samillyroy
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This thread follows on from it's predecessor, A Samillyroy Legacy:
http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/f81/chelsea-a-samillyroy-legacy-t27566.html
After a wonderful first season as manager of Chelsea, Illyroy won the FA Premier League by a long stretch, and the FA Cup after a thrilling final against strugglers Manchester United.
This season could prove to be much tougher. With expectations raised after a great season, progress will no doubt be expected on the Champions League front after they were knocked out early on by Inter Milan.
Many fans of Chelsea expected to see a number of high-profile signings after such a successful season, but the transfer budget was tight:
Transfers: 6m
Wages: -30k p/w
This has led to an exodus of fringe players at the Chelsea squad in order to allow new players in:
Ross Turnbull to Manchester City for 4.6m
Not really a surprise after being third choice last season, and having spent the last 6 months of the season on loan at the City of Manchester Stadium. An expensive acquisition, but not even the tip of the iceberg for a team with as much financial muscle as Man City.
Slobodan Rajkovic to Reginna for 2.5m
Never made an appearance for Chelsea after spending 3 seasons on loan at PSV and at FC Twente in Holland. Was tipped for a very bright future but failed to get the first team assurances that he wished for.
Paulo Ferreira to Birmingham City for 3m
After 6 seasons at Stamford Bridge, Paulo Ferreira finally decided it was time to move on, as he only made 2 appearances last year, one of which ended in disaster. Should settle well at Birmingham, who performed very well in the Premiership last year.
Franco di Santo to Napoli for 4m
Franco looked set for a bright future but has decided he wanted to move on to pastures green, with so much competition up front at Stamford Bridge. Only scored one goal for Chelsea, but it was a goal that helped Chelsea win the FA Cup, knocking Newcastle United out in a very tough encounter.
Deco to Birmingham for 4.7m
Deco started last season in brilliant form, but dipped after the first couple of months, and ended up spending most games either on the bench, or at home after a couple of dismal performances. Birmingham have seen fit to shift nearly 5 million pounds to bring him in, and there is no doubting he is still a class act.
Alex to Fiorentina for 15m
Arguably the most surprising of transfers, Fiorentina offered Chelsea 15m for the big Brazillian defender, who's heart was set on a move to Italy. Had a great few seasons at Chelsea, and may be sorely missed.
Gael Kakuta on loan to Napoli for 575k
Had a great debut season at Chelsea, scoring two great goals, not least his winner against Manchester United. Should get some first team opportunities out at Napoli next season before returning back to Stamford Bridge.
Daniel Sturridge on loan to Newcastle United for 1.1m, with a view to a permanent move (6m)
Daniel Sturridge only managed a few games last season, and with the amount of competition up front this season, decided to move to newcomers Newcastle. If they wish, they can complete a full transfer for 6m at any time during the season, but Chelsea fans will be looking forward to seeing him return to the club in July.
Miroslav Stoch to Everton for 3.2m
Was on loan to Twente last season, and has a bright future that will now be in the hands of David Moyes.
A lot of money was shifted about for Chelsea, but only two new players were added to the ranks, with Illyroy adding that a lot of youth players were making the step up, including Michael Mancienne, Ryan Bertrand, Mario Gotze and Nemanja Matic.
YOANN GOURCUFF SIGNS FOR CHELSEA FOR 23m
French prodigy Yoann Gourcuff of Girondins Bordeaux has signed a 4 year contract at Stamford Bridge.
He comes at a price, but after his showing in this years World Cup, for the winners France, Chelsea felt it was a deal that could not be missed out upon.
Formerly of AC Milan, Gourcuff is tipped to be one of the worlds leading stars, and with Deco leaving this summer, he may be the man to lead Chelsea's infamous diamond.
"It's fantastic to be at such a brilliant club, and I want to make sure that this season we can surpass the achievements of the last season."
CHELSEA SIGN CESAR AZPILICUETA FOR 4.7m
Chelsea completed the signing of Under-21 Spanish international Cesar Azpilicueta of Osasuna.
Tipped for a bright future, the Spanish full back is lightning quick, and not far off the kind of player that Jose Bosingwa is.
"I am overjoyed to have signed for Chelsea and I fully believe I can handle the pressure that is now on me. I am looking to emulate the success that Jose has had here in the past couple of seasons, and make sure I can one day make the position my own"
PRE-SEASON
Chelsea's pre-season kicked off with an American Tour, playing the likes of Seattle and LA Galaxy. With a number of players still in South Africa for the World Cup, it was a chance for some of the fringe players to show what they've got.
Seattle Sounders 0 - 0 Chelsea
Chelsea's pre-season warm-up made a slow start after a draw against American side Seattle. Demba Ba had the best opportunity of the match, going one on one, but Kasey Keller made a wonderful save to deny him.
