Chelsea In America Vol1 Issue8

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 8

DEC 2009

DEEP FROM THE HEART (Notes your Chairwoman may have written...)

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Deep From the Heart Planning a Trip to the Bridge? PC Blues Take on Man United Tel's Season in Question 5 Questions For... December Dates to Remember

Some of the Pacific Coast Blues in good singing voice for the match against Manchester United... read more on Page 5!

Greetings everybody, not from your favorite red-headed, blue-blooded CIA leader, but from her hopefully capable stand-in while she is in England watching the boys win and whipping the management at Chelsea FC into shape! I have been handed the reins for the duration of the trip, which includes penning this article, so without further ado, let’s see what’s been going on, and what is upcoming… First things first, here’s hoping you had a great Thanksgiving, and are busy getting ready for the holidays. I know I have the Premiership and Champions League on my list for Santa ;-) Speaking of Christmas, be sure to stop by our friends at the US Chelsea Megastore (www.chelseamegastoreusa.com) for all the special people in your life this holiday time, and hey, while you are at it, get a little something special for yourself… or alternatively add the US Megastore URL to the favorites list of your friends and families as a hint. Business on the pitch is going very well indeed I think you will agree. The thumping of Arsenal at the library was a wonderful feeling, wasn’t it, and brought back wonderful memories of last May when we inflicted their heaviest Premiership defeat ever. That now makes it 1-7 in our last two visits to the Emirates, not bad really, but I suppose you might call us rude house guests ;-) Anyway, we don’t care, because we are sitting pretty on top of the Premier League having now beaten all three of the traditional other members of the top four. Speaking of the traditional top four, I am sure you are all enjoying also the demise of Liverpool both in terms of their early exit from the Champions League and their faltering in the Premiership… it’s like Christmas come early, isn’t it! Still, onwards and upwards… oh, that’s right, we can’t go up anymore!

Seriously though, we have won our Champions League group with a game to space so can breathe easy until the New Year on that now, but we do have the business of maintaining pace in the Prem and Blackburn in the Carling Cup, which will have been played by the time you read this. I am hoping we use it as a chance to blood the youngsters a little more as we have seen some tantalizing outings from two or three of them. We also have the African Cup of Nations starting in the New Year, the African equivalent of the European Championships, and that means we will lose some of our studs such as Drogs and Essien. Hopefully, as has been demonstrated over the last few weeks, the squad will prove to be strong in depth, and while we will miss them, we hope to welcome them back to a team still on top of the Prem. We also wish the African lads luck with their respective countries, and hope more than anything they come back fit and ready to get back to business. Looking further ahead, and hopefully to warmer weather, be sure to jump out to the bulletin board and let us know your thoughts about the Spring Trip. It is a great trip if you can make it, not only because you get to see a Chelsea game in one of the finest cities in the world, you will also enjoy the company of your fellow CIA members as well, I am sure, a whole boat load of other exciting activities. A couple more housekeeping items… you only have until the end of December to get your True Blue membership. At the end of December the opportunity to get a membership is closed for the season, so please do not delay. In order for us to help you with tickets or to include you in our spring trip we must have your registration information by

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PAGE 2 Continued from Page 1 the last day of December. Also, if you have any changes to your CIA membership information, such as change of address, or adding your new True Blue membership number, please email your changes to [email protected] I also want to remind all of you who are CIA members but *not* True Blue, please register with the club! It is quick and easy and sends a strong message to them about the support we have here in America. All you have to do is go to http:// theblues.chelseafc.com/ a!liatedmember and remember if you signed up family members all family members need to be registered, please. For the kids, just put in their name and note that they are minor children, and then your name. Well, I think that is it for this month. Be sure to get out to the bulletin board and catch up with all your blue friends, as well as sign up to follow CIA on Twitter for all the latest breaking news (CFCInAmerica). Until then, KTBFFH. - Andy Burbidge

Halloween seems like so long ago, but it wasn't really! Belle and Farrah show o" their Bosingwa Brows for Halloween (below), and pub mascot Lil' Ca$hley gets in on the unibrow action as well (above).

