ea sports

Chelsea could only take a point away from their last Premier League game against Swansea

Juan Mata covered the most ground for Chelsea in that game with 6.58 miles

Jose Bosingwa’s shot was going off target before Joe Allen deflected it in for Chelsea to equalise
Bosingwa has won 72% of tackles attempted this season and has made 44 interceptions and delivered 47 crosses making three assists

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres may be struggling in front of goal, but his tenacious work rate is paying dividends for the team. The striker has attempted 38 tackles so far this season, the 7th highest in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index

Manchester United won and scored two penalties to beat Stoke 2-0 in their last Barclays Premier League game

Carrick covered the most ground for United in that game with 6.65 miles

Hernandez and Berbatov both scored their 7th goals of the season respectively form the spot after Ji Sung Park and Antonio Valencia won the penalties

Berbatov’s goals have come from 14 attempts at goal while Hernandez’s have come from 27 attempts

Park covered 6.36 miles in the game, behind only top runner Michael Carrick

Park has two goals and three assists to his name this season, and has also completed a pass in his opponent’s half every three minutes 40 seconds while on the pitch

Data courtesy of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, the official player rating index of the Barclays Premier League.

Gerry is a Chelsea supporter of some 45 years and is a season-ticket holder at Stamford Bridge. He lost his sight in 1979 as a result of diabetes whilst journeying to Burnley to watch his beloved Chelsea in a Second Division fixture that The Blues lost 1-0.

Gerry is hoping that some kind soul will be able to accompany him through customs at Gatwick Airport, get him to the stadium once in Naples and of course, help guide him back on-board the aircraft after the game.

Gerry is able to get to Gatwick but is desperate for help in getting to Italy as he feels that Chelsea will need all the support they can get on the night.

If you are able to give assistance to Gerry, please contact us and we will forward your information to him.

Surfing on a wave of optimism, buoyed by the outspoken confidence of manager Jose Mourinho, Marco and the rest of the Gate 17 boys return to Stamford Bridge in expectant mood, high on hope and talking about the Blues winning an unprecedented quadruple of trophies.”One Man Went To Mow”, the eagerly anticipated follow up to Mark Worrall’s cult terrace classic, “Over Land and Sea”, chronicles the ongoing adventures of a colourful group of Chelsea supporters as they follow their teams quest for glory. In true gloriously unpredictable fashion, the season unravels against a backdrop of injuries, boardroom disquiet and growing media speculation about the future of the Special One, Mr Mourinho.

Having retraced his Gate 17 roots, Marco sets out to explain the mythical concept of ‘Being Chels’, the peerless state of true blue mind that followers of Chelsea’s rivals struggle to come to terms with. Drawing his conclusions from impromptu encounters with Blues fanatics he meets en-route, including club owner, Mr Abramovich, Marco is left in no doubt that Chelsea Football Club is an association, a fellowship of mankind founded on the commonly shared belief that what goes around comes around and that when it comes around you should make the most of it because it might not come around again for years. From Sofia to Barcelona, Bremen to Porto, Valencia to Liverpool and Stamford Bridge to Wembley, “One Man Went To Mow”, is a uniquely entertaining, vibrant and fascinating fly on the wall travelogue of one fans near religious quest for footballing redemption.

Download the Kindle Version | Get the Book

Chelsea Here, Chelsea There

Available now for the first time in Kindle format, Chelsea here Chelsea there, the critically acclaimed, best selling Chelsea title from Gate 17 takes you back to a mystical magical world before mobile phones were the tool of choice for arranging “meets” – before the M25 became a match-day carpark – when winning trophies was just the stuff of True Blue dreams (curiously as it has now become for Arsenal supporters) -

Where you one of the 1000′s of Blues fans who crammed into the Highbury library back in August 1984? Here is the story of a phenomenal day out – Chelsea are back, Chelsea are back – hello hello -

Picture the scene, August 25th 1984, Highbury Stadium, London. Thousands upon thousands of expectant Chelsea fans have congregated at the stately home of aristocratic Arsenal to celebrate the return of the Blues to the old First Division. A quarter of a century ago Chelsea were a very different proposition to the club they are today. A luckless Cinderella outfit on the brink of financial extinction, they were represented by an inexpensively assembled team of relatively unknown players.

Despite this, the Blues were able to command a phenomenal away support seldom bettered by the leading clubs of the day and inconceivable in the modern era. Set against a detailed background recalling life in Thatcherite Britain, Chelsea Here Chelsea There is a flawless time capsule for Blues fans seeking a trip down memory lane or those on the lookout for enlightenment in the ways of the old school.

An assemblage of fascinating player interviews, rare and previously unseen photographs and the anecdotal recollections of a broad cross section of Blues fans present on that special day give Chelsea Here Chelsea There an endearingly nostalgic flavour. Dixon, Nevin, Speedie. Johnny Neal s Blue and White army swathed in Le Coq Sportif. Frankie say slogan T-shirts, Hi-NRG music and the lunatic hooligan fringe, Chelsea Here Chelsea There incorporates them all with gusto along with plenty more and provides a welcome shot in the arm for any fan seeking an antidote to today’s sterile football environment.

Chelsea Here, Chelsea There on Kindle, available now in time for Christmas, from Amazon here

Opening remarks: The Chair welcomed new members to the Forum. There are still vacancies on the Forum for at least one more supporters club representative from the UK (to ensure at least two supporter club representatives), and for the disabled place. The Club said that those groupings have their own meetings so may consider that their concerns are dealt with separately to the Forum.

