Sunday 31 March 2013

Bookham man raises £1,300 for charity on Marsden March

Bookham man raises £1,300 for charity on Marsden March This is Surrey --

A KINDHEARTED fundraiser who took on a gruelling challenge on behalf of his "dear friend" has raised more than £1,000 for a cancer charity.

Neil Walker, of Barn Meadow Lane, Bookham, completed the Marsden March, running 14 miles between the two sites of the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea and Sutton.

The 47-year-old has so far raised £1,331 for the cancer hospital, which is currently caring for Mr Walker's friend and fellow Bookham resident Ann Stringer, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007.

Speaking to the Advertiser, the IT worker said: "After working at the Royal Marsden during 2012, I really wanted to take part in the Marsden March to do my bit for this amazing place.

"Ann was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago and sadly relapsed recently, so is back at the hospital having actually worked there for 30 years."

He continued: "I have had a number of friends who were treated there, and this just added to my enthusiasm to take part.

"I finished it and notwithstanding the horrible rain at the end of the race it was a remarkable day.

"There was a great atmosphere as there were about 4,000 people doing the march. Most people walked but someone sponsored me to run it, so I had no choice."

Speaking after Mr Walker completed the challenge on March 17, Ms Stringer, of Eastwick Drive, said: "On behalf of all the staff and patients at the Royal Marsden I would like to thank Neil.

"I enjoyed a long career there for more than 30 years, which was unbelievably rewarding and after I retired I became a patient at the Marsden.

"The treatment that I was given when first diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago and then recently following my relapse has been second to none.

"My brother Richard was given lifesaving radiotherapy following a cerebral haemorrhage when he was 21 and my father was treated for bone cancer – as a family we are deeply appreciative of the work done by this wonderful hospital over the years."

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/neilonthemarch Reported by This is 2 hours ago. ~Chelsea Headlines on One News Page [United Kingdom]~
Read more... http://www.chelseamashup.com

Villagers are making plans for their old mate Brown

Villagers  are making plans for their old mate Brown This is Gloucestershire --

CARL Brown will be prepared for a fierce and friendly welcome when Evesham United make the trip to Kayte Lane to face Bishop's Cleeve this afternoon.

Striker Brown, who left the Villagers for the Worcestershire Robins earlier this season, has been the subject of some gentle baiting on social media this week.

Cleeve assistant manager Matt Rose said he was sure that Brown's mates in the Cleeve squad will be happy to catch up with their pal, but any niceties will be put on hold for the 90 minutes this afternoon.

"I am sure the banter has been flying around all week and some of our players will probably know the Evesham players better than us as coaching staff," Rose said.

"The lads have got some personal one-to-one and head-to-head battles that they will be desperate to win against their mates, and that's what non-League football is all about for me.

"I'm really looking forward to it and I know that the lads are as well. There has been a bit said on the social media networks and that's all healthy.

"It sets it up nicely and it focuses our minds on the gameplan that we've got, and hopefully that works a little better than it did at Poole on Saturday."

Cleeve gave a good account of themselves against Poole – the Evo-Stik League Southern Division One South and West leaders – in Dorset on Saturday, more than holding their own for 45 minutes.

However, a soft penalty given away in the first five minutes gave the Dolphins the lead and despite battling away, Rose's men ended up on the wrong end of a 1-0 scoreline.

Despite the disappointment in the result, Rose said he could take a number of positives from the performance, not least that his squad came through the game largely unscathed.

And with five home games coming up in the next seven days, experienced non-League performer Rose knows that it's vital to keep as many players as possible away from the treatment table.

"Saturday's game more or less went to plan," Rose said. "I was really happy with the way we set our stall out, trying to upset the party and keep the crowd quiet.

"We were the better side for the first half and we said to the boys that it was vital to keep our concentration levels up.

"Then, typical of our season, we give a penalty away in the first five minutes of the half and from there on it was always an uphill climb.

"We showed some good character after that to stay in the game and overall I was happy with the performance, we just need to build on that now.

"We came away without any injuries, which is a massive plus when you have four games coming up in close proximity like we have, and hopefully we can go out and get a result.

Fans clicking through the Kayte Lane turnstiles this afternoon will get the chance to watch the local derby on the pitch and a crunch FA Cup clash on the big screen too.