PC Blues, Continued from Page 4 is a special source of pride for most every Blues supporter. With hands in the air and elated shows of a"ection for one another – the Chelsea supporters celebrated their goal with little regard for time. Not even the blow of the final whistle would see a show as grand as John Terry's goal had evoked in the Blue family that had gathered to keep the blue flag flying high.

The post-match fever ran high – both with good cheer among the Blues; and a mutual showing of appreciation and respect between the majority of the rival supporters in attendance. The enthusiastic gathering of Blues supporters from the various counties of Southern California had gathered to represent on behalf of their beloved Chelsea and had done so magnificently. However, few could deny that the various Red supporters that had come to support, chant and cheer their club on to victory this particular day had somehow served to further inspire the Chelsea in attendance with their own brand of opposing passion. Despite the emphatic and often intimidating show of rivalry between the Blues and the Red Devils that Sunday at the Olde Ship – the minutes and pints following the match were filled with laughs, respect and moments filled with true class.

CONTRIBUTORS: A big thanks to everyone who helps make the CIA Bluesletter possible! Editor: Jamie Edwards Chairwoman: Beth Wild Logo and Graphics: Raciel Diaz Dates to Remember: Tel Stevens Proofreaders: Dorothy Cooper and Sarah Drake CIA Crest done in collaboration with Who Are Ya Designs www.whoareyadesigns.com Want to contribute or make a suggestion? Send Jamie an email at newsletter@ chelseainamerica.com!

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PLANNING A TRIP TO THE BRIDGE? SOME TIPS BEFORE YOU GO by Danny Campos It’s been a long time coming.# The days of reading match reports and “My First Time’s” from other members and feeling jealous will soon be over.# Now, when I return in at the tail end of November, I will be able to read some of those reports and nod my head thinking, “I know exactly what you mean.” My first trip to Chelsea is only hours away now.# I am very excited and also quite nervous.# This is a homecoming of sorts.# It will be a group of firsts all jam packed into one trip. $####First count) $####First $####First $####First $####First $####First $####First $####First

Trip Abroad.# (Mexico doesn’t trip to England trip to London Chelsea match (Home Match) Chelsea away match Reserve match CPO luncheon 532 pints in a foreign country

The last one is just a rough estimate.# I do plan on keeping a tally in my notebook while I am there. Our Newsletter Queen Jamie thought it would be a good idea if I wrote down some tips on what to do to get ready before you make that final leap across the pond for some proper Chelsea.# I’ll start by saying it’s never too early to prepare.# Whether you have an exact week, month or year you have set as a goal, or if you feel you are light years away from a trip, start gathering as much information as possible.# At the very end of our recent summer tour, the last thing that I thought was the possibility of saving up enough money for a trip abroad let alone a match… well…let alone two matches and a luncheon.# I have always thought it cliché to say something sounds cliché, but I can’t help it in this case because it is.# If you try hard enough, you can make it happen. I wish I could make it sound like I stopped driving my car, ate one meal a day and performed street magic for change, but really all it took was extra hours at work, and not spending money on stupid things.# Start budgeting. #Don’t buy those Dane Cook tickets (He’s terrible anyway), don’t go to Vegas, X

out of ebay this instant, and insist that your date pay for her steak dinner.# If you’re a Chelsea Chick just stick to normal date protocol. I know the money situation isn’t as simple as that, but set your goals however far away they need to be, and give it a shot. I’m not going to get into what you have to pack.# It’s London.# It’s cold and it rains.# I will have a better idea when I get back!# But making sure you have everything ready for Chelsea is the big point here.# First, become a member of CIA.# I know for many that sounds obvious, but it’s imperative for some of the newer members to hear.# Last I checked the membership is running for $8.# Very a"ordable.# The “Ticket Only” True Blue Membership runs £25, which is roughly $42.# If you are signed up for the CIA mailing list, are a regular Newsletter reader, or post regularly on the boards, it will be very di!cult for you not to know that this is very important!# It is very easy to find on the o!cial chelseafc.com website.# This of course allows you to buy you’re tickets, and it’s made very simple on our very own CIA website. You’ll need a passport.# Even if you plan on going two years from now, it’s a good idea to get it.# It’s nice to have in case that cousin of yours decides to get married in Micronesia (look it up), and instead of having to rush to get a passport, you’ll already have it.# Plus it makes you feel a lot like Jason Bourne when you see your picture.# Solid. The passport ran around $160-$170 including the fee to expedite.# It’s just under $20 to expedite, which just means that they rush the sucker to you ASAP.# I was afraid it might take too long, so I plunked down the extra $20 and boom, it was at my house in under two weeks.# You can get the passport done at the post o!ce, or make an appointment at your City Hall which is what I did.# Flight costs definitely vary depending on what airline you choose and the time you buy the tickets.# For those of you looking for deals in advance I suggest using www.travelzoo.com.# It’s a site that

