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Chelsea Rumours Member Posts
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Melbourne CFC's Posts and Other Poster's Replies To Melbourne CFC's Posts
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Melbourne CFC's rumours posts with other poster's replies to Melbourne CFC's rumours posts
20 Mar 2014 17:57:08
Ed002 if you have time. As I'm sure plenty of media will claim Hazard will go to PSG in the window. I know things change over time, but would you think Spain is a far more likely attraction, still, to the player?
I don't think he'll leave for a second - in the next window, and don't think the club would listen to offers, if he expresses no desire to leave. Just curious as to if PSG is at all a likely future destination?
{Ed002's Note - I wouldn't think a move to PSG is likely.}
04 Apr 2013 02:10:55
Ed002, do the club still hold an interest in Fernando Reges? Do you see him leaving Porto in the summer?
Cheers {Ed002's Note - I think interest has probably gone and he is unlikely to move in the summer.}
1.) Cheers mate. Are you able to say who the club is looking at as a replacement for Essien as interest in Fernando has gone? {Ed002's Note - Essien has been out on loan and may well leave in the summer. Typically clubs do not look to replace players who are out on loan or otherwise not in the plans of the club with like for like-for-like players.}
2.) Understandable. I appreciate we have probably a few targets, but who have we turned our attention to after Fernando interest wained? I'm of the impression that Paulinho is no longer in the plans.
Cheers for the quick replies {Ed002's Note - There are no lists which the club work down from the top. It really doesn't work that way.}
3.) I fully understand that Ed002. I won't push the issue any further. Thanks again
26 Feb 2013 08:39:57
Ed002 with De Bruyne telling the club he does not want to make cameos off the bench and wants to be a starter when he returns, has their been interest from PL clubs to take him on loan? I know a lot can change between now and the summer, but had clubs shown interest before his Werder move?
Cheers {Ed002's Note - I am not aware of EPL club interest - and it seems far to early for that to be considered by most clubs.}
1.) Have you seen the way he's been playing?
Melbourne CFC's banter posts with other poster's replies to Melbourne CFC's banter posts
17 Jan 2026 04:07:22
Been a long while since I posted, however I have always checked in from time to time to get a sense of how you guys feel the club is going. Thought I’d give my two cents as many are upset at the current ownership.
Firstly, I think they have a fantastic strategy for the mid to long term. Hoovering up potential world class future talent is amazing. Players like Estevao, Quenda, Penders and Paez have the potential to hold us in good stead for the next 5 year block. Signing them early, knowing that the current results may not be the greatest and CL football is no guarantee is also smart business, as you’re not reliant on CL to attract players. Obviously, this comes with a painful present, which hopefully they adapt slightly and put a little more focus on the now. Quenda looks the business and will slot right in next year, as will Emegha. Attack sorted. Penders imo is probably another year away from being capable of a league tilt, however still would run Sanchez close currently.
I think my biggest issue with the ownership is with their decisions on managers. Maresca was unproven, although was well liked by our young group and managed to get some results via horrible, boring, slow football. Too early to judge LR, however, he fits the same mold of an unproven micromanager that seems to think he is a footballing genius. This crop of youngsters needs someone who has achieved and can unlock their potential, not someone who will pigeonhole them into rigid tactics.
Our defence is atrocious, has been for a while. Two world class wide backs can’t cover for the guys holding down the center. LC return will add some much needed leadership and stability, if he returns at the same level. The holes are so glaring that it doesn’t make sense to assume the owners are blind, more so that the player type (young, huge upside) they look for hasn’t been available. Hopefully that changes soon, or Sarr can return and be an upgrade (haven’t seen enough of him) .
The owners are businessmen. They will not make rash decisions that go against the strategy they believe will work best for us in the mid-long term. This is a good thing. We don’t want to fall so far off the perch that we mirror United and their lack of strategy. Hopefully LR can turn things around this year and I fully expect that next year we can run Arsenal and Citeh close.
1.) 17 Jan 2026 08:52:14
Melbourne, I enjoyed your post enormously and I agree with the vast majority of it.