The Villagers are showing the FA Cup quarter-final match between Manchester United and Chelsea (12.30pm kick-off) on the big screen in the bar ahead of the Evesham game at 3pm. Reported by This is 2 hours ago. ~Chelsea Headlines on One News Page [United Kingdom]~
Read more... http://www.chelseamashup.com/2013/04/01/villagers-are-making-plans-for-their-old-mate-brown/

Breaking Down the Latest Odds on the Next Chelsea Manager

Rafa Benitez has made it very clear that he will not be in charge of Chelsea next season. Whilst this will be a relief for fans, the matter of who succeeds him will be key to rebuilding a club that has imploded immediately after arguably its finest hour.

The Daily Mail has reported that former manager Jose Mourinho is on the brink of signing a deal that would see him return to Stamford Bridge. SkyBet has him at 1-2 to be the next permanent Chelsea manager, a move that would be most welcomed by the fans.

Whether Roman Abramovich would be able to overcome the issues that saw Mourinho depart in September 2007 should make anyone think twice about believing in that: If the Russian has shown anything in his decade at Stamford Bridge, it's that you can never really know what he's thinking.

Oddschecker.com has David Moyes at the next best price. Moyes has done an excellent job with very limited resources at Everton. The club has lived within its means, and qualification for the Champions League in 2005 gave its finances a boost, but Moyes' dealings in the transfer windows have always been savvy.

In 11 years, he has taken the Merseyside club from relegation candidates to consistent contenders for a European spot, garnering praise from Sir Alex Ferguson, who wants Moyes to succeed him at Manchester United. With offers on the table from clubs with a history of allowing managers to build a legacy, it is unlikely that the chance to take over at a club that will have been through 10 managers in 10 years will really hold any appeal to him.

Your next best bets are Gianfranco Zola and Fabio Capello, closely followed by Guus Hiddink. Zola is held in incredibly high esteem at Stamford Bridge. Ten years on from his departure, the adoration that watching him play inspired is still there, and to see him treated poorly would alienate the fans irretrievably. It was bad enough seeing Roberto Di Matteo sacked at 4 a.m. and replaced within hours by Rafa Benitez.

If Abramovich did the same to Zola, it would kill any chance of a relationship with the fans and ruin any chance he may have of convincing the Chelsea Pitch Owners to sell him the freehold of Stamford Bridge.

Fabio Capello was in charge of two former Chelsea managers during his first spell at AC Milan, Carlo Ancelotti and Ruud Gullit, which shows the wealth of experience he has in the game. However, the past five years of his career have been spent coaching in the international arena. Biennial tournaments mean games are few and far between for national sides, and a return to the sort of workload faced at a club like Chelsea would be a shock to any system.

Guus Hiddink had previously announced that he would retire at the end of this season when his current contract with Anzhi Makhachkala expires, although he has since refused to rule out a return to Chelsea. He enjoyed success as the interim manager in 2009, as he won the FA Cup and guided the Blues to a third-place finish in the Premier League.

As much as the numbers suggest that Mourinho only needs to sign a deal that has already been negotiated, Hiddink would be a smart move for Abramovich. He also has a history with the "old guard" and is respected by everyone at the club. If the return of the Special One turns out to be another wonderful piece of press fodder, Hiddink could herald a new era of stability at Stamford Bridge.

Read more Chelsea news on BleacherReport.com

~Bleacher Report - Chelsea~

In: Mourinho & Ronaldo; Out: Benitez & Torres: Chelsea Target Dream Team to End Blues Nightmare – Report

Mourinho ChelseaStamford Bridge side linked with moves to make big moves in the summer transfer market.



Check in to Chelsea vs Sunderland

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has set his sights high this summer, very high. The Russian billionaire, no doubt keen to appease the Blues faithful following his mistaken decision to axe Roberto Di Matteo and bring in Rafa Benitez, has set his sights on a Jose Mourinho & Cristiano Ronaldo dream team in what would be a mammoth coup according to the Daily Express.

Clearly this would be one hell of an ambitious undertaking but perhaps one that isn't wholly implausible. Jose Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo enjoy a good relationship and should the Real Madrid manager opt to leave the Bernabeu this summer then perhaps there is a chance, albeit a fairly tiny one, that the former Man United man would consider following suit.