The Chair requested that email discussions are kept to the minimum so the emphasis for debate is at the meetings.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

There were no changes to the minutes. Replies to previous action points were as follows:

Star on a Stool events: The Club have reviewed the packages. The next event on 13 October will be £18 including a free drink. Proceeds will go to the Trust.

Wall between West Stand and Shed End: A vote took place on the mural options in the summer and the new mural is in place. Forum members were happy with the design.

Badges: There have been additions to the range of badges on offer. The range will continue to be reviewed.

UCL away tickets: The two hour pre-kick off ban on collection of these tickets is being relaxed today by the Club. This will be reviewed on a match by match basis.

Peter Osgood Statue: There are no current plans by the Club to light the statue. There are issues with the neighbours regarding lighting at night.

ATMOSPHERE/ STEWARDING

Standing at matches: Patrick Coffey put forward a document to assist the discussion. Fans are arguably more likely to sing if they stand. Stewards can be over-zealous in asking fans to sit down in the Matthew Harding Lower Stand.

The Club said that Keith Overstall, the Club’s head of security, is aware of complaints from fans who want others to sit down. The number of complaints has gone up recently. Some clubs have had allocations cut due to persistent standing amongst away fans. The Club has to adhere to laws and regulations and must therefore enforce sitting at matches. There are no plans for the “Standing Roadshow” to come to Stamford Bridge.

Atmosphere overview: The Club is limited as to what more it can do to assist a better atmosphere. The Club can’t introduce ideas – such as unallocated seats – that will result in empty spaces, as discussed last season. At big matches, such as Old Trafford last week, our fans can be really loud. Having an area for singing does not address the problem as a whole. The team don’t sense there is a problem generally.

One fan said that the manager recently called for a better atmosphere. Fans agreed that it is largely for the fan base to improve the atmosphere.

Microphone: One fan proposed having singing fans with microphones, as in Barcelona. Large and therefore successful clubs don’t generally sing much around Europe: succeeds breeds complacency. A sterile atmosphere doesn’t look as good on TV and therefore doesn’t enhance the Club’s appeal.

Cleaner songs: Some fans considered that cleaner songs may encourage others to sing, especially younger fans and their parents. Stoke for instance seem to have cleaner songs.

Singing areas: The Club said there have been atmosphere sub-committee meetings in recent years but new initiatives are not coming through. We tried a singing area for one of the cup finals and that area didn’t sing; non-singers went there to be amongst those that do!

Flags: The Club said that flags were tried and were very popular at first. Once other clubs either followed or criticised us, fans said they didn’t want them so much.

Player appeals: Fans respond to players requesting that they sing.

The Club will ask players to request fans to sing.

Stewarding: Many Forum members mentioned their stewards as being extremely helpful including at: West Lower Gate7; East Stand generally and Terry at the East Lower in particular; Emma in the Shed Lower. The common theme is that reasonable and friendly stewarding greatly assists stewards and fans. The Club said there are around 1,000 stewards around the ground and it tries to ensure continuity of stewards in particular sections of the ground.

COMMUNICATION WITH THE FANBASE

The Club said that the Forum is, in some people’s perceptions, representative of only the views of those attending from fan groups. Social networking has allowed the Club to receive a huge number of other views and they don’t necessarily chime with those expressed at the Forum. The main issues discussed each year are still ticketing, atmosphere, tickets for 16-21 year olds and booking fees.

The Club said there is now a fan base with 75% between the ages of 14 and 25 worldwide. During the recent Asia tour, our Club, Liverpool and Arsenal played against the same Malaysia select team. 85,000 came to watch our match – the largest crowd and very much the youngest profile of the three attendances. The Club must focus on how to incorporate that support. Turnover in our store in Hong Kong on a match day is the same as turnover at the Bridge on a match day. The Club is now massive in Asia and that is starting to generate substantial revenue. The Club questioned whether their interests are represented at the Forum as overseas developments have not been discussed prior to today.

Fans confirmed that they want to have more two-way communication with the Club and are happy to hear more/ contribute more about worldwide developments for the Club.

Fans said that the Forum should be better publicised. Apart from the announcement that applications are open the Forum gets little publicity. For instance the results of the application procedure did not appear to be not publicised. The Club should also better promote Forum successes and could summarise where the Forum and Club are on major issues. It has taken four years for the 16-21 year old issue to be resolved so the Forum has made a difference with that.

One fan responded that fans who go to match are going to be most concerned with the match day experience.

The Club will publicise forthcoming agenda items and advertise links to the Forum members for feedback/ comments.

The Club said it is aware of the loyal matchgoing fan base and there is a lot of work undertaken in the community and with the Olympics etc. Therefore the Club’s reach is immense away from match days. Last season we had the largest number of televised matches amongst Premier League (“PL”) teams. Once fans follow the team a lot will stick with us. The Club already has supporter club meetings but it would be useful for the Forum to hear more from fans around the world including what they want from the Club. The Club will develop new models of communication over time.

Forum members said they appreciate they are limited in the extent to which they can speak for worldwide fans. However many fanzines/ fan sites have a lot of feedback from their overseas followers and representatives at the Forum are very aware of the overseas contribution. New Forum members need to explore issues that may have been discussed previously as they may not fully realise what was decided at previous meetings.

The Club will consider the role of the Forum and how to best incorporate the worldwide fan base.