2.) 17 Jan 2026 08:54:27
Welcome back Melbourne CFC and thankyou for your post which was so refreshing to read, well thought out articulate.
3.) 17 Jan 2026 09:31:07
The strategy of getting the players like estevao, Quenda, paez etc is fantastic and even though a c couple of them might not make it, it is worthwhile to take the gamble on them. I don't know many chelsea fans who have a problem with that.
The problem lies with signings like Kellyman, casadei, Gabriel etc who are unknown and brought in for 20m hits. It just doesn't make sense to me. Yes there will be misses but right now there's a lot of misses.
We have spent 1.5billion (more than that) and started that game against arsenal with a front 3 of Neto, Guiu and Gittens and ended with Garnacho Delap. I just do not see how it is possible. Where has the money gone?
4.) 17 Jan 2026 09:41:32
Interesting post Melbourne and completely agree both about our central defense and gamble with young inexperienced managers.
There is surely also a gamble in relying almost entirely on buying young players some of whom are exceptopnally talented like Estevao and Palmer and thinking they will be content to stay eith us - or likes of Cucurella would be - if we cannot challenge for the EPL or ECL until several years time?
So we do need to fix the problems on the squad and in terms of manager now. But will these owners/ SDs be prepared to tolerate any experienced manager who may have strong opinions and be prepared to voice them if they are at odds with said owners and SDs whether on transfers, team selection or who should be in the dressing room after matches?
5.) 17 Jan 2026 10:10:37
The money spent hasn’t disappeared, it’s been invested in players.
The owners will surely give the manager time to install his own methods. So called experienced managers all had to start somewhere.
6.) 17 Jan 2026 10:31:10
I don’t disagree, Standard, however, if your strategy is signing unproven potential, you will take 3 Gittens per 1 Estevao. Most of the players signed that flop are moved on young enough that fortunately someone else will cover a chunk of the initial outlay.
If in 3 years, we’re still stuck fighting for CL places, it’s fair to strongly criticize the project as a failure, I think. I’d say it’s too early currently.
I hold the same fears, JBS, that those that shine won’t want to stick around. Fortunately the owners are capable enough of signing players to extremely long contracts which means we hold the chips in negotiations should they grow bored.
The PL is so flush with cash, that it’s prudent to plan longer term. Multiple sides spend upwards of 200m a year. Signing proven talent doesn’t guarantee success ala Liverpool this year and 28 year olds hold their value for far shorter times in the current landscape.
7.) 17 Jan 2026 10:57:24
THough would add that LR obviously will be given time now - and should be once appointed - to show whether he can rise to the formidable challenge of being a successful manager for us if particularly when appointed mid-season.
8.) 17 Jan 2026 11:15:21
Then we are in agreement Melbourne. I agree it's a wait and see, my concern is losing the identity we have of always winning a trophy no matter the circumstances we find ourselves in. Last 20 years we've been winners, and with CWC win (which was absolutely massive) we still look good in that aspect.
I do wish there was a bit more balance but I agree. I also do have faith in Rosonier and think hell suprise a few.
9.) 17 Jan 2026 12:10:52
Melbourne, I agree with a lot of what you say in your posts, However, I don’t necessarily agree that we hold the chips regarding players wanting to move on. True, we have long contracts which maintains a player’s value. Experience has shown that if a player wants to a move he will get it. Of course, we will get a transfer fee but would we be able to obtain a player of equal quality and experience;I doubt it. Also, I fear the money would be wasted on even more young players who are not PL ready.
As for Liverpool, things haven’t worked out but I believe most of their signings were good. I suspect that even with these issues, Liverpool will end up above us. Liverpool still have ambitions to win big trophies. I think their main problem is Slot and if he is replaced they won’t be appointing a novice coach with no experience to “learn on the job”.
10.) 17 Jan 2026 12:17:34
Where has this idea come from that they're smart businessmen in football? …they may be successful in 1000 different areas …has mo bearing on how they run a football club
It has been disasterous on and off field since they rocked up…. I get wanting to be positive and defending the club but guys come on its like mass brainwash cos weMve been told how ‘shrewd’ and smart these owners are ….