There are some concerns about Ronaldo's reluctance to put pen to paper on a new deal, with the La Liga giants fearful that the 28 year old could elect to run out his current deal, which ends in 2015, which would leave the then 30 year old open to leave the club on a free transfer, this a player who could Real Madrid a world record £80m.

Benitez Mutiny

Rafa Benitez has confirmed he will leave in the summer, his interim post not being up for renewal as confirmed by the Spaniard some weeks ago. There are of course a host of manager's linked with moves to take over at the West London club but Jose Mourinho remains the favourite to take the job.

So what of that other doomed Spaniard at Stamford Bridge, a certain Fernando Torres. Well his time at Chelsea has been nothing short of a financial disaster. The former Liverpool man cost £50m but many could see that the one time prolific goal-scorer was past his best.

Torres Steaua

Torres is in another one of his goal-scoring slumps having now gone 12 Premier League games without a goal, but apparently Atletico Madrid are interested in re-signing their former hero and one would imagine that Roman Abramovich, being a competent businessman, may well be ready to finally offload the striker.

Chelsea will struggle to get even half the money they forked out for the 29 year old but clearly if Abramovich is to look to bring in 'Marquee' signings when the transfer window re-opens, and that seems likely, then he is going to need to make room for such additions and at least attempt to balance the books in financial terms, especially if UEFA's Financial Fair Play (FFP) guidelines beginning to bite.

Blues fans would clearly welcome any move that brings arguably one of the best manager's and world's best players to the club this summer and Abramovich is a rich enough man to make it happen.


~CaughtOffside » Chelsea FC~

NEXTGEN PREVIEW: BLUES GO FOR YOUNG EURO CROWN

A novel Chelsea cup campaign that began back in August at Cobham reaches its climax this evening in Como, Italy... ~Chelsea~
Read more... http://www.chelseamashup.com

Arsenal chasing down UCL spot

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has challenged his side to hold its nerve as it looks to chase down Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification. ~The World Game~
Read more... http://www.chelseamashup.com

Chelsea v Manchester United FA Cup live

Follow Sportsmail's coverage of the FA Cup as Chelsea host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in a quarter-final replay following a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford. ~Chelsea | Mail Online~
Read more... http://www.chelseamashup.com/2013/04/01/chelsea-v-manchester-united-fa-cup-live/

'Impossible' to cope with Chelsea fixture congestion - Benitez

UEFA Europa League; Rafael Benitez; Chelsea

The Blues boss launches an attack on the London club's onerous fixture list, which will see them play six games in 16 days, including a trip to Russia in the Europa League

~Goal.com News - Chelsea FC~
Read more... 'Impossible' to cope with Chelsea fixture congestion - Benitez

Game one of eight in 23 days and Chelsea already look worn out in defeat at Southampton

By the time Rafael Benítez's did wake up at Southampton the home side were full of confidence and defended their lead with surprising comfort.

~Chelsea Football Club~
Read more... Game one of eight in 23 days and Chelsea already look worn out in defeat at Southampton

Man Utd keeper De Gea: Chelsea Cup save my best

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea admits his late wonder save to deny Juan Mata a Chelsea winner in their FA Cup tie was among his best.

read more



~Chelsea~
Read more... http://www.chelseamashup.com

Benitez envious of Fergie's options

Manchester United is running away with the Premier League title because of its wealth of talented strikers, according to Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez. ~The World Game~
Read more... http://www.chelseamashup.com/2013/04/01/benitez-envious-of-fergies-options/

All goals and Highlights Bayern vs Hamburg 30.03

All goals.


Read more... All goals and Highlights Bayern vs Hamburg 30.03

Southampton 2 Chelsea 1

John Terry - Chelsea ScorerChelsea suffer another defeat to a team in the relegation zone as they go down 2-1 away to Southampton
~TransparentSport.com - CFCUK, Chelsea FC~
Read more... http://www.chelseamashup.com/2013/04/01/southampton-2-chelsea-1-2/

Cech set for challenging week

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech concedes that the club's season is likely to be shaped by events over the next nine days. ~Sky Sports | Football News~
Read more... http://www.chelseamashup.com

Nemanja Vidic thirsty for FA Cup success

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic says he is eager to taste success in the FA Cup for the first time, ahead of his side's quarter-final replay at Chelsea on Monday.