One fan commented that last season’s Forum was very successful over issues including the Star on a Stool reductions, not needing to show documentation for away Champions League (“CL”) travel, 16-18 ticket prices, choice of away ST seat positions, the opportunity to miss one match as a CL away ST holder and not have to leave the scheme, and review of the two hour window limit for collecting CL tickets.

STADIUM

The Club said it wants to get the naming rights in place for next season. If the right partner is not found it won’t proceed.

There are no announcements to make on either relocation or increasing the stadium capacity. Amongst the board there is an awareness that it will get harder to compete with our current capacity but this is why the extra revenue from worldwide support will help. The fact that we are in a vibrant part of such a popular city is an appeal worldwide. We don’t rule out future development or a move if the right opportunity arises.

FANS’ EMBASSY

One fan proposed that, as a means of promoting the Forum, helping fans with practical match day questions or allowing them to raise issues for the Forum, a desk on match days could be set up. This could be a very useful link between the Club and fans. The ticket office is basically the information centre on a match day at present and a fan information area would get a high profile presence. It might be necessary to have a Club official on the stall as well.
Fans and the Club considered that there are already links to the Forum via the Club website but that an information point in the ground could be developed. It could close at say 1pm for a 3pm kick-off to avoid overcrowding approaching kick off.

The Club will consider the possibility of introducing a Fans’ Embassy/ information point and what its precise remit would be.

CL TICKET PRICES

Some fans considered that new prices are too high given there is a 33% increase in prices. This is a 66% increase for CL prices over two seasons. One fan claimed that the Club had to use widespread advertising and gave away a large number of free tickets to achieve the crowd size for Bayer Leverkusen. It was galling to hear in the pubs of others who received free tickets.

One fan expressed disappointment in the wording of the ticket price announcement generally last season which implied that the Forum backed the new prices, whereas the Forum had said that only a small increase overall could be justified. Those increases were too great.

The Club responded that the 16-21 year old concessions were introduced to help many fans and during the discussion fans said they would accept an increase to help pay for it. There has only been one official email complaining about the CL price structure since then. The Club has set the strategy for CL prices and it won’t change for this season. The Club has to consider revenue for the season as a whole. It is prepared to address a situation where we don’t get a full stadium but it expected the prices to still provide for a full stadium for CL group games.

Another fan agreed that the 33% increase was too great and should be reviewed. This is an opportunity for the Club to show it takes on board feedback from the Forum. One fan suggested that if prices are maintained then more concession tickets for 16-18 or 21 year olds could be introduced for CL matches.

The Club said there is only two and a half weeks to sell those CL tickets and that a full house is hard to achieve in that time period anyway. It is not possible to say we would have sold out if prices were much lower. We won’t state how many free tickets were given out but our Corporate and Social Responsibility (“CSR”) programme is substantial and there is a cost to that. Tickets went to the Academy and some of the foundations. We give tickets to our charity to help with that. The Club increased Carling Cup prices and still got a very good crowd. It is up to individual fans if they can afford a match and it is up to the Club to ensure the ground is as full as possible. Bayer Leverkusen and Valencia are very big teams in Europe and the prices are lower than PL matches.

Fans responded that the PL is generally more popular at least at the group stage and that the Club gets mocked when it can’t fill the ground for CL matches. Another fan stated that Manchester United charge £42 for CL matches. Some fans asked for the reintroduction of an ST for CL matches at a reasonable rate per match.

The Club responded that the problem with STs is that so many fans get moved to a non-ST seat and may want to wait to see if they can buy a better seat if they are moved. Some fans said they would accept that risk if STs were reintroduced for these matches.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

STs: The Club said that as per previous seasons, only 1,000 – 1,500 chose not to renew. We still have 25,000 ST holders. The loyalty points number did drop but we still sold all those available. One option in the future is to keep more ST seats back for concessions.

Lifts: In the East Stand disabled fans have to walk down as there is no steward to operate the lift from outside. The Club will rectify this.

Finance/ Financial Fairplay: The Club provided an overview of the new rules and summarised that income must match outgoings. A €45 million loss is allowed over two years. Then the maximum loss is €45 million over three years followed by a €30 million maximum loss over the next three years, so it is a gradual change. There is a financial control panel under UEFA in Switzerland headed by a former Belgian Prime Minister so it is being treated extremely seriously. It will be interesting to see how the authorities implement this in practice. There may be warnings given out for transgressors first of all. However we don’t intend to take that risk. Players bought at great expense to break the rules may be banned from playing by UEFA.

The Club is aware that fans want to know more about the rules and how they will affect us. The Club will publicise the new rules.

We need a team that will keep competing. The owner can’t keep bankrolling the team so Financial Fairplay helps concentrate financial planning. We need to be in a position to be self-financing having spent a lot in a relatively short period to be successful on the pitch. We have brought in major new players and with a new manager as well, the style is developing on the pitch.

We can spend money under the rules on our academy or on the stadium but the emphasis is on a club’s turnover not all being spent on salaries. Clubs can do what they like if they are not in European competition.

Manchester United has introduced advertising on dugouts and on training kits. Each club has a different approach and we are satisfied with ours. At the present time our contract for playing and training gear is sold to Samsung. We are also conscious that some fans don’t want to pay out for three kits so definitely wouldn’t want to buy more.

The Club stated that broadcasting rights are split between Europe and the PL. Those are pretty constant as long as we are successful. Strangely our profits increase with better League finishes but with some competitions such as the Carling Cup, the Club doesn’t make a profit due to running costs and bonuses, for instance.