11.) 17 Jan 2026 13:08:38
Kazblue, I have to agree with you. Given the financial status of the owners, it would be fair to assume they are astute business men but that doesn’t mean they can build a successful football club: the assumption that they can by some people is surprising.
12.) 17 Jan 2026 13:52:46
I’m not of the opinion that the owners are going to succeed in football, just that they have a strategy they are sticking to, which may turn out to be good. Time is needed.
I agree that Liverpool made good decisions, my point was only that it hasn’t resulted in immediate success. Slot won the league in a canter last year and 6 months ago would’ve had his pick of jobs on the world stage. Things change fast in football.
We got fkd by Roman being forced to sell. It was heartbreaking, however, the current owners have shown they are willing to spend to a level far beyond others, which in itself is a huge positive. Whether they have made the right decisions to produce success remains to be seen.
13.) 17 Jan 2026 14:13:39
I also think they deserve credit by showing they want to win. We were lucky in that regard. They are putting money in for success and I don't think that can be argued against.
28 Sep 2019 13:23:30
Ed001 do you think we have the best youth in country in terms on breaking into the team and having an impact? Interested to know your thoughts as I know there's some good youth in England ATM.
{Ed001's Note - yes in terms of the quality of players being produced. Bit early to say it is the best in terms of having an impact. That will be a couple of years of them being in the team and producing.}
21 Jul 2016 03:04:14
Question for EdOO1 if you're about mate. I saw you mentioned we are unlikely to go in for a traditional winger as Conte is unlikely to use one. Can you give some info on how he is likely to set up the team for the PL. Thanks buddy, and hope everything has been sorted since the GoFundMe page was set up.
{Ed001's Note - thanks mate, all sorted now, it was only a short term problem. Thanks to everyone for the help!
Conte is known for looking at what he has and setting up a system to suit them. As you don't have any proper traditional wingers, no one who cuts outside to ping a cross in, he is unlikely to buy them to set up that way. Judging by his last couple of sides, he seems to have settled on a back 3, but that was only because centre backs were the main strength of both sides. So it may be that he reverts to a back four, but I think he has grown comfortable with a back three and will try to work with it if possible. It suits the players at the club, allowing him to work in an extra midfielder but still have two forwards.
I have to be honest, I am not convinced Conte is the right man, tactically he struggles badly in Europe, which is surely a major issue for a club with intentions of winning the Champions League? He seems unable to figure out opposing tactics quickly enough to pick up results.}
1.) 21 Jul 2016 06:04:04
Bit concerning there Ed? You think he will fail in the job? Am not overly convinced as of yet but did really know to much about him. He had a good euro and with better players to work with maybe he can make us a force again. But just get this feeling because we sacked every bloody manager out there it's come back to bite us on the arse. got to stick with this bloke no matter what now let him get players he wants and give him time to put his mark on the club.
{Ed001's Note - it depends on what you call fail. I don't expect you to pull up trees in European competition, but he is capable of turning you into title challengers again. For me, he is the person you bring in to steady the ship and get it heading in the right direction, before you bring in the guy to take you to the next level.}
2.) 21 Jul 2016 06:56:54
Oh right well hope not! Not another manager who buys his players just for the next manager to not want. That's been our problem over the years you got players from different managers and you end up with problems. Conte very young as a manager with good experience just let him crack on for many of year don't boot him out when we hit a bad patch! Give him a couple of seasons.
{Ed001's Note - that's why you have other people doing the recruiting to a long term plan. Must be said you should have gone and got Steve Walsh back from Leicester. The recruitment has been poor in recent years.}
3.) 21 Jul 2016 07:05:26
Thanks for taking the time mate and glad to hear it's all sorted.
{Ed001's Note - you are welcome mate and thank you, I am pretty glad myself!}
4.) 21 Jul 2016 09:03:27
We're not in Europe this season. So has a full one to work on that.