~Football - News | NDTVSports.com~
Read more... http://www.chelseamashup.com

TORRES: TIME TO SHINE

Fernando Torres is raring to go once more after a reluctant break from action over the past fortnight. ~Chelsea~

‘Chelsea have had it easy but not this time’ says Sir Alex Ferguson



SIR ALEX FERGUSON upped the stakes for today's FA Cup showdown with Chelsea by claiming they have had it easy in the competition in recent years.


~Daily Express :: Football Feed~
Read more... http://www.chelseamashup.com/2013/04/01/chelsea-have-had-it-easy-but-not-this-time-says-sir-alex-ferguson/

Should Jose Mourinho Bring Cristiano Ronaldo to Chelsea?

The latest twist in the sordid love affair between Chelsea FC and Jose Mourinho is the rumour in the Sunday Express that a condition of his return to Stamford Bridge is that Cristiano Ronaldo joins him.

The Daily Mail reported the same thing in March 2012, and with Mourinho the runaway favourite to become the next permanent manager of Chelsea, it seems that it could re-enter the realm of possibility, no matter how far-fetched it sounds.

Signing Ronaldo would cost Chelsea upwards of £60 million and a purchase of such magnitude will only be possible if Chelsea secure Champions League football for next season. It also seems nonsensical to splash the cash on a player like Ronaldo when the Three Amigos are already so prolific, but if it happens, it could produce some amazing football.

Picture the scene, if you will.

Oscar picks up the ball around the halfway line. He carries it past one or two players before passing to Eden Hazard on his left. Hazard takes it straight through one player before lofting a perfectly weighted cross-field ball to Ronaldo. He would then perform no fewer than three step-overs before sliding the perfect pass for Juan Mata to finish straight down the middle of the goal.

That could happen.

With Romelu Lukaku most likely returning in the summer, a 4-2-3-1 incorporating him in front of Mazacar and Ronaldo would be an attack that could wreak havoc in every competition. The threat posed by that team would be spectacular, which would ease the pressure on the defence and provide some exhibition football of the highest quality.

It would be wise if owner Roman Abramovich exercised caution, considering the lack of success from his previous big-name, big-money buys, although there is obviously a big difference between Ronaldo and Fernando Torres.

It would be a ridiculous display of dominance for Chelsea if this did happen, and there is still a wealth of potential for the failure of any such deal. However, pulling it off would signal the intent to ignore all of the goings-on at Stamford Bridge this season and set the Blues firmly back on course to establishing their position among the biggest club sides in the world.

Read more Chelsea news on BleacherReport.com

~Bleacher Report - Chelsea~
Read more... http://www.chelseamashup.com/2013/04/01/should-jose-mourinho-bring-cristiano-ronaldo-to-chelsea/

Rafael Benitez defiant over Chelsea form

Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez believes that his side are capable of competing with any team in the Premier League on their day. ~Chelsea - Sports Mole~
Read more... Rafael Benitez defiant over Chelsea form

Southampton 2 - Chelsea 1: Rickie Lambert one in a million



IF Roman Abramovich lost a lot of sleep last night it would have been nothing to do with the clocks going forward an hour.


~Daily Star :: Football Feed~

Chelsea vs. Manchester United, FA Cup: a preview, of sorts

163459063

At times in the past 48 hours, I've been hopeful. H is for hopeful. H is for Hazard, Eden Hazard. I've been hopeful.

Hope is the worst.

I've also been sad or even angry - not too much, but certainly not too little - just the right amount, I feel. Other times, like when the Doctor Who theme song kicked in or when I read page 830 of A Storm of Swords, I've been happy. But mostly, I've just been catatonic. Beaten.

Resigned.

I give up. I yield. Take the last of my cares, Interim Harpy. They're all yours. Take them. Stuff them down your gaping maw and regurgitate them along with your daily cud. Chew them over for a bit; I bet they're tasty. After all, I've poured my heart and soul into them. But now they're yours and I'm just an empty vessel.

Void.

Oh, look, another match coming up.

The opposition played a strong lineup away to a crap team on Saturday, despite a comfortable lead and a league title that's 99% assured. We played a weak lineup away to a crap team on Saturday, despite a precarious lead and a Champions League spot that's 1% assured.

Masterplan.

