Chelsea FanCast

We were delighted to interview Mark Meehan and Neil Smith recently, two of the authors of the eagerly awaited book "Eddie Mac, Eddie Mac" covering the seasons when Chelsea were managed by Eddie McCreadie. Even better, we got to interview them in a pub over a few beers, so this podcast of that interview has the feel of some of our early podcasts in Putney Station! Mark and Neil's immense passion for Chelsea and unrivaled knowledge and memories of being part of Eddie McCreadie's Blue & White Army shines through in a highly entertaining interview. The book will be an absolute cracker and a must have addition to every Chelsea supporters book collection. But, to set the scene... Chelsea’s steady, multi-trophy-winning ascent to football’s summit has been well documented. In the modern Blues era, relegation is something that happens to other clubs, while a defeat to bitter London rivals Tottenham Hotspur is as rare an occurrence as a total eclipse of the sun. But life wasn’t always quite so carefree at...  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Stamford Chidge is joined by Dan Silver, Football Agent Seb O'Mahoney and Football.London's Chelsea correspondent Oliver Harbord to look back at a Champion weekend! On the show tonight we look back at last night’s game against Watford – a meaningless game against meaningless opposition or a chance for the b team to shine and a curtain call for JT. In part two we celebrate Chelsea winning the title at West Brom and applaud Batshuayi an unlikely hero, the away fans who more than anyone deserved to be there to share in it and most of all King Conte – the manager who has done more than anyone to bring this title home. In part three, we have an excerpt from an exclusive interview I recorded with Mark Meehan and Neil Smith two of the authors of the new book ‘Eddie Mac, Eddie Mac’ exploring the three seasons between 1975 and 1977 where having been relegated, Eddie McCreadie and his Blue and White army bounced back to division one with a vibrant team of youngsters. In part four we have loads of emails from you...  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We interviewed friend of the show, Tim Rolls, about his forthcoming book on 'Docherty's Diamonds' - "Diamonds, Dynamos & Devils" on the Chelsea FanCast. Tim discussed his reasons for writing the book and explained his passion and fascination for the young team forged by Tommy Docherty in the mid-1960's, a team which won the League Cup in 1965 and included Chelsea players such as Peter Bonetti, Ron 'Chopper' Harris, Peter Osgood, Bobby Tambling, Barry Bridges and Terry Venables. As well as recalling some of the great players, Tim discussed the famous victories and the numbing defeats; Stamford Bridge – the crowds, the atmosphere, the new West Stand, The Shed and the controversies, the rows and the fall-outs – Blackpool, Roma, Bermuda and many more. Tim also revealed the details of his recent interview with Tommy Docherty and his love for Chelsea, still going strong even in his 90's, Judging by this interview, Tim's book promises to be a cracking read and will be more than worth its place in a long line...  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Stamford Chidge is joined by Chelsea legend Kerry Dixon to look back at Monday night's win against Boro and discuss Friday night's match against West Brom - a match that could see Chelsea clinch the title! Kerry discusses his memories of when Boro relegated Chelsea in '88 and applauds a professional and ruthless win against them on Monday night bringing Chelsea one step closer to being Premier League champions. Boro goalkeeper Brad Guzan conceded three goals through his legs - how many goals did Kerry score by nutmegging the keeper? And it was good to see another Fabregas masterclass and perhaps one of the last times we'll see JT in a Chelsea shirt. Looking ahead to Friday night's match against Boro, Kerry and Chidge savour the opportunity for Chelsea to clinch the title. Usually away to West Brom can be a tricky fixture but their recent form has been poor. Will they offer resistance or will it be plain sailing for Chelsea?  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Stamford Chidge is joined by Jonathan Kydd, Mark Worrall and Tim Rolls to discuss the victory that relegated Boro and puts Chelsea one win away from winning the league. On the show tonight we explain why revenge over Boro by relegating them to atone for them relegating us in 1988 was very important to Chelsea supporters of a certain vintage. In part two we kind of, almost, accept that it’s over and now you’re going to believe us, we’re going to win the league as well as discussing the key issues from last night’s game. In part three, we talk to Tim about his forthcoming book 'Diamonds, Dynamos and Devils – the transformation of Chelsea FC under Tommy Docherty' and the crowdfunding campaign to get it to the book stores launching on Thursday. In part four we have a couple of emails from the antipodes and we look back at a fun weekend spent with the boys from the London is Blue podcast.