In the stadium, every corporate box on offer in the East and West Stands is sold out this season for the first time in five years. We have a full stadium for most games. The extra c.35,000 seats at Old Trafford gives them an extra £50 million revenue each season. They also have double our 5,000 corporate seats.

That apart we want to encourage sponsors to appeal to our fan base. The Club’s “reach” is immense. We have just appointed a managing director to develop the CSR programme in Asia and are the first club from our league to have an office there (in Singapore). We have an agreement with the Asian Football Federation to work with 46 Asian countries to develop our work in areas such as coaching, education and nutrition and we have our contacts with Samsung and other sponsors there. You will see the retail side really expand in Asia. We are Adidas’ number one team worldwide. Manchester United have one million credit card holders in Korea but may be based on having a Korean player.

Transfers: One fan asked whether the Club should still pay very large transfer fees for one player; the recent example being Fernando Torres. The Club responded that it would continue to do so when appropriate and is sure that his true quality will continue to be come to the fore.

Summer tour: We won’t be in Asia next summer not least due to the major summer championships – we have 11 players probably at the European Championships which finish around 1st July. There is also the Olympics in late July/ August. If we travel abroad fans want to see the biggest names playing so we will just be honest as to who we can bring.

There are no plans at present for a pre-season match at Stamford Bridge; apart from first team matches there are also junior matches here anyway. The priority for travelling is getting the team prepared for the season and the commercial aspect comes second. The facilities in Seattle were phenomenal so that is an appeal. In Asia it’s extremely hot and if it rains there are problems with travel.

The Club would consider any proposals for testimonial matches though it can be difficult to find space in the calendar.

Large screens: One fan asked when the large screen would be replaced. The Club commented that one screen was replaced recently and the screen that was fine in the summer is now broken. The replacement screen should be in place by Christmas.

QPR away: One fan asked why away ST holders are being given the top tier there and another asked why tickets aren’t being sold by loyalty points. The Club responded that the top tier is viewed as having the best seats. As regards loyalty points the ring fenced matches are decided long before the season and this match isn’t on the list.

The meeting ended at 12.30pm.

• Chelsea’s tough start is reflected in the fact that their two highest ranked players in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index are defenders, with Jose Bowinga in 11th and John Terry in 15th
• Terry has won 85% of the 20 tackles he has had to make this season, while Bosignwa has won all 7 he has attempted. Lampard has also been helping out on defensive duties, winning 62% of the tackles he has attempted
• With such an imperious defensive performance Chelsea fans may look to their strikers for some relief, with Anelka and Torres both getting just 50% of their shots on target
• Their visitors, on the other hand, have been putting on a goal scoring masterclass this season scoring an incredible 18 goals in their first 4 games toy go top of the Barclays Premier League
• Wayne Rooney has scored 8 of those and is the top ranked player in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index with 67% of shots on target, a goal every 48 minutes 15 seconds
• Rooney has been ably supported by Ashley Young, the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index’s top ranked midfielder. The winger hit a top speed of 11.43 metres per second in last weekend’s defeat of Bolton, and Bosingwa will need to be on top form to cope with him

Stats from the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index

• Torres has averaged a pass every 4 minutes 38 seconds of play, compared to Rooney’s pass every 4 minutes 17 seconds and Dzeko’s 4 minutes 43 seconds.
• Torres has averaged a shot on goal every 42 minutes 30 seconds compared to Rooney’s 21 minutes 26 seconds and Dzeko’s incredible 17 minutes 4 seconds.
• Bearing in mind the additional time United and City have spent in their opponents halves this season Torres’ passing versus shots stats show he is using his team mates to build confidence while the on fire Dzeko and Rooney are going for goal every time.

Quite an interesting insight into the psychology of a striker not scoring goals!

Stats from the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index

Chelsea games versus Norwich are always magical experiences for us simple folk in the east of England. For me, they are the chance to show everybody who knows me exactly what I have been banging on about day in, day out. Chelsea FC

Most people up here remember the 1973 league cup game with fondness — the one that was fogged off and replayed, resulting in Chelsea losing. Everybody up here remembers that one. Another one is the 1986 game at Stamford Bridge when it absolutely slashed down on a Wednesday night. Chelsea needed to win to qualify for Europe and Norwich needed to win to stay up. Liverpool’s ill-fated game in Heysel made sure that neither happened. Norwich were relegated on the last day of the season as Coventry thumped league champions Everton 4–1. Cue quiet contentment from me.

In fairness, I do not think that there has been much to shout about up here over the last 25 years, football wise anyhow. One thing that I could shout about was Chelsea’s support. Much greater in number and more vociferous than any that Norwich can muster. Norwich fans are not the most passionate in the world. Indeed, they are as many people imagine, shirt wearing, happy clapping, flask drinking people who seem to turn up in the way that normal people attend the cinema, to be entertained. (Although full marks to the Norwich support who since 2000 have sold entire allocations at the Bridge, which some of the more fashionable clubs don’t.)

Funnily enough, while chatting to a guy named Gary Jones about six years ago, we talked about a pub on the corner of Carrow Road that my mate’s dad, Mick, used to run. Mick happened to be a Chelsea fan, straight out of Battersea, so when Chelsea were in town his pub was naturally a Chelsea pub. As a weird twist of fate, Gary was in this pub the 1981/82 season and took a few pictures that he stuck on his website.

For you oldies and those of you who can remember drinking in a pub on Carrow Road, it was made out of stone, blended in with the City Wall and was called the Jolly Jester. It was knocked down years ago, but you can still see where it used to be if you can be bothered to look.

