Abramovic To Walk Away

[Nodge70]

Nodge you could be right about Spartak, doesn't RA have something to do with them already through Sibneft? I was definitely told ZSP though by Aaron so who knows.

Can you see someone coming in & being as generous as he has been? Or will it be a fall from grace for the mighty blues?


Dpmd-

Unfortunately yes. They are now, disgustingly, a big global brand - worldwide recognition and exposure, relatively well run off the field, prime location (both stadium and training facilities) and an excellent youth academy. Wouldn't be cheap though.

RA puts through limited funding through Sibneft for Spartak. Hadn't heard the ZSP link but given the competitive nature of the respective owners of Gazprom and Sibneft would assume any mutual back scratching unlikely!!

[Goddard]

Unfortunately yes. They are now, disgustingly, a big global brand - worldwide recognition and exposure, relatively well run off the field, prime location (both stadium and training facilities) and an excellent youth academy. Wouldn't be cheap though.

RA puts through limited funding through Sibneft for Spartak. Hadn't heard the ZSP link but given the competitive nature of the respective owners of Gazprom and Sibneft would assume any mutual back scratching unlikely!!

Maybe they have... but they better start using it.

John Terry made his debut 13 years ago, in 1998... since then, they have brought precisely NOTHING through their youth system to play regular first team football at Chelsea.

[Ric-Roc]

hope peter risdale takes over......

[Ric-Roc]

Interesting stuff Nodge & I fear you are right regarding a new owner. Their brand & the Adidas link has taken them to another level. If they fail to qualify for the CL that could cause ripples on the marketing front. Plus with many players coming into their later years ie: Terry, Lampard, Drogba, Cech, Bosingwa they are going to have to start rebuilding a new team soon & that won't be cheap.

Actually Goddard that's a valid point about the youth set up. Wasn't that Frank Arnesen's gig?

They had a big furore a few years back when they allegedly 'poached' two youngsters from Leeds yet not a sign of them coming through.

[LoftusRoadLad]

What I heard before Christmas was that Wilkins was shown the exit after a ruck with Roman on squad make up.

Roman don't want to bankroll any more ready made superstars and wants the club to produce it's own.

Super Smashing Ray said no chance, the stars all getting old together and it needs to be a staggered approach for young players introduction.

Roman said get 5 yoot players in the match day squad. fergie did it at Man U we're gonna do it here.

Prawns and vintage wine all over the shop and it's bye bye Ray.
The squad know it and the winning machine that is the **** is winding down.

Roman focusing on USSR and pumping roubles in pre World Cup as per a "little deal" with the goverment.
you may find other Ruskie Billionaires who've not cut deals end up developing a taste for porridge.

All rumour of course.

Cheap make up at boots for the squad......

[DelTrotter]

Maybe they have... but they better start using it.

John Terry made his debut 13 years ago, in 1998... since then, they have brought precisely NOTHING through their youth system to play regular first team football at Chelsea.

To be fair the boy McEcheran looks like he'll be a star

[Olly]

I'm sure I read quite a while ago that RA had involvement with ZSP even while at chelsea. Any move to russia as already said would likely be political, and one billionaire is still in jail, having been re-sentenced.

CL trophy hasn't happened either.

[MYU]

Has he left yet?

[Ric-Roc]

Has he left yet?