rounds up the Expedia’s, Travelocities, and Orbitz’ all into one neat place so you can compare flight costs after entering the dates you wish to travel.# This is just my opinion, but be wary of flight deal sites you don’t recognize and try to stick to the bigger names.# Again it’s just my opinion, but if I find a flight for $500 while all the other sites are closer to $700, my eyes tend to get into suspicious mode and the wrinkles on my forehead slowly start to form.# Bottom line, be safe on the world wide interweb. I will soon find out what it’s like getting around London, but I’m finding out that the golden rule for cheap travel is an Oyster Card.# It’s a card to use for the tube, London’s underground transportation.# Money can be put on the card and with a swipe at the turnstiles, you’re on your way.# The Oyster Card is wikipediable if you want to read more about it, or you can check out this site:# https://oyster.tfl.gov.uk/oyster/entry.do I have been using googlemaps to just get a rough idea of the area around Stamford Bridge.# This is good if you have a particular pub, or area in mind that you would like to visit.# To be bluntly honest, I have been using googlemaps to pretend I’m right by Stamford Bridge for years now.# If this was anything else, I would be embarrassed.# However, this is Chelsea.# Nothing wrong with that. Luckily for me, I have had a wise and tested guide to help me along the way.# Beth has been great pushing me in the right directions, which just reminds me, don’t be afraid to ask your fellow members for help!# Use us!# But please, remember to put us back where you found us when you’re finished. I will definitely know more when I return home, so if any of you other newbies need help, I’m here for you. Final thought for you Chelsea trip hopefuls:# Get the wheels in motion!# It’s never too early. Happy planning! Danny ##

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THE BIG SHOWDOWN: PACIFIC COAST BLUES TAKE ON THE MANC FANS by Hubert Schroeder The morning of November 8th, 2009 promised to deliver to the Olde Ship Pub and Restaurant nothing less than a wild ruckus of football, fanatics, and fellowship. Thanks in large part to the Orange County Hooligans (arguably Southern California’s most organized and outspoken Chelsea supporters club for over two years now), the Olde Ship, located in Santa Ana, CA, has become a massively popular and favored venue to watch live football with friends and foes alike. Whether the kicko" be at 4:45am or at 9:30 in the morning, the OC Hooligans have built their reputation on representing Chelsea Football in full voice, good cheer, and earnest camaraderie – and it was well known that every bit of that fervor would be needed that morning.# This particular day would see the favored and in-form Chelsea F.C. pitted against their most challenging rival of recent years, the often despised and easily vilified… Manchester United. If there is one match-up that creates a stir at The Olde Ship more than any other … it is Chelsea versus Man-U. In the week leading up to the match there was much abuzz about the gathering at the Olde Ship that Sunday. The pub plays host to a mildly respectable and loosely banded grouping of regular United supporters – however, the big matches would be sure to bring out the plastic fans by the drove. Additionally, it had also been confirmed that the popular pub would be infiltrated by a local band of United supporters that had recently experienced some success in organizing themselves in number and, allegedly, in voice as well. Knowing the importance of this match, many of the local Chelsea clans (the various Blue families in Southern California e.g. the