If you happen to be a young fan or someone who has only recently jumped on the Chelsea bandwagon, then you should visit his site, print it out and read it. It will open your eyes on supporting Chelsea pre international stars and big bucks. Gary’s site It can be found at: www.algonet.se/~datacaf1/index2.html

Talking of pubs, about twenty years ago there was a night organised by the East Anglian Blues. These guys were made up of exiled Blues fans and one of them used to own a pub called Brundall Yare. The players at the time were invited to a party organised there after a game at Norwich. Never ones to spurn a free drink, the whole squad turned up, including Mickey Droy, and were locked in for the night.

After a few years of rampaging through the old division two, Chelsea were at last promoted to the heady heights of the first division in 1984 and my boys were coming to town. I am not sure how many fans came up from west London that day, but they did me proud. In true Chelsea tradition the result was 0–0, but the noise generated at Carrow Road had people talking for a few weeks. I can remember a ‘One Man Went to Mow’ that involved the standard Barclay Stand allocation, the overflow section and what seemed like most of the South Stand. Other home areas were infiltrated by the visitors, as I heard my workmates moan about it the following Monday.

Before that game, the pubs considered rough on a Saturday night were taken over by the Blues on Saturday dinnertime.

I haven’t missed a Carrow Road clash since I can remember, but I do not think that Chelsea have won too many of them, Norwich always raise themselves for the people from the smoke. I can remember one in 1987 when Steve Clarke made his debut — I think we lost 2–1. I am sure that this was the year after we lost 3–0.

It was around this time that I was a courier for my sins and one of my trips was to pick up some tickets from Carrow Road and deliver them to Stamford Bridge. They were Chelsea’s allocation for the weekend’s match. Can you believe that Eddie Barnett would not let me purchase one even though I had delivered the bloody things?

Another good day out was the day that Sutton United came east. Although they lost 8–0 there were quite a few Chelsea fans in the ground and it was a good laugh to say the least.

The defeat in 1992 cost me dearly: a job and a couple of years of stick. It was the year that Chelsea bought a certain Robert Fleck and a few months after he said that he would walk over broken glass to sign for Leeds United.

Legend has it that Terry Venables and Ken Bates had a gentlemen’s agreement — that is unique in itself. The arrangement was that Chelsea would not bid for Teddy Sheringham provided Spurs stayed away from Fleck. Blinding deal.

The game was the first away match of the season and the first in front of an all-seated Barclay end, where I had my seat. I should have been at work but how could I work when Chelsea were in town? Of course, I was laid off the next day as I had not turned up the day before. It was the first time that I had not sat with the Chelsea faithful at a Norwich game and it was kind of weird watching your own fans going through their motions. After a while it soon became apparent that there were a few others in and around where I was, so we joined in anyway.

One of the funniest moments was when a couple of stewards tried to remove a rogue Chelsea fan from the home section until they saw that there were in fact dozens more who were not too happy about it. Chelsea lost 2–1 with Mark Robins scoring for the Canaries. Fleck was not allowed to play due to just being signed for £3 million, not that he would have made any difference.

Another season and another defeat, this time 3–0 and a hat-trick from Ashley Ward. This caused more embarrassment for me as a couple of Chelsea fans were ejected from the home area and waited outside for the culprit who grassed them up. When they spotted the grass they roughed him up a bit outside. How do I know all these details? The grass was my barber’s brother. I guess that explains my dodgy haircut.

Since this match the fortunes of each club have changed dramatically. Chelsea, of course, on their day are one of the best teams in the country, full of International stars. Norwich are a half-decent first division outfit. Norwich as a city has also changed. This year has seen the opening of a new hospital and a millennium library. The area around Carrow Road has been reinvented as a shopping district and is the place to be seen at night. If you have not been for a couple of years you will not recognise the place. Let’s just hope that Chelsea will be unrecognisable to the team that usually take to the field up here and that I can spend the rest of the season with a smile on my face.

Andre Villas-Boas will be looking to lead the team to the Premier League trophy in his first season at the club…and you could be at Stamford Bridge to watch all the action LIVE!

To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question:

Which Chelsea player scored a hat-trick the last time these two clubs met at Stamford Bridge? 

1. Didier Drogba
2. Nicolas Anelka
3. Frank Lampard

Please send your answer to admin@cfcnet.co.uk before midnight on the 13th of August 2011

Thomas Cook Sport is the UK’s leading sports tour operator and official travel partner of Chelsea FC, offering Match Breaks to Chelsea fans for the 2011/2012 season from £109 per person. This season, choose the winning tactic and book your 2011/12 match break by visiting http://www.thomascooksport.com/ or call the sales team on 0870 752 0924.

You can also follow us on Twitter @thomascooksport and find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ThomasCookSportUK to keep up-to-date with all the latest competitions, special offers and news.

 Terms & Conditions
1. The prize consists of two tickets to the game (Chelsea end) for the match against West Brom on Saturday 20^th August 2011, for two winners. Kick-off is at 17.30.

2. The package does not include travel to or from the ground or any hospitality at the ground.

3. Fans are reminded that tickets are in the Chelsea end and seats are amongst home supporters. Please be aware that any vocal or visual support for the opposition will result in ejection from the Stadium without compensation.

4.  Entrants are reminded that tickets are issued subject to Chelsea FC Regulations and the Conditions of Entry relevant to those tickets.     
5. Competition open to all UK residents with the exception of employees of Thomas Cook Sport Ltd, Chelsea FC or Hatch Communications, their immediate families, agents or anyone else associated with the administration.