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Stamford Chidge and Kerry Dixon report back on Chelsea's all important win away at Everton last Sunday and look forward to next Monday's match at home against Middlesbrough. Kerry applauds a big Chelsea win against Everton and now feels that we are on the way to the title. We discuss the match against Middlesbrough coming up this Monday and expect a a good win for the boys in Blue. The only potential spanner in the works being how much fight relegation certainties Middlesbrough have left in them and what kind of performance referee Craig Pawson puts in. Kerry and Chidge wrap up the show with a discussion on what the future holds for loanee Tammy Abrahams - will he be one of Chelsea's strikers next season or will he get more game time with another loan perhaps to another Premier League club?  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Stamford Chidge is joined by Jonathan Kydd, the Girl Who Likes Balls - Alex Churchill, and Chelsea journalist Dan Levene to look back at two good wins against Southampton and Everton that take Chelsea 'closer' to winning the title! On the show tonight we applaud Pedro – something of an unsung hero and to whom I owe an apology. We also big up Gary Cahill who for the second time in a week showed his captaincy credentials but will he get the armband for keeps next season? In part two we ask are Fabregas and Willian the perfect impact subs; who won the heavyweight clash between Costa and Lukaku and will the later replace the former next season? And we look at the home straight and ask what could possibly go wrong? In part three, we look back at last week’s win against Southampton which saw Costa return at last to goal scoring form. We also ask if Ryan Bertrand was the one that got away. In part four we have a couple of emails the first of which asks what our match day superstitions are and we celebrate...  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Stamford Chidge and Kerry Dixon look back at the FA Cup semi-final between Chelsea and Spurs and Tuesday night's Premier League match against Southampton as well as previewing the match on Sunday away at Everton. Kerry discusses whether Conte took a gamble by not starting with Hazard and Costa against Spurs and dismisses the idea that Spurs were the better team on the day. With 2 goals against Southampton it looks like Costa is well and truly back, which bodes well for the run in. Kerry is looking forward to a 'Heavyweight' strikers clash with Costa and Lukaku matching up in Sunday's fixture against Everton. Is this a must win for Chelsea or can we afford to drop points in what on paper is a tough away fixture?  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Stamford Chidge is joined by Jonathan Kydd, Alex Churchill 'The Girl Who Likes Balls' and Football Agent Seb O'Mahoney to chew the fat over Chelsea's 7th FA Cup semi-final since 2000 and even sweeter, a win against Sp*rs. On the show tonight we look at the massive gamble by Antonio Conte and how it paid off. In part two we applaud Hazard – a man on fire – who’s contribution to big games is getting better and better and discuss Matic’s thunderbolt and say well done to Kante for winning the PFA Player of the Year award. In part three, we discuss the 2 sevens clash as Chelsea show their Wembley class whilst Spurs continue their losing streak at Wembley and semi-finals. Will this loss cause significant psychological damage to their title challenge? In part four we have loads of emails from all over the world.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Stamford Chidge is joined by Chelsea Legend Kerry Dixon to discuss Chelsea's defeat to Man Utd in the Premier League last weekend; look forward to the FA Cup semi-final against Spurs on Saturday and give a heartfelt tribute to John Terry who announced that this will be his last season with Chelsea this week. Kerry discussed his frustration with Chelsea's performance against Man Utd whilst acknowledging the part that Mourinho's tactics played. Eden Hazard needs to step up if he wants to join the likes of Messi and Ronaldo as one of the best in the world. Whilst he was starved of service, Costa too needs to be at his best for the run in and Kerry believes he'll find his scoring boots again soon. Turning to the FA Cup Final against Spurs, it will be a tough game and is too close to call. If our big players such as Hazard and Costa play at their best then Kerry believes Chelsea will win, if not...doesn't bear thinking about! We wrap up the show with Kerry's tribute to John Terry who in many respects is a...  