5.) 21 Jul 2016 13:19:14
Blast from the past Melbourne. Hope things are good on your end.
6.) 21 Jul 2016 17:46:54
Not sure what you base that on ED01?
Conte has had just 2 European campaigns as a Manager, the first with Juve resulted in them being beaten by the eventual winners Bayern in the QF's and the second reaching the Europa league SM's!
{Ed001's Note - ok if you say so.}
7.) 21 Jul 2016 17:55:00
G8 the fact they were in the Europa's tells you what?
Won't be a regular occurence TK but life is good mate. Hopefully you can say the same buddy!
One last one EdOO1 - how bittersweet is this fat scam news for you? Or is it straight up bitter? Strangely I think he will do ok in tournament competition. can't see football advancing in England while he is in charge though.
{Ed001's Note - I have no interest in England mate. It makes no difference to me.}
8.) 21 Jul 2016 22:28:37
He won 3 straight league titles with Juve Melbourne, the first season in the Champions League they got beat in the QF's by the eventual winners Bayern Munich! The second season they were knocked out in the group stage and went on to the SF of the Europa league. 3rd season he left to become Italy manager. Therefore, for me, not the worst record in Europe at all!
9.) 21 Jul 2016 23:12:30
I don't disagree mate, but the fact he got knocked out at the group stage in 50% of his attempts, with a team that dominated in Italy should show that EdOO1's comments have some basis in reality.
I'm not arguing the fact either way. Haven't seen enough of his teams play. We won't know for at least 18 months if he has been able to make the adjustments needed, if they're needed in the first place anyway. But personally I find when EdOO1 talks football you can be pretty confident he isn't talking nonsense.
05 Feb 2016 23:19:22
Hi Ed002,
A lot of whispers that we have signed Allegri for next season. Can I just ask if we have indeed made progress on the manager front, or whether you expect it won't be until nearer the end of the season that we find out? Thanks heaps.
{Ed002's Note - There will always be progress but there is no contractual agreement with Allegri or anyone else.}
1.) 06 Feb 2016 15:36:10
Would you think an annoucement before the end of the season would be likely?
Thanks mate.
{Ed002's Note - As I said there is no agreement with anyone at this time.}
17 Jan 2016 13:13:59
Question for Ed018.
Would you rather the current Ivanovic or Jose Bosingwa? I honestly can't decide and that's saying something.
{Ed018's Note - Bosingwa. Ivanovic this season has been one of the worst defenders I've ever seen play}
1.) 17 Jan 2016 17:39:04
Ferreira in his day over the both.
Much I'd rather play Dave there n Rahman on the left. Rahman could be the future being only 21. At this rate he will leave bit like Luis. : (
2.) 17 Jan 2016 18:06:31
Give it another year or two and jay da silva will be the future of the lb spot.
3.) 17 Jan 2016 19:42:46
Against Everton Ivanovic won 4 from 5 tackles. So this discussion is ridiculous.
4.) 17 Jan 2016 19:52:47
He was also out of position from the first two goals and stood and watch mori score the third.
5.) 17 Jan 2016 20:49:21
When ivanovic is in a tussle with a player yes he's great and also in the air but too many times he's out of position and does not possess the pace needed to get back into position.
6.) 18 Jan 2016 01:42:37
I'm leaning the same way Ed018, and Bosingwa is one of my least favourite players at the club since Roman came in. Antibot that is a ridiculous point, as usual.
7.) 18 Jan 2016 04:53:22
Yep, and he's going to be handed a new contract. Sigh.
8.) 18 Jan 2016 08:31:37
Everton's 3rd goal Ivanovich was ball watching whilst 2 (yes two) players actually moved for Everton. I'm sorry, much as I hate to say it, he's gone, get rid (sell) now. He is a centre back trying to play at right back (which requires more speed and movement than what he has left right now) The same applies to Terry ( I love him, he is Chelsea through and through) but he is now no longer quick enough for the style being played now.