6. No cash alternative will be offered.

7. The competition closes at midnight on the 13th of August 2011

8. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the promoter reserves the right to offer an alternative prize of equal or greater value.

9. The promoter’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

10. All entrants must be willing to participate in publicity should they be a winner.

11. We reserve the right at any time to cancel, modify or supersede the competition if, in our sole discretion, the competition is not capable of being conducted as specified in the competition rules.

12. The promoter of this competition is either Thomas Cook Retail Limited, trading as Thomas Cook Sport or Airtrack (for UK departures), or Capitol Holdings Ltd, trading as Thomas Cook Sport (Ireland), for travel arrangements departing from the Republic of Ireland. Thomas Cook Retail Ltd registered office is The Thomas Cook Business Park, Coningsby Road, Peterborough PE3 8SB, and the company registration number is 00102630 England. Capitol Holdings Ltd registered office is 10B Beckett Way, Parkwest Business Park, Dublin 12, and company registration number is 163008.  To discover more about Thomas Cook Sport, log on to http://www.thomascooksport.com/

Attendees

• Acott, Graham – season ticket (“ST”) holder
• Alexander, Chris – Club Finance and Operations Director
• Anastasi, Joe – non-UK branch
• Atkins, Steve – Club Head of Communications and Public Affairs
• Bussey, Liz – over 60 age group
• Coffey, Patrick – member
• Fiorellino, Trizia – Chelsea Supporters Group
• Gordon-Brown, Patrick – Chelsea Supporters Club
• Gourlay, Ron – Club Chief Executive
• Jenkins, Simon – home/ away ST holder
• Johnstone, Dave – CFCUK
• Krendel, Paul – exec members/ box holders
• Marriott, Bryan – family section
• McCall, Mark – Leadership Factor (guest)
• Milham, Richard – Club Head of Global Merchandise
• Neat, Mike – non-UK branch
• Newby, David – Club Marketing Manager
• Parsons, Veronica – branch
• Regan, Andy – Electoral Reform Services (chair)
• Sampson, Peter – CFCnet
• Shaw, Martin – member
• Smith, Graham – Club Head of Ticketing/ Head of Supporters’ Liaison
• Wright, Frank – ST holder

Apologies for absence

• Brown, Francis – 16–21 age group
• McGeever, Timothy James – disabled section
• Micallef, Chris – non-UK branch
• Talbot, Robert – member

(Action points are underlined.)

The Chair welcomed Patrick Coffey, Richard Milham and Mark McCall to the meeting.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
There were no changes to the minutes. Replies to previous action points were as follows:

Confiscation of bottle tops:  The Club stated that there is still concern that a bottle will be used as a missile and the policy will not change next season.

Access to lifts on a match day:  The Club said that passes are only provided via applications made to the disabled section.  Passes can be provided for the long-term or on a match by match basis.

Champions League (“UCL”) travel information forms:  This will be announced as part of next season’s ticketing policy.

Breakdown of ejected fans between UCL and Premier League (“FAPL”) matches:  In the UCL, including the Manchester United match, 50 away fans and 18 home fans have been ejected.  89 away fans and 75 home fans have been ejected in the FAPL.  Two disabled fans had to be ejected at the midweek match.

Shed End catering during matches:  The Club said that catering outlets are closed ten minutes before kick off and open five minutes before half time.  They are all closed for the second half.  All Shed Upper outlets sell alcohol.

One way exit system at the Shed End:  Access from both sides is closed before a game but access will not be closed after matches. Such issues are kept under review.

Policy for programme sales in the event of a postponed match:  The Club now has a policy of selling the programmes regardless.

Supporters’ tournament:  This will be held at Cobham on Sunday 10^th July.

Stars on a Stool events:  The Club said that original packages were £15 including a pie and one drink;  now the package costs £35 including a more substantial meal and three drinks. All proceeds go to the Chelsea Foundation.  Fans said that this was still expensive and part of the original idea for the cheaper events was to bridge the gap as there is no general supporter access at the training ground.

The Club will review whether this package can be altered e.g. not all-inclusive packages.

Operation of the large screens:  The Club confirmed that both are working fine.  One was replaced last summer.  In response to a fan’s question, the Club confirmed that TV screens in the concourses are usually switched off at the start of the second half.

Wall between West Stand and Shed End:  The Club will consider mural designs. Fans suggested that supporters generally can vote on their favourite option.

Vote on favourite mural option to take place in the summer.

Away match tickets:  Fans raised complaints about the ratio of ST and members’ tickets for Old Trafford in the UCL.  The ST allocation sold out quickly whilst tickets for members were advertised as being available potentially to those with no loyalty points.  Some members probably bought tickets for ST holders who were unsuccessful in buying tickets originally.

The Club confirmed UCL rules that 5% of the allocation goes to the away team, hence we got 3,700 tickets.  Both ST and members’ tickets are sold over a four day period and the Club expected both sets to sell out on the second day.  This is the first time such a discrepancy in sales has arisen and the Club will monitor closely what the pattern of sales is for the forthcoming FAPL game at Manchester United.  Under current rules, ST holders receive all tickets as a priority for semi-finals so the problem would not arise if we progress to the next round.

Fans said that towards the end of the sales period for members’ tickets for this match, fans’ message boards received comments about the fact that tickets weren’t selling, which may have encouraged the last tickets to be snapped up.  One fan suggested that the Easter break may account for members’ tickets not being sold fast as many members may be away, whereas ST holders are more likely to schedule their holidays away from match dates.