South Bay Blues, The Chelsea nomads, etc.) had committed their troops to joining the OC Hooligans at the pub that morning – some driving from as far away as 60 miles. The stage had been set – not only by the fierce rivalry soon to be revisited at Stamford Bridge but, also by the zealous football fans poised to cheer their club on to victory nearly 5500 miles away. Many Chelsea supporters arrived 90 minutes prior to kicko" to stake their claim to their home pub and to lavish its walls with Chelsea flags, scarves and Blue memorabilia. By 7:00am (60 minutes prior to kicko") the pub was already full of more people than would be seen on an average match day. By 7:30, the band of United supporters had arrived and began to do their best to acclimate themselves to their new surroundings. By 7:40, several pints had been qua"ed. By 7:45, the first ‘Carefree’ had been sung. By 7:55, ‘Celery’ had been chanted. By 8:00, the pub was near legal capacity and in a frenzy. The match proved to be a well-fought battle between the two ‘top four’ Premier League clubs – and the banter, song and cheer between the rival fans at the Ship was no less fierce. The insults had begun. The back and forth ribbing had commenced. The Blues supporters had well-established that they would not only be Carefree wherever they may be – but, that they would also be going mental for the better part of their lives. And somewhere amidst the two clubs feeling one another out and an immaculate Michael Ballack cross to Didier Drogba for an o" target shot at the goal came a familiar call, 10…9…8… 7…6…5…4…3…2…1. The Blues supporters erupted in to their first ‘Zigger Zagger" of the morning and followed it with the traditional impassioned chorus of ‘When the Blues Go Steaming In.’ This early show of strong singing was to set the tone for the remainder of the match. Despite controlling the majority of the possession over the first 30 minutes the visitors to Stamford Bridge could not seem to get o" a respectable shot in the face of a fierce defensive team e"ort.

And the Blues supporters at the Olde Ship seemed to be just as relentless in outchanting and outclassing the rival support at the Olde Ship. One stretch of singing easily lasted the better part of five minutes and featured an inspired medley of ‘Ten Men Went to Mow,’ ‘West London is Wonderful,’ and an opinionated little ditty about the fecal content in the city of Manchester. Most any Blues fan worth their salt would have been proud – anyone else within earshot would have had to have been impressed in some form or another (if not

completely irked). Despite a somewhat uneventful first half full of toothless shots and missed opportunities, the support and energy at the Olde Ship did not wane. In fact it carried on through to the opening minutes of the second half when the United supporters present at the ship were quickly schooled in the knowledge that “If you can’t do the bouncy, you’re a Manc.” This bit of “dropped science” was followed by the ever popular ‘Bouncy’ and a myriad of positive support for Super Frank, Joey “Everywhere” Cole, Petr Cech, Ashley “My Ninja” Cole, and an extended tribute to John Terry. This last tribute coming in response to a round of insulting songs aimed at the Chelsea captain by many of the Red Devils in attendance. Little did the rival supporters know that 75 minutes in to the match it would be Captain Terry that would be glancing a Frank Lampard free-kick in to the corner of the net for the only goal of the match. The celebration the followed this netted e"ort was a perfect storm of pandemonium, emotion and good cheer.

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5 QUESTIONS FOR.... CIA Chairwoman Beth Wild How did you become Chelsea, and when? October 10th, 1981 - my first trip to the Bridge; old story, most have heard it. I was taken by a guy who is still one of my dearest friends. First the pub, then a walk down the Fulham Road, then through the turnstiles and out onto the terraces of the Shed. I LOVED IT! Knew nothing of the game, the team or anything, but you just have to take those opportunities. Right before kick o", I turned to Simon and asked, “So the object of the game is to get the ball in the other guys' net, right?”, to which he nodded in agreement. And then me following up with “And what color are we?”, to which he replied loudly “BLUE FOR F***'S SAKES, WE’RE BLUE.” I loved it; well actually I loved the supporters, the singing, the passion, the theatre of it all. My life changed that day. I knew I had found my home, and I have been drawn back to it from that day to now. At the end of the match (and we did win), I had two new loves, Chelsea and Clive Walker (yes, my favorite before JT, as JT was not even born yet). Simon asked, “So what did you think?” In my hoarse voice, but still loud and clear (that is where I learned to sing), I replied “WHEN DO WE DO IT AGAIN?” And I have been doing it again for 28 years, and, despite wins, losses, tears of joy and sorrow, players coming and going, all I know is I am Chelsea til I die! # What is your favorite Chelsea memory? I have an entire book of them, honestly. Oh my gosh, how do you pick just one? My first game is definitely a memory I cherish. Meeting JT for the first time in Seattle, well, that cemented my adoration of him. He is my all-time favorite. My first CPO lunch - WOW! I was so gobsmacked being in the same room with all those legends, and getting to know them is more special than I can say. The day we all went to Fulham and ended the day in the garden of White Horse with all of us from America and new friends from the UK. That was the day I met Cathy, and it is very special. I have some private special memories as well, especially in Barcelona, Trondheim, and Bordeaux. Seeing Zola play his last