Chivas 1 - 2 Chelsea
The Blues then got a win under their belt with a good performance against Chivas USA. Drogba's brilliant double won them the game, despite a late scare.
LA Galaxy 0 - 4 Chelsea
Chelsea could and should have scored more, but ended up 4-0 winners in a very impressive performance in Los Angeles. Drogba, Essien and Rodwell all got on the scoresheet with some well taken goals, and it was rounded up by an own goal, after good work from Alexis Sanchez.
Chelsea 5 - 0 Rotherham
Back in England, the Blues thrashed a below-par Rotherham side, with Rodwell scoring the pick of the goals with a long-range screamer, right into the top corner of the goal.
Charlton 0 - 3 Chelsea
Chelsea's affiliate club Charlton took a hammering at the Valley, with Joe Cole scoring a wonderful volley from outside the box to give Chelsea the lead. This was a warm up game for the Barcelona friendly at the Nou Camp.
Barcelona 0 - 2 Chelsea
Chelsea's unbeaten pre-season contionued at the Nou Camp in emphatic style, with new signing Yoann Gourcuff returning from the World Cup in style to score to beautiful finishes. Barcelona offered little going forward thanks to brilliant defending from Azpilicueta and Carvalho on a number of occasions, and some brilliant saves from Petr Cech
The Abramovich Exhibition Semi-Final
Chelsea 1 - 1 Liverpool (Chelsea win 5-4 on penalties)
In the new Abramovich Exhibition tournament, Chelsea showed Liverpool up with some brilliant football, and were unlucky not to win in normal time. Goals from Skyrtel and Terry took the game to penalties, where Carragher missed the critical spot kick.
The Abramovich Exhibition Final
Chelsea 0 - 1 Galatasaray
Coming off the back of the Liverpool game, Chelsea were expected to take the Abramovich Exhibition Trophy home today, but were held off by a wonderful goalkeeping display by Leo Franco. Milan Baros' early goal sealed the game, despite the best efforts of Chelsea's front line.
The pre-season games were all played in Chelsea's new adidas kits, available via the megastore or online (pictures provided below)
It's been a very entertaining pre-season, no doubt the highlight being the 2-0 victory over European Champions Barcelona. We look forward now to next weekends game over Tottenham in the Charity Shield.
http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/f81/chelsea-a-samillyroy-legacy-t27566.html
After a wonderful first season as manager of Chelsea, Illyroy won the FA Premier League by a long stretch, and the FA Cup after a thrilling final against strugglers Manchester United.
This season could prove to be much tougher. With expectations raised after a great season, progress will no doubt be expected on the Champions League front after they were knocked out early on by Inter Milan.
Many fans of Chelsea expected to see a number of high-profile signings after such a successful season, but the transfer budget was tight:
Transfers: 6m
Wages: -30k p/w
This has led to an exodus of fringe players at the Chelsea squad in order to allow new players in:
Ross Turnbull to Manchester City for 4.6m
Not really a surprise after being third choice last season, and having spent the last 6 months of the season on loan at the City of Manchester Stadium. An expensive acquisition, but not even the tip of the iceberg for a team with as much financial muscle as Man City.
Slobodan Rajkovic to Reginna for 2.5m
Never made an appearance for Chelsea after spending 3 seasons on loan at PSV and at FC Twente in Holland. Was tipped for a very bright future but failed to get the first team assurances that he wished for.
Paulo Ferreira to Birmingham City for 3m
After 6 seasons at Stamford Bridge, Paulo Ferreira finally decided it was time to move on, as he only made 2 appearances last year, one of which ended in disaster. Should settle well at Birmingham, who performed very well in the Premiership last year.
Franco di Santo to Napoli for 4m
Franco looked set for a bright future but has decided he wanted to move on to pastures green, with so much competition up front at Stamford Bridge. Only scored one goal for Chelsea, but it was a goal that helped Chelsea win the FA Cup, knocking Newcastle United out in a very tough encounter.
Deco to Birmingham for 4.7m
Deco started last season in brilliant form, but dipped after the first couple of months, and ended up spending most games either on the bench, or at home after a couple of dismal performances. Birmingham have seen fit to shift nearly 5 million pounds to bring him in, and there is no doubting he is still a class act.
Alex to Fiorentina for 15m
Arguably the most surprising of transfers, Fiorentina offered Chelsea 15m for the big Brazillian defender, who's heart was set on a move to Italy. Had a great few seasons at Chelsea, and may be sorely missed.
