@Matt_82 Henry only left a couple of months ago. Give 'em time, ffs.

We haven't won anything since Pires was in the team. We haven't won anything since Campbell was in the team. We haven't won anything since David Dein was at the club. We haven't won anything since Ashley Cole was in the team. We haven't won anything since Ljungberg was in the team. We haven't won anything since we moved to the Grove.

We haven't won for a number of reasons. The loss of one individual isn't the reason.

RasDam wrote:

The loss of one individual isn't the reason.

Yeah but you've managed to replace other individuals. Even Henry (his goals anyway).
Apart from Gilberto for a brief stint, no one's filled Viera's boots.
edit: But yeah I agree that's not the only reason. Since teams that have won stuff haven't had Viera either. You have missed him though. More than the others you've lost I reckon.

Am I the only one rooting for a Chelsea win at the Allianz?

I'm finally beginning to see Di Matteo as a serious candidate for us, he's handling the pressure really well, behaves with dignity at all times, and most importantly seems to be able to get the best out of his players, ageing or not.

Liverpool selection backfired, but it was always unlikely we'd score 4th place and as a betting man I'd prefer him not to risk the big players in relatively meaningless games. The big question is whether he is capable of over-seeing the whole-sale changes our squad needs, and early signs are encouraging in terms of man-management. We shouldn't have too much trouble attracting big-name players if we win in Germany, but it'll be much tougher without the Champs League carrot.

First move, sign Anton Ferdinand...

In all seriousness, I agree Ras. Maybe not now but in the next 5 years I could see him taking the reigns, like you say though with a good team behind him.

Has Pardew won manager of the year? I heard it on the local news but there's nowt on Sky.

Difficult to argue against both. There are certainly other players/managers who would be in the bracket, but it's not a horrible decision.

monkey wrote:

google wrote:

I want Chelsea to win. Heaven knows why the stance has swung to be pro-Bayern.

Its a bit harsh that they take the Champions League place from 4th spot. Its generally a team on the periphery that has had an outstanding season that gets kicked in to the Uefa Cup.

Agreed.

But the alternative would be that the winner of the Champions League would be unable to defend their league title in the next season.

So it's a lose/lose situation.

Yeah, I had no issue with the Liverpool joined in the qualifying rounds situation to be honest. But they changed the rules so I guess we'll have to live with it, as UEFA won't care about the 4th placed English team not being in it.

I want Bayern to win, it'd be nice for them to win it at their own stadium, plus I couldn't take the sight of Terry and Lampard lifting the trophy together. I'd also enjoy them not qualifying for next season.

They changed the rules afterwards to avoid that happening again, now 4th misses out at the expense of the champions.

Works both ways though, Chelsea don't deserve to be in next year because they spent months trying to get their manager sacked.

TheDJR wrote:

Works both ways though, Chelsea don't deserve to be in next year because they spent months trying to get their manager sacked.

Agreed. That was pretty scummy. 

But they beat a number of decent teams to get where they are, so more power to them in Germany.

Sorry to interrupt all the football talk, however today is the Semi-Finals of the Aviva Premiership.
Saracens vs Leicester / Harlequins vs Northampton.
I'm a massive quins fan and I am so nervous! We had better win as we were top of the table the whole season!

Gonzo wrote:

I hope arsenal draw and we win, then I will support Chelsea in Germany. But I doubt it.

This. I think every (decent) Spurs fan is thinking the same.

So forget that nonsense for now. Today is the day we either get Karren Brady's moany ass tits or Ian Holloway back in the Prem.

Who wants what, I'm all for Blackpool even though they will likely be re-relegated.