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Monday, 4 March 2013
"We named my sister after my club": An interview with a Chelsea fan
22:22 | 
Posted by
Bappo |
Cam is one of our 'pundits' here at Wally. You must have noticed him as the only guy defending Chelsea at the Round Table. That is because he's that rarest of men, or so it seems: he's a reasonable Chelsea fan. Talking to him about football, it made me realise Chelsea fans might actually get too bad a press. After all, Arsenal fans were pretty arrogant supporters of the Gunners, what with their 'we play better football than everyone' motto which now, frankly, sounds delusional. And don't get me started on Man Utd fans. The less said about them, the better. But they're not the only ones. Every team has their bad, obnoxious eggs when it comes down to fans. Millwall's just happen to be a majority, but that's a different story. So we thought we'd ask a few questions to Cam about his club, and maybe we'd finally get some perspective. The rest of the article is in Cam's words.
I've been a Chelsea fan as long as I can remember. Like many proper fans, I used to go with my dad [Note: his sister is called Chelsea. "By pure luck, because we liked the name." I personally doubt it]when I was just a little kid. I was even a mascot back in the days for a Chelsea-QPR game in the mid-90's! I've always loved going to the live games, even when Stamford Bridge had no proper stands. I used to sit in the East End but there came a point when I outgrew the family section, and I now sit in the Shed End.
Favourite Chelsea player of all time - Gianfranco Zola
Favourite Chelsea memory? It has to be the Champions League victory last season. Drogba’s header and then his penalty? Simply immense. Although the first Mourinho inspired league title in 2005, the club’s centenary year, comes a very close second! And Ancellotti’s league and FA cup double can’t be forgotten in third!
What was your reaction like when Abramovich took over at the club and big players arrived? Happy days! Exciting times, particularly considering that without his investment the club was in all sorts of financial problems.
What do you like the most about being a Chelsea fan? There’s nothing better than watching your team win live, be it at Stamford Bridge, on an away day or at Wembley, the home of football.
What do you like the least about being a Chelsea fan? The way that everyone automatically assumes you are a glory hunter who decided to support Chelsea after Abramovich’s millions poured in.
Frank Lampard: new contract or not? For sure! Soon to be Chelsea’s top ever goalscorer (amazing considering he’s a midfielder), years of loyal service, runner-up European and World Player of the Year 2005 (to Ronaldinho!), great professional on and off the pitch, invaluable experience, still playing very well this season, exemplary vice-captain, captained the club to the Champions League title last year, what more can he do Roman?!
Finish the sentence: John Terry is... Mr Chelsea.
What is your opinion about the whole Rafa Benitez fiasco? Embarrassing. A proper shambles. The fans never wanted him in spite of his European experience and solid CV which he keeps ramming down everyone’s throat. Statistically his record is worse than Di Matteo’s; a Chelsea legend who had just led the team to the Champions League and FA cup double and successfully overseen a change of personnel, style and tactics with us playing attractive football. Sure we had a bit of a dip and the Man U home game was key but this wasn’t all Robbie’s fault.
Torres: undeniable failure, or is there hope? This really is one of football’s greatest mysteries! Spanish international world beater in his prime setting the premier league alight, great goal scoring record, electric pace, great touch and technique, strong in the air and now he seems to have lost almost all of that. His locker was full and now appears half empty. He’s still a decent player; he’s just not the force he once was. He has definitely lost confidence and a bit of pace, he cannot finish like he used to and he has also had his fair share of bad luck. FT occasionally flashes glimpses of his former self but not often enough and it has been two years now so it is not just a loss of form/confidence.
What are your views on Abramovich? He’s the boss, it’s his money and he has the right to exercise his prerogative. Chelsea fans are grateful for what he has done for this club and although he gets a bad press and is trigger happy when it comes to hiring and firing managers, it has thus far worked out rather well. Especially when you contrast our situation with Arsenal!
What do you make of your team's reputation? To be honest it’s not great and we do get a bad press. Everyone loves to hate Chelsea but you get used to it and it shows that we are successful.
Frank Lampard: IN. Unbelievably consistent goal scoring midfielder, a top player and a top professional who has everything in his locker. Soon to be Chelsea’s all time top scorer = legend! Roman sign him up!
Fernando Torres: OUT. Unfortunately it’s