match for us, and beating the Scouse 2-1 to go on to the Champions League the next season. The first time I met Tim at Summers in Arlington, VA, the first supporters club in America I ever knew; he started it all up again. The George in Seattle the first time I met Andy. Watching Marky’s face when he realized he knew me from back in the 80s causing agro in front of him and his dad in the old director's box. Meeting Walks for the first time after 20+ years of him being Chelsea to me. Getting a huge hug and being picked up by Canners after telling him how much I admired him. Drinking shots of Sambuca with Kerry Dixon, when he said I had to "'cuz I am a Chelsea Legend”. Winning the League standing between Tel and Stephen, and crying my eyes out as we all were doing that day. Every summer tour, every moment of each of them. Especially Dallas this year, I could have never imagined that Chelsea would ever play 10 miles from where I live. And doing all I do for CIA and for the TXBlues; I truly love the supporters club we have all built. You all fill my memories with so much joy and laughter, I love all of you. But maybe most of all, because they are my brothers, having them at the Pompey match last year for my 50th with my friends. My brothers who have watched my passion for this club all these years, and as my brother John said on the day “No wonder you love Chelsea so much; how could you not! Everyone is so fantastic and this - this is the best.” I can honestly say I am so blessed. I came to this club all those years ago, and it has filled my life and my heart with so much joy and love and sweetness, I can’t imagine Chelsea not a part of my life. # What is your favorite non-match Chelsea event that you have attended? The Chelsea Pitch Owners Luncheon! Hands down, it is amazing! This year will

be the 4th time. I have to tell you, they impress every time. I finally got my share, and it was the first thing I wanted to do. I went the first time not knowing what to expect, and you couldn’t have imagined it. 50+ legends in one room, and they are so wonderful and so incredible. Imagine how much fun Tommy and Jock were this summer and then multiply it by 25+. It is amazing. It is expensive, but the proceeds go to the Past Players Trust, so I save up all year for it. It isn’t about the food or the drink (I lie there), but being near these guys and getting to know them a little, oh my gosh! If you ever get a chance to go, hock the jewelry and be there, it is fantastic! And all because we seriously have the finest group of Legends imaginable. # Best memory from an away match (European or PL)? Again, that is so hard. I think it has to be Trondheim in the CL two years ago. Fifteen miles south of the Arctic Circle, at the end of November, with $16 pints of beer. But who cares? We got stuck into the tents they put up in the SNOW, drinking beer with the Rosenborg supporters - it was so much fun. We had a bit of agro with the accommodations I won’t sleep in a bunk bed in a closet but it all worked out. My long-time friend Tim was there to bail us out and be our interpreter and tour guide. And sitting in the front row behind the goal, not being held in and then going to a club after to watch all the Norwegians drink themselves silly. Actually, all the away matches are special. I loved last year in Barcelona with Jenny and Tom and drinking all night long outside Camp Nou; my first Champions League away match to Brussels and the saga of “Pukey”; Istanbul was also AMAZING! And then there is Pompey away on the train with Marky and my little mate Ryan; what a laugh. Or coming home from City, being stuck on a platform in Macclesfield for hours in the snow and cold with Wray, Fit Bloke and Cynthia; oh my gosh, what a laugh even though it was freezeing. Mo’s first away match to West Brom and sliding on the ice,