I'm sorry to say that old, slower players will always get found out by younger quicker players, no matter how "experienced" they are, time moves on. Lampard, for me, got it exactly right, he left, played a bit part, then moved to MLS (for the money) . He will always be regarded as a Chelsea Legend (rightly so) but knew when to go.
I fear our club gets loyalty confused with performance, JT and Iva have the brain but not the body anymore, and whilst the club keep thinking this way we will suffer the consequences, you can't want to play one way whilst accommodating players that are now unable to physically achieve it, so two of our four defenders are not quite there anymore. And we wonder why we have leaked (given up) so many goals this year compared to last year. Some players are just not good enough anymore, simple as that.
Sorry people but we must be looking for (and playing) the next big thing not the last big thing that now doesn't cut it.
A harsh view, but how I see it, if we want to compete.
9.) 18 Jan 2016 08:36:38
Is this the first time Brana has failed us in his defensive duties? No! What I do not understand is why neither Jose nor Hiddink sees no reason to do something about it. He always allows crosses into the box with his hands behind his back and plays out of position many times. Arsenal will explore this opportunity and the could well be over before it starts. Hoping things will change with the new manager in the summer.
10.) 18 Jan 2016 08:54:00
I don't think it's a harsh view, Kiwi, and I fully agree. Their loyalty is unquestionable and they give it their all, but sadly that's just no longer sufficient. It's a sport after all. No matter how talented or smart you are, if your body can no longer do what you want it to do or do it as fast as you'd like it to, then it doesn't matter. You have to be able to perform.
So sure, give them a new contract for next season (especially Terry as I think he can teach Zouma a lot just by training with him), but we have to get a new starting CB in to pair with Zouma. Terry can't be a regular starter anymore, he's too immobile.
Ivanovic I wouldn't give a new contract if the club are able to get in a new RB or LB. I think Fabinho would be a good buy as he's versatile as well and a good player IMO.
11.) 18 Jan 2016 10:34:07
I've got to agree that Ivanovic had another really bad game, he was out of position for the first 2 goals, ball watches the 3rd and to be honest the Barkley chance that hits the post and the Mirallas one on one chance he is also at fault, so 5 mistakes all in the second half.
Its a sad day when I look at the Everton team and honestly believe that 4 of them would walk into our team - Stones, Baines, Barkley and Lukaku .
12.) 18 Jan 2016 13:31:16
Don't forget Coleman and probably McCarthy
It was also Zouma leaving his man unmarked on third goal, let's hold him accountable as well.
13.) 18 Jan 2016 14:27:47
To compare Ivanovic with Bosingwa is ridiculous because if you do you wouldn't compare central back ( forced to play as right back) with typical winger back. The fact that you don't like Ivanovic is your problem, he was and still has full confidence from all managers who managed Chelsea since he is at the club plus he is RA favourite from some reason. Last season he was the best right back at PL officially or perhaps Melbourne lost his memory.
Personally I think that Ivanovic should play as central defender because it is his natural position.
14.) 18 Jan 2016 21:30:41
When did I say I don't like Ivanovic? God you post some utter dribble antibot. And forced to play RB? How many seasons has he been at the club? And we haven't bought in a player to allow him to move central, nor has a single manager (seeing as though you trust only managers to have valid opinions) chosen to give him a run as CB. Why is that? Just because prior to 09' he was used as a CB, doesn't mean he is forced to play RB.
The fact you can't see (and JM or a seriously lacking GH for that matter) that the bloke is costing us goals on a weekly basis and is well past his best, doesn't mean he is deserving of a spot. He wasnt the best RB last year, he hasn't been a quality RB since the season we won the CL, but his goals kept him in the team and his speed allowed him to make up for getting torn to shreds by players down the wing. Both have gone, so now your solution is still to keep him but as a CB. One who consistently shows he has no pace or positional awareness.
Maybe you should be our next manager. Certainly fit the bill as never moving with the times and trusting past it players over hungry youth.
15.) 19 Jan 2016 08:05:04
Well said Melbourne.
Melbourne CFC's rumour replies
01 Jan 2026 12:37:36
He 100% didn't miss the press conference because of a board meeting. What an absurd take haha.