Options suggested by fans included:

• If members’ tickets go to those with too low a level of points, they revert to being sold to ST holders;
• If members’ tickets are not sold within a particular timescale they revert to ST holders;
• Better reward long-term loyalty;
• The 60-40 split (in favour of ST holders) only applies to the group stage of the UCL;
• A review of the 60-40 split.

The Club pointed out that the Forum voted previously to retain the split of 60/40 for next season. In the light of the above comments, fans voted on the following basis:

60-40 split for next season: 4 in favour
70-30 split for next season: 10 in favour

with 1 abstention.

One fan asked if this vote would be binding.  The Chair replied that the Forum can only make recommendations but on this issue the Club has always implemented the Forum’s recommendations in the past.  The Club said that fans are over-reacting to this one match and that the new recommended policy is not fair to members.  A lot of time was spent in previous meetings in formulating this policy and it would be wrong to make changes without looking at the effects of a policy on all matches.  The Club would rather keep the 60-40 split for now with the power to intervene if such a scenario happens again (e.g. members’ tickets sell very slowly).

One fan said that the split was only introduced originally to prevent ST holders picking the best matches.

Fans decided to re-vote, with the following results:

60-40 split for next season with the Club utilising an override if required:  11 in favour

70-30 split for next season: 0 in favour

with 4 abstentions.

The Club confirmed that travel information forms are not needed for the Manchester United UCL match as it is in the UK.

Sales of UCL home match tickets:
The Club said that, as regards the lost seats for UCL home matches, UEFA require 2,000 sq ft for outside broadcast units in the Matthew Harding Stand.  The allocation for outside broadcasting gets higher for later rounds in the competition.  Sometimes the seats are reallocated to the Club at a later date if a particular country chooses not take up their spaces.  It is one of the drawbacks in not having a new stadium.  The Club could consider branding on the netting to make that area of the stadium look better.  The Club has looked at all possibilities to minimise the number of seats lost.

The number of seats allocated for away fans is calculated as a proportion of a full stadium, so proportionately becomes higher in the latter stages of the competition. The Club could have given 2,000 tickets only to Manchester United at Stamford Bridge but decided to give them 3,000 as we can’t segregate at the 2,000 seat mark.  Alternatively 1,000 seats remain empty.  The Club is already disappointed that it loses a proportion of the capacity for UCL matches.

FANS’ SATISFACTION SURVEY
Mark McCall presented the results of the survey.  The Club requested that Forum members only publicise information from the executive summary.  Forum members are welcome to see more in-depth figures.  The Club would not want to advertise the full results to other clubs.

Comments on the issues raised in the presentation were as follows:

One fan questioned how the virtual waiting area works for ticket purchases.  The Club confirmed that a virtual purchaser does not move from the waiting area based on how long they have already waited.  The Club does not want to introduce a formalised queuing system as fans would join the queue hours or even days before tickets go on sale.  The Club tries to ensure that fans are prioritised for purchases according to the loyalty points policy anyway.

Recommended priorities for the Club next season as stated by the Leadership Factor include booking fees, availability of tickets and atmosphere.  The Club said that availability is slightly surprising.  This may be a communication issue as for most matches members should not have a problem obtaining tickets.  As regards booking fees, one fan suggested that booking fees be charged per transaction and not per ticket.

The Club would like atmosphere to be discussed early next season. Some interesting ideas were proposed in the comments section.

The Club has also addressed entry times for the stadium recently.

MERCHANDISING
Richard Milham introduced the topic.

One fan asked why goods cost more at the Megastore than elsewhere.  The Club replied that the online partner is Kitbag, a global company, whose buying power is much greater and who can therefore negotiate better prices.  The Club can’t set a price for goods.  One fan pointed out that certain high street outlets also have this buying power now.

The Club stated that licensing by the Club is carried out according to a code of conduct.  Adidas obviously have high standards.

One fan asked what supporter input there is for new products.  The Club said there are substantial supporter comments received but the Club must also consider market trends.

In answer to a question about the relatively small size of women’s clothing, the Club said that the best selling size used to be large and now is extra large.  The Club is aware that there may need to be a further size introduced.  Shirts come out of different factories so there is inconsistent sizing produced.

One fan asked whether the Club can consider a bespoke range of clothing at higher prices but with better quality.  The Club replied that past sales figures suggest it would not be very popular.  Products with Boss, Sergio Tacchini and Lacoste were not successful.  Thereafter there were deals with Armani and now Dolce & Gabbana.  The Club is therefore reliant on its partners.  The Club found that subtle merchandising doesn’t sell at present and there is currently a “big and bold” trend for the Club crest/ slogans etc.  Rugby shirts don’t sell well at present.

The Club has to order large quantities of each product these days so it has to be sure that a particular product will sell.  Price seems to be the main driver at present according to feedback received.

One fan asked why the contract with Toffs ended.  Toffs have a statement on their website about it.  The Club said that it has either used Score Draw or Toffs previously and for commercial reasons the Toffs deal ended.  The Club is happy with the quality of the Score Draw products.

One fan asked about use of the word “Chelsea” and suggested it is unfair to stop badge producers from using the name.  Badge collecting is a long-standing tradition amongst a number of supporters.  The Club responded that it has a trademark which has to be protected.

The Club does not produce a sizable range of badges and is happy to reconsider whether more should be offered. The Club will speak to various sources about this, and can also consider whether sales points for badges could be on the concourses or other points in the stadium.