Gael Kakuta on loan to Napoli for 575k
Had a great debut season at Chelsea, scoring two great goals, not least his winner against Manchester United. Should get some first team opportunities out at Napoli next season before returning back to Stamford Bridge.
Daniel Sturridge on loan to Newcastle United for 1.1m, with a view to a permanent move (6m)
Daniel Sturridge only managed a few games last season, and with the amount of competition up front this season, decided to move to newcomers Newcastle. If they wish, they can complete a full transfer for 6m at any time during the season, but Chelsea fans will be looking forward to seeing him return to the club in July.
Miroslav Stoch to Everton for 3.2m
Was on loan to Twente last season, and has a bright future that will now be in the hands of David Moyes.
A lot of money was shifted about for Chelsea, but only two new players were added to the ranks, with Illyroy adding that a lot of youth players were making the step up, including Michael Mancienne, Ryan Bertrand, Mario Gotze and Nemanja Matic.
YOANN GOURCUFF SIGNS FOR CHELSEA FOR 23m
French prodigy Yoann Gourcuff of Girondins Bordeaux has signed a 4 year contract at Stamford Bridge.
He comes at a price, but after his showing in this years World Cup, for the winners France, Chelsea felt it was a deal that could not be missed out upon.
Formerly of AC Milan, Gourcuff is tipped to be one of the worlds leading stars, and with Deco leaving this summer, he may be the man to lead Chelsea's infamous diamond.
"It's fantastic to be at such a brilliant club, and I want to make sure that this season we can surpass the achievements of the last season."
CHELSEA SIGN CESAR AZPILICUETA FOR 4.7m
Chelsea completed the signing of Under-21 Spanish international Cesar Azpilicueta of Osasuna.
Tipped for a bright future, the Spanish full back is lightning quick, and not far off the kind of player that Jose Bosingwa is.
"I am overjoyed to have signed for Chelsea and I fully believe I can handle the pressure that is now on me. I am looking to emulate the success that Jose has had here in the past couple of seasons, and make sure I can one day make the position my own"
PRE-SEASON
Chelsea's pre-season kicked off with an American Tour, playing the likes of Seattle and LA Galaxy. With a number of players still in South Africa for the World Cup, it was a chance for some of the fringe players to show what they've got.
Seattle Sounders 0 - 0 Chelsea
Chelsea's pre-season warm-up made a slow start after a draw against American side Seattle. Demba Ba had the best opportunity of the match, going one on one, but Kasey Keller made a wonderful save to deny him.
Chivas 1 - 2 Chelsea
The Blues then got a win under their belt with a good performance against Chivas USA. Drogba's brilliant double won them the game, despite a late scare.
LA Galaxy 0 - 4 Chelsea
Chelsea could and should have scored more, but ended up 4-0 winners in a very impressive performance in Los Angeles. Drogba, Essien and Rodwell all got on the scoresheet with some well taken goals, and it was rounded up by an own goal, after good work from Alexis Sanchez.
Chelsea 5 - 0 Rotherham
Back in England, the Blues thrashed a below-par Rotherham side, with Rodwell scoring the pick of the goals with a long-range screamer, right into the top corner of the goal.
Charlton 0 - 3 Chelsea
Chelsea's affiliate club Charlton took a hammering at the Valley, with Joe Cole scoring a wonderful volley from outside the box to give Chelsea the lead. This was a warm up game for the Barcelona friendly at the Nou Camp.
Barcelona 0 - 2 Chelsea
Chelsea's unbeaten pre-season contionued at the Nou Camp in emphatic style, with new signing Yoann Gourcuff returning from the World Cup in style to score to beautiful finishes. Barcelona offered little going forward thanks to brilliant defending from Azpilicueta and Carvalho on a number of occasions, and some brilliant saves from Petr Cech
The Abramovich Exhibition Semi-Final
Chelsea 1 - 1 Liverpool (Chelsea win 5-4 on penalties)
In the new Abramovich Exhibition tournament, Chelsea showed Liverpool up with some brilliant football, and were unlucky not to win in normal time. Goals from Skyrtel and Terry took the game to penalties, where Carragher missed the critical spot kick.
The Abramovich Exhibition Final
Chelsea 0 - 1 Galatasaray
Coming off the back of the Liverpool game, Chelsea were expected to take the Abramovich Exhibition Trophy home today, but were held off by a wonderful goalkeeping display by Leo Franco. Milan Baros' early goal sealed the game, despite the best efforts of Chelsea's front line.
The pre-season games were all played in Chelsea's new adidas kits, available via the megastore or online (pictures provided below)
It's been a very entertaining pre-season, no doubt the highlight being the 2-0 victory over European Champions Barcelona. We look forward now to next weekends game over Tottenham in the Charity Shield.