01 Jan 2026 08:26:10
Let's hope so J.
Waking up the past year from anywhere between 12-4am to watch this team is starting to take it's toll.
The Maresca experiment has had some good days but he isn't the guy for us for the next 5-10 years. Let the youth we have express themselves.
Maresca and his tactics might be better suited to Italian football anyway.
21 Jan 2016 13:04:50
Liverpool are skint. Story is a non starter, not hard to work that one out. As for Jets view of our owner and that this would 'be the biggest mistake we ever made', about as ridiculous as it gets.
{Ed002's Note - Shakhtar's owner is not Russian.}
01 Sep 2015 16:45:06
Thanks for the info today anyway Ed002. Hopefully the vegetables don't start throwimg there toys out the pram in your direction.
Appreciate the updates
28 Aug 2015 10:06:26
*Bangs head against wall*
Melbourne CFC's banter replies
17 Jan 2026 13:52:46
I’m not of the opinion that the owners are going to succeed in football, just that they have a strategy they are sticking to, which may turn out to be good. Time is needed.
I agree that Liverpool made good decisions, my point was only that it hasn’t resulted in immediate success. Slot won the league in a canter last year and 6 months ago would’ve had his pick of jobs on the world stage. Things change fast in football.
We got fkd by Roman being forced to sell. It was heartbreaking, however, the current owners have shown they are willing to spend to a level far beyond others, which in itself is a huge positive. Whether they have made the right decisions to produce success remains to be seen.
17 Jan 2026 10:31:10
I don’t disagree, Standard, however, if your strategy is signing unproven potential, you will take 3 Gittens per 1 Estevao. Most of the players signed that flop are moved on young enough that fortunately someone else will cover a chunk of the initial outlay.
If in 3 years, we’re still stuck fighting for CL places, it’s fair to strongly criticize the project as a failure, I think. I’d say it’s too early currently.
I hold the same fears, JBS, that those that shine won’t want to stick around. Fortunately the owners are capable enough of signing players to extremely long contracts which means we hold the chips in negotiations should they grow bored.
The PL is so flush with cash, that it’s prudent to plan longer term. Multiple sides spend upwards of 200m a year. Signing proven talent doesn’t guarantee success ala Liverpool this year and 28 year olds hold their value for far shorter times in the current landscape.
17 Jan 2026 03:44:51
Would seem an odd choice. A club that gives power to the players wants a manager that likes to micromanage tactics.
20 Aug 2016 02:49:14
Its that type of childish response that makes people cringe. Don't take it so personal. If a club offered us less for a player than we thought we could get would you want us to sell?
14 Aug 2016 18:31:40
Hold on princess. You can't say everyone is entitled to an opinion and get upset that mine isn't the same as yours. If you accept everyone is allowed an opinion, you're by definition accepting that its ok if it's not the same as the opinion you have.
How am I a bigot? I called you ignorant because what you said was ignorant. You said if Fabregas played at a team like Bayern, PSG or Barcelona he would be top 5-10 in his position in the world. He played at Barcelona and he wasn't considered good enough to stay. The best 5-10 players in the world DON'T have a cavaet in that title stating - only if his teammates are protecting him. The best cms in the world aren't positionly reckless and lazy. Saying as much is ignorant. If you need me too I CAN add a cavaet - in my opinion. Saying you're ignorant doesn't mean I think I have more of a right to be here than you. Quite the opposite. The fact most posters like you are ignorant is the reason I rarely pop up. It doesn't mean I hate you or wish you ill will, or that I'm a bigot . But if you're going to call CFC a flower then get upset by someone else calling you ignorant, while preaching everyone should respect eachothers opinions, you might want too try for 2-3 head wobbles mate.
The fact it says Melbourne CFC at the bottom of the post, antibot, should be a clear indication that unlike yourself I see it pointless to state the fact that this is my opinion every time I say something that's in your opinion controversial. I'm not forcing my opinion on anyone, read it or don't, I don't care.