Now we shall unleash the full power of Eden Hazard and Juan Mata. Now we shall see who has the last laugh. Now we shall tame the Dark Arts. Now we shall.

Hope is the worst.

Date/Time: Monday, April 1, 12:30 BST; 7:30 A.M. EDT; 5:00 P.M. IST

Venue: Stamford Bridge, SW6

TV Information: ITV 1 (UK); Fox Soccer (USA); ESPN HD (India)

~We Ain't Got No History - All Posts~

Ten Transfers That We Think Are Likely to Happen This Summer

Jovetic ChelseaA collection of deals we feel could come to fruition during the next transfer window.



Check in to Manchester United vs Manchester City

Some deals are just nailed on certainties. They've been in the works for months and some should have happened last summer.

But footballers are commodities and clubs don't like to let them go easily.

The players on this list have all strongly been linked with moves away, and in some cases, the deal may already be in place to take them somewhere else at the end of the season. All have played key roles for their current clubs and all will no doubt be even more valuable to their new sides too.

Stevan Jovetic 1 COS

Stevan Jovetic: Fiorentina to Arsenal

According to reports this deal is already done and all that's left to do is sign on the dotted line, and not a moment too soon.

Arsenal are in desperate need of a goalscorer as well as a touch of class. The forwards Wenger has brought in recently have so far failed to deceive and with the sale of Robin Van Persie last summer the club lack a genuine threat that those around them have.

Marouane Chamakh, Gervinho, Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski have struggled to wrack up the goals in North London and though Podolski could be considered as world class, his input for the national team far exceeds anything he's ever done at club level.

Jovetic has transformed from a gangly teenager into a truly top level player. His price tag is justified too as Arsenal won't just be buying him for what he can do but for the future potential as well. He guarantees goals as well as adding to the all round attacking threat and he should fit in well with the manager's plans.

The player himself has spoke of an 'affinity' for the club, but has done Fiorentina the respect of refusing to comment on speculation until Champions League football has been guaranteed for The Viola.



Garay Man United

Ezequiel Garay Benfica to Manchester United

It wasn't long ago that Garay was at Real Madrid being lauded as the next defensive colossus who would take the world by storm. However, competition is fierce at the Bernabeau and he has since been shipped out to Benfica.

The Argentine international has been seen as the ideal replacement for Nemanja Vidic, who has seen his United career skid to a halt over the last two seasons thanks to injury. The big Serb is also expected to be heading to Milan this summer.

Only Garay doesn't resemble Vidic as much as he does Rio Ferdinand. The England man may be enjoying a slight renaissance at the moment but it's clear that he's a long way from the player he used to be.

Like the young Ferdinand, Garay is quick, clever and comfortable with the ball at his feet bringing it out from defense. He is a key man for pressing whenever the side lose the ball and is adept at making the right tackle at the right time.

At 26 years of age, the timing for a move to the Premier is perfect. He has been under the club's radar for some time now and United will want to pounce before he has his head turned elsewhere.



Manchester City's Yaya Toure celebrates scoring the first goal

Yaya Toure: Man City to Paris Saint Germain

When a club courts a player under contract elsewhere, the speculation takes over but the interest between club and player is like a playful flirt.

One will inevitably play hard to get, and deny claims of a move made by the press, but nine times out of ten they will be joined in glorious union come the end of the season.

A few years ago it would have been laughable to suggest that Toure would join PSG, but now the tables have turned as one mega rich club look set to look out to an even richer side.

The player's agent claims that his client isn't happy, and after all of the rumblings and bust ups at City this year the rumour may not be unfounded.

The player has denied it, of course, but has also refused to make his plans clear until the end of the season – which usually only means one thing.

PSG will not only be able to pay for him, but offer him a competitive platform alongside some of the world's finest player as they gear up for an assault on the Champion's League next season. Toure would be the perfect pivot man for the capital club providing an athleticism and experience that not many others possess.



Falcao Sevilla

Radamel Falcao: Atletico Madrid to Chelsea

A deal that has been in the works for a while. The move would suit both parties greatly as it would likely involve a part exchange with an Atletico old boy who is currently down on his luck in London.

The Madrid side knew they couldn't hold on to Falcao forever, he's just too good to not be at one of Europe's elite. There aren't many who could afford him either, but Chelsea are due one big summer signing every year and have made it clear that the Colombian is their man.