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Stamford Chidge is joined by Jonathan Kydd, Nick Verlaney from the 'London is Blue' podcast and ESPN's Chelsea correspondent Liam Twomey to look back at Sunday's defeat to Man Utd; look ahead to the FA Cup semi-final and give a tribute to John Terry. On the show tonight we ask were Chelsea tactically undone by a classic Jose one off bit of party poopery or was it simply another one of those days? In part two we make the case for not changing the back three; have a detailed look at the causes for concern and the factors in mitigation before looking at possible salvation ahead. In part three, we say thank you John Terry – Captain, Leader, Legend as we look back at the career of arguably one of Chelsea’s greatest ever players. Read Stamford Chidge's tribute to JT here http://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/players/last-man-standing-gone-tribute-12908100 In part four we have emails from New York; India; Canada; Mexico and Cornwall!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Stamford Chidge is joined by Chelsea Legend Kerry Dixon to look back at the win against Bournemouth and look forward to the match against Man Utd this weekend. Another great team performance under pressure to keep Chelsea top of the league with the win against Bournemouth. Moses and Alonso proving yet again that they bring balance to the team and Eden Hazard proving that the big players step up when it counts but did Costa get unfair criticism for a somewhat poor performance? Looking ahead to the Utd game Kerry thinks it might be a tight affair - Utd specialise in draws and Mourinho won't want to lose to Chelsea for the third time this season. He may well be cautious given their Europa League commitments. Ultimately a draw might not be a disaster for Chelsea with a comfortable lead at the top of the table and surely Spurs will not win all of their remaining games which they must do to have a sniff of the title.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Stamford Chidge is joined by Jonathan Kydd, Clayton Beerman and Tony Glover to discuss Chelsea's wins against Man City and Bournemouth. On the show tonight we ask is Costa a shanker or a shirker as our top striker appears to be entering a slump in form just at the wrong time. In part two we discuss why Marcus Alonso and Victor Moses bring balance to the force and praise Conte in making them better players whilst also adopting a system to bring the best out of our best player Eden Hazard. In part three, we look back at the win against City last week and again applaud Conte for his tactical switch which led to a defensive master class and a crucial and possibly title deciding win against a threatening City side. In part four we have emails from our listeners from all over the world!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Stamford Chidge is joined by Chelsea Legend Kerry Dixon to report back on a massive win against Man City which keeps us in pole position in the title race. Eden Hazard steps up yet again in a big game and bags two goals in the process as Conte shepherded Chelsea to a fine win against a dangerous Man City side. Antonio Conte showed his metal and outwitted the 'best' manager in the world Pep Guardiola by bolstering Chelsea's midfield in the second half with a tactical switch. We closed the midfield gaps, sat deeper and offered a master class in discipline, how to defend a lead and close a game out - not pretty and not for the feint hearted but very effective and the best attacking team in the league had no answer to it. Thanks to a superb all round team performance where everyone turned up and did their bit we now need 18 points from 8 games to win the title, starting with Saturday's match against Bournemouth. Costa has not scored for three games but has never gone four Premier League games without...  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Stamford Chidge is joined by Jonathan Kydd, Chelsea writer Mark Worrall and Alex Churchill aka 'The Girl Who Likes Balls' to dig the bones out of a somewhat nerve inducing defeat to Crystal Palace. On the show tonight we wonder whether Saturday was simply one of those days or was our inability to find the onion bag a cause for deeper concern? In part two we discuss lightning striking not once but twice as Chelsea concede 2 sloppy goals in 90 seconds. Is the defence getting a case of the wobbles? Were there mitigating factors in the defeat or do Palace deserve some credit? And with some tough fixtures coming up and the gap between us and Spurs shortened to 7 points are we getting nervous? In part three, we’ve got emails from Spike, Alan Conway and Nick Cotter for you plus news on the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust Jack Whitley crowdfunding campaign. In part four we have news about books by the Girl Who Likes Balls (aka Alex Churchill) and Marco’s Italian Job; plus more emails from Warren Galley, Colby Wegter...  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.