year-old N'Diaye was seen as a move for the future, with the powerful young Frenchman being fitted into a holding role in the Chelsea midfield. Given the tactics that Chilton uses, he would be a good fit for when a lead needs to be preserved. "Alfred will become a solid player for us," said Chilton when he signed him, "But he is still young and may need a couple years to realize his full potential."

Out: Nicolas Anelka AMR, F C (France, Real Madrid, £8,000,000)

With the signing of Landon Donovan, it was only a matter of time before Anelka would be shown the door. The former Premier League Golden Boot winner was acquired by Real Madrid in a move to add depth to their already loaded front line. After the move was announced, Anelka said that while it was sad to leave Chelsea, he wanted to move on after the new manager announced his plans.
​