Of course, any move would pave the way for Fernando Torres to return to the club where it all began. The Spaniard has found his Liverpool form tough to replicate at Stamford Bridge and an escape route to familiar surroundings could prove to great to resist.

Quite possibly the best out and out striker in the world right now, the thought of him teaming up with return loanee, Romelu Lukaku would give Chelsea a menacing front line that would strike fear into the hearts of any defence.

A secret meeting between club and player are rumoured to have transpired last week and if that is the case then all bets will most surely be off when the summer arrives.

He will make Chelsea one of the most dangerous sides in the league again as many have feared the club has gone stale. All eyes will be on who the manager will be that harnesses his talent, and whoever it is will have a powerful weapon on his hands.



Benteke QPR

Christian Benteke: Aston Villa to Tottenham Hotspur

The big Belgian has hit the ground running in the Premier League this season and with Villa resting precariously above the drop zone, there's a good chance that he'll be wearing someone else's colours next term.

A surprise signing from Paul Lambert, Benteke has proved that he's not over awed on the big stage and, in truth he probably deserves a higher platform than Villa can provide him with.

At just 22, he can still look a little raw. Villa have relied on him heavily this season and at times he can frustrate himself by trying to do too much. But one thing is certain; his finishing is lethal.

Spurs look on course to reach the Champions League next season and Benteke has made it no secret that that's where he wants to be.

He won't come cheap, though, Villa signed him for £7 million and he is only eight months into a three-year deal. Whether stay up or go down, they can charge triple that after the way he's performed this campaign.



Shaw Tottenham

Luke Shaw: Southampton to Chelsea

Young talent is snapped up quickly these days, and Luke Shaw will be no different.

Following in similar footsteps as Wayne Bridge and Glen Johnson, the 17-year-old has been consistently linked with a possible move to Chelsea this summer.

Already eyeing a replacement for the ageing Ashley Cole, the West Londoners will still have a few years yet for the England man to pass on his wisdom to the youngster, or they may decide to send him back on loan to the Saints for another year.

Shaw is in his breakthrough season on the South coast and has made the left-back slot his own.

A boyhood Chelsea fan, Shaw will most likely see his dream come true despite the club still unsure over who their next manager will be, but they have kept the England youth international a top priority.

When you're a fan of a club, and constantly described as 'the next Ashley Cole' there really is only one place that you will end up.



Lampard Exit

Frank Lampard: Chelsea to the MLS

With the club still not offering their talismanic midfielder a new deal beyond this season, he could seek to follow in the footsteps of David Beckham and make the move across the pond.

Clearly with a lot still to offer, it's hard to imagine him wearing the shirt of another Premier League club for another two to three years and there are far worse places to live than the United States.

Realistically, only the LA Galaxy or the New York Red Bulls would be able to afford him, but they have filled their designated player spots for the season and may have to shift somebody out in order to accommodate him.

And what an asset they'd be getting. The Americans know their soccer and Lampard would represent a big attraction for a club, both financially and on the field.

It is easy to sneer at the MLS and dismiss it as a low quality league, but this is the place that has spawned the likes of Clint Dempsey, Brad Friedel and Tim Howard, amongst others, and it's only now that America is learning to keep its homegrown stars as well as make additions from abroad.

Lampard would thrive in the league that has no clear winners, and he could play a major part in the beginnings of a dynasty.

He may not possess the same star quality as Beckham, but he is more than capable of stealing a few hearts while his is out there as well as making a healthy addition to his bank balance.



Tom Ince

Tom Ince: Blackpool to Liverpool

This deal was such a certainty in January many thought it had actually gone ahead.

Liverpool is where it all started for Ince, and though he is a completely different player to his father, this is one move where he is likely to follow in his footsteps.

Of course, when your father is your manager at your current club, it is obvious to know that there is someone there with your best interests at heart.

Ince has been sensible about his career so far. He's stayed at Blackpool, a club that he truly seems to care about, not only because he's virtually guaranteed a starting spot, but the time has come for him to take the step up back to the Premier League.

Rodgers is rebuilding at Anfield, and there will be many comings and goings over the summer. Ince's move will be beneficial for both as he oozes top-flight quality and the club need someone with a little more potential that Stuart Downing.