The Club said that it is probably the leading club to prevent counterfeit versions of its products being sold in Asia.  One fan asked why UK fans have to pay more than Asian fans for products.  The Club responded that the range of products is different around the world e.g. sizes are different.  Price differentiation is practiced by all businesses for different markets.

The Club said that it also cannot compete on price for DVDs with sellers such as Amazon or Play.com due to their relative buying power.

One fan asked if the Club is preventing flag manufacturers from using the name “Chelsea”.  The Club said that it has prevented use of the Club crest but not the word “Chelsea” to date.

Fans asked about the kits for next season.  The Club said that the only change in the tone of blue was in 1997.  Otherwise it’s reflex blue (pantone 025).  The colour looks as if it changes due to the type of material used at different times.

The new kit will be launched this week.  Fans differ as to whether they want any red in the home kit.  The Club expects the new home shirt to be the most popular yet.  It’s produced by Adidas and will be available on 12^th May.

As regards the away kit, standard yellow didn’t sell well last time.  The best seller was “electricity yellow” and in particular kids loved it.

Overall, the Club is involved in considering different colours and designs for new strips.  Adidas do not handle this process in isolation.

FURTHER TICKETING ISSUES
Thomas Cook advert for the Manchester United UCL matches

The Club spoke to Thomas Cook yesterday and asked it to make clear in future that away match tickets are only available based on loyalty points.

One fan asked how many tickets are sold by Thomas Cook for home matches.  There is a concern that away fans can buy tickets in Chelsea areas.  The Club stated that if this is proved then the Club will take away its right to sell tickets.  This has not been a problem before and Thomas Cook is responsible for the tickets it sells.  The Club discusses the procedure with Thomas Cook in detail at the start of each season.

Match day collection of tickets
One fan asked why there is a time limit for ticket collection two hours prior to kick off.  The Club said that only those trying to collect tickets for matches on future days are not allowed to do so within two hours of a kick off time, i.e. the rule is intended to help those who never received a ticket or need a duplicate for the match about to be played, who then have access until kick off.

The Club will consider relaxing the rule for those collecting UCL away tickets.

However there is a concern that too many windows will be used for this and prevent fans collecting tickets for the match that day.  There is already some space lost in front of the ticket office due to the disability queue now introduced.  The Club can use collection machines when required.

Viagogo
The Club said there is a new contract in place with them.  Sales have increased.  Fans can withdraw tickets from Viagogo if those tickets don’t sell and the fan changes their mind about selling it.  The sale price reflects the original ticket price.

As regards Olympic tickets, the policy is unclear regarding resale prices.  One fan said that for gigs or West Ham ST holders, buyer and seller can agree their own prices.  The Club said it could only monitor its own sale arrangements.

The Club said that the new ticketing policy would be announced on Thursday.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Flags for the Manchester United UCL home match

One fan asked why these were not provided.  The Club replied that some fans indicated that they don’t want them for every match.  The players like them being displayed.

Safe standing
One fan asked why there is inconsistency with stewarding between home and away fans.  Also, what is the position with the safe standing campaign as publicised recently?  The Club said that the campaign has been rejected by the FAPL.  Safe standing won’t happen as attendances would have to be cut due to health & safety which would have major repercussions on turnover.  The authorities are strongly opposed to it.  There is a system for seats to tip up so an area can be used for standing or sitting, but the desire for change does not exist at present.

The Club added that clubs will steward or police standing in different ways in different stadia.  There is an attempt at Chelsea to be consistent.

Racist chanting
One fan asked if Spurs fans will be policed for any use of the word “yids” when Spurs play at Stamford Bridge.  The Club replied that the policy is consistent amongst all matches here.  The Club added that it was not happy with the kick-off time.  The Club appealed against this but the appeal was rejected.

Stadium naming rights
One fan quoted a newspaper report that the Club was asking too high a price.  The Club replied that it announced its intention to find a suitable sponsor in an attempt to be more transparent.  Chelsea has to compete with stadia with far higher capacities and therefore has to make up a shortfall of perhaps £50 million on that basis.  Fans made clear their desire to protect the name of Stamford Bridge.  That involves complex negotiations.  The Club does not have to settle for any deal for the sake of UEFA’s financial rules, and a deal has to be with the right partner.

Stadium move
Fans asked if there are talks to have a stadium elsewhere and in particular at Scrubbs Lane.  The property industry suggests there may be some truth in this rumour.  The Club responded that it has looked at developing the stadium and that appears difficult.  There are still egress problems with any development here.

The Club would consider an alternative site, as has been stated before, but it would have to be the right deal for the Club.  The owners of sites such as Earl’s Court may have contacted the media directly to try and prompt a deal with the Club.

The Chief Executive is not aware of any move to Scrubbs Lane.  One fan said that a move to Scrubbs Lane would be unpopular.  The association with this area is very strong.  Another fan said the Club has to keep an open mind on a move.

Peter Osgood Statue
The Club is still considering how best to light the statue.

Next season’s forum
The Chair thanked those members who have completed their two years on the Forum:  BobTalbot, Liz Bussey, Timothy McGeever, Mike Neat, Veronica Parsons and Dave Johnstone.  Chris Micallef will be contacted to find out if he can continue.

For next season, the over-60 position will become an over-65 position as discussed earlier in the season.  Current Forum members can now restand after four years rather than the two years cited previously, in order that new fans can join the Forum and new views are heard at meetings.  Vacancies will be advertised in the programme and on the website.  Forum members/ fan groups are requested to publicise the vacancies.