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TEL'S SEASON IN QUESTION: 1965-66 After putting the question out on the CIA Message Board on which year to do, I thought I would do a double request in one go and do season 1965 (gaelcat) 1966 (LB-TM), so here goes. After being promoted from Division 2 at the end of the '62-'63 season, we had finished 3rd and 5th in#our next two campaigns, so with Docherty's Little Diamonds playing some scintillating footy the previous two years, hopes were up for a good go at winning the league for the first time in 10 years. On a nice hot, sunny August day with "Mr. Tambourine Man" racing up the charts, Chelsea started the '65-'66 season with a home game against Burnley. Burnley in those days were quite the outfit and had not too long before been crowned Division#One#Champions, so this wasn't an easy game to start with. Thankfully, we managed a point with a goal from Terry Venables. Next up were two away games, Stoke (2-2)#and Fulham, a 3-0 win. September didn't start o" great as we logged our first defeat, at home to Stoke; Hollins getting our consolation goal. Three days later it was o" to the Library to play L'Arse. In front of a packed North Bank we kicked their butts 3-1, goals from a future L'Arse boss Graham, Bridges and Fascione. We got the same result a week later when we entertained Everton with Venables being the only di"erent scorer to the Library game. The games seemed to be coming thick and fast; four days after Everton in came#She!eld Wednesday,#and with wins hard to come by at home#we held out for a 1-1 draw - again TV getting the goal. Three days after that it was o" to "The House Of Horrors" - Old Tra"ord - and in front of 38,000 muppets we lost a tight a"air 4-1, once again TV scoring. Our last match in September was against the Barcodes from Geordieland. It was another game we dropped points at home, managing a 1-1 with them. Going into October we had only won one home game, two away and drawn three; the other two were losses. If not spectacular, we were steady. Terry Venables was leading scorer with five, George Graham just behind with four

Cobblers 1-0.

and Bobby Tambling with just one mind you he had missed six games. October started with a win away at the Baggies; goals form Graham and Bridges sealed the points. Next up was another home defeat, this time to lowly Blackpool. Thankfully, we had an away game at Blackburn and grabbed both points with#Graham getting the only goal of the game. Following that was yet another home defeat (0-2),#this one to Leicester City. The last game in October was away at She!eld Utd. We got a 2-1 win, some young striker called Osgood getting his first league goal for us. As November approached, we had played 14 - won 6 (of which 5 were away from the Bridge), drew 4 and lost 4. Defending seemed to be a problem, even with "The Cat" in goal, as we had only kept two clean sheets. Next up was a home#battle with the Dirty Boys from Yorkshire, and for a nice change we got a win at home with Hollins getting the only goal of the game. We only had two more games in November, both away to teams in claret and blue. We lost at the Pikeys' (1-2),#but thrashed those Villians 4-1; Tambling grabbing a brace and that youngster Osgood getting another. That was played in front of a pathetic crowd of 16,414 Brummies. December didn't start too brightly as we managed another home defeat, this time to the Bindippers. A week later something unusual happened,we went to Two Point Lane and lost 2-4. That was our last game until after Christmas. Next up were two games in two days against the same team. The first game was away at Northampton. Tambling grabbed two late goals to win it for us, 2-3. The following day we recorded only our third home win of the season beating The

Two wins in two days had done wonders for the the team as going into the new year, we won all our games in January. Osgood scored four of our eight goals in the first four games of 1966. Come midFebruary,#we had won six games in a row and were in the top three. February 19th saw us draw 0-0#with L'Arse. A week later we seemed to have turned our home form around with a victory against Sunderland. Osgood this time grabbed the final goal of a 3-2 win. The end of February saw us go up to Everton and, after having a decent run of away form, we lost 1-2; Barry Bridges grabbing us a consolation goal. Our first league game in March wasn't until the 12th, and it brought Manure Nited into town. In front of a crowd of 60,269, we sent then back to Stretford with a 2-0 defeat in tow; goals from Bridges and Tambling making it a long trip back to Kent/Surrey for the Manc fans. Our last two games were both away and we got back on track, dropping just one point at Leicester. April saw us up against Revie's#Hoviseating, flat-cap-wearing dirty boys from Yorkshire. They proved too good for us as they beat us 0-2. Five days later we entertained the Pikeys and set them straight back down the District Line with a 6-2 defeat to contemplate. Braces from Graham and Tambling embarassed the Hammers that day. Two days later, we had to play Forest twice in two days first was a 1-0 home win, and the following day a brace from Tambling helped seal the points. We were still in the top 3 but the rest of the results in April knocked us down to 6th - three defeats in a row to Sunderland, WBA and Liverspain. Going into the last month of the seaon we knew we wouldn't win the league, but second was possible. Unfortunately, a 1-1 draw at She!eld Weds didn't help matters. Our last three fixtures were all at home and we needed all 6 points. We started well, winning the first two, but our last home game of the season was at home to Villa. With other results in the