Now an established England under-21 international, Ince will need a Premier League platform if he is to push on and become the star for the national side that we're all hoping he can be.



Lescott Exit

Joleon Lescott: Man City to Aston Villa

The writing seems to be on the wall for Lescott at City. Despite clawing his way back into the side as of late, it's clear that they need something else.

Links with his hometown team have been flying around for years, but the England man has always kept himself just out of the club's reach, but at 30 years of age, and with City looking to reshape their squad, the time could be night for him to go home.

Villa will have to stay up first, though, but they will be having a clear out of their own. Darren Bent, Richard Dunne, Shay Given and Stephen Ireland are all thought to be moving on in the summer. Moves that will bring in fees in Bent and Ireland's case, and free up a substantial chunk of space on the wage bill.

Lescott would be a crucial man for Villa as they've struggled with defensive stability this season. A young and often patchwork defence has seen them devoid of confidence for large parts of the campaign, but recently they've been able to shut teams out in the dying moments.

But Ron Vlaar's injury problems, as well as his unsteady leadership have caused Villa problems and they have had to fast track Ciaran Clark and Nathan Baker into becoming regular starters and at times they've been overawed.

Lescott would be vital for the club, providing some much needed nous and experience in a side that is so desperately devoid of both.



Fellaini Chelsea

Marouane Fellaini: Everton to Chelsea

Fellaini almost joined Chelsea in January but David Moyes has managed to hold on to his star midfielder for just a little longer.

A key figure in the Toffees midfield ever since he joined back in 2008, he's payed his dues long enough to deserve Champions League football, or at least a move to a club that can offer him that.

Unplayable at times, he has become a mainstay in the Belgian national team that have seen their stock rise considerably with the influx of their stars into the Premier League, he really deserves to be in a world class side.

A fee of £25 million has been mentioned several times and in truth, he's probably worth every penny. He has everything in his game and the chance to link up with Edin Hazard is probably to great to resist.

News came of Chelsea activating a clause in his contract at Everton were rife when the player had cancelled an autograph session at the side's megastore shortly after the shock 3-0 defeat to Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup earlier this month and the speculation quickly mounted.

The money will be good for Everton, they may be losing a key player, probably their best, but their financial difficulties have been well documented and that fee will go a long way into Moyes' pocket for reinvestment.


~CaughtOffside » Chelsea FC~
Read more... http://www.chelseamashup.com/2013/04/01/ten-transfers-that-we-think-are-likely-to-happen-this-summer/

Reflections on Chelsea's 2-1 Defeat at Southampton

If we learned one thing from Chelsea’s defeat at Southampton on Saturday, it’s this: the Blues squad is not currently strong enough to challenge effectively on three fronts at this late stage of the season, when games come thick and fast.

It’s a fair guess that Rafa Benitez spent the international break playing around with his tactics board, trying to work out the best Chelsea XI to field in each of the four games the Blues had coming up in the nine days after the players returned to Stamford Bridge.

Like a gambler in a Las Vegas casino backing a weak poker hand with big money, Benitez tried to pull off an odds-against victory at St Mary’s by putting out a side lacking a number of first-team regulars.

As we all know, the gamble didn’t come off, with the Blues going down to a dismal defeat against a side they had hammered 5-1 at the same venue in the FA Cup back in January.

The result knocked Chelsea down to fourth in the Premier League, and they are now only two points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal in the race for a Champions League slot.

For more thoughts on how that race is likely to unfold, and further observations about the game against the Saints, please flick through the slideshow.

Begin Slideshow

~Bleacher Report - Chelsea~

Bayern Munich • A Perfect Start • 2012/2013 [HD]

Bayern Munich A Perfect Start 2012/2013 Song: Madeon - Finale. Copyright Disclaimer Under Sectio...

CFCTVproductions - - Edited by CFCTVproductions himself - Jose Mourinho, Fabio Capello, Arsene Wenger, Sir Alex Ferguson, Harry Redknapp, Sven Goran Erikss...


Read more... Bayern Munich • A Perfect Start • 2012/2013 [HD]

Man-United-claw-their-way-past-Black-Cats

Manchester City capitalised on a stumble from Chelsea to tighten their grip on second place in the Premier League on Saturday, after Manchester United took another stride towards the title.


~News from Sports~
Read more... http://www.chelseamashup.com