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PAGE 7 Season, continued from Page 6

5 Questions, continued from Page 5

previous weeks not going our way, we were going to have to settled for a top five finish, and in front of a crowd of just 16,232, we lost 0-2.

making sure everyone knew it was her first away game (can’t write what we really said) and even the losses, away to the Scouse with Marky and Jon, stuck in Widness. West Ham last season with everyone, and that great save Petr made and me behind the goal. And if it counts, Chelsea in the semifinal against the Goons at Wembley (have dreamt about Chelsea playing at Wembley and me being there for years!) and meeting the Wembley boys, them making me feel right at home, and then meeting up with Tone and that ridiculous coach ride back to someplace, thank goodness for taxis! Again, there are so many.

We finished fifth with the same points as Manure Nited (51), but their goal average was slightly better, 1.424 against 1.226. # Stats on the season: P 42, W22, D7, L13, GF65, GA53, PTS 51 We ended up winning 11 matches at home. After 20 games we had only two wins at home, so bringing the tally to 11 wasn't bad. # The FA Cup saw us beat Liverspain (a) 2-1; Leeds (h) 1-0; Shrewsbury (h) 3-2; Hull,after a replay (a) 3-1. We lost in the semis for the second year running at the same place as last season (Villa Park) to She!eld Weds. Nobody managed to play the full quota of 42 games. The nearest was Johnny Hollins with 39, but Marvin Hinton and Peter Bonetti were just one game behind him. The leading league goalscorer was George Graham with 17, but leading overall scorer was Bobby Tambling with 21. There was no Player of the Year award; this was introduced the following season. Highest Home Gate 60,269 vs. Man Utd Lowest Home Gate 10,024 vs. Blackburn Average Home Attendance 31,344

DECEMBER DATES TO REMEMBER 12/3/1982 - Michael Essien's birthday 12/7/1980 - Captain John Terry's birthday

12/15/1966 - Happy 43rd birthday to Dennis Wise

# What is your most cherished piece of Chelsea "stu!"? I would have to say two things. One is the photo JT sent me that he signed “with love,” which is always my proof he doesn’t think I am a stalker. Also, the signed Legends ball from the summer tour. I wanted it from the moment I got the first signature on it, and with each one, I wanted it more and more, and now it has a place of pride. But I have so much, and it is all precious to me. But the most important “stu"” - my memories and all of you guys!

12/16/1964 - Chelsea played Workington; we won 2-0, both goals being scored by a 17-year-old debutant called Peter Osgood 12/20/1978 - Geremi will hit 31; I thought he was older than that!

A BRIEF NOTE FROM THE EDITOR The end of 2009 is approaching, and while the newsletter hasn't exactly been around for a full year yet, this will be the last issue of Volume 1. I wanted to take a moment once again to thank everyone who has contributed so far and dealt with my nagging and deadlines. I had a chance to meet some of my contributors during the Summer Tour and thank them in person, which

was fantastic. I hope to meet more of you over the next year. It's hard to believe I only joined CIA a little over a year ago. I love compiling this newsletter for you all. I love participating on the message board. I love being a semi-regular member of the Podcast. I love Chelsea, and I love Chelsea in America. Thank you all. See you in 2010!

12/20/1980 - Ashley Cole's birthday 12/24/1938 - Only 6,801 fans turn up for a 4-1 thrashing of Liverpool 12/31/1965 - Tony Dorigo, our Australian-English player, will be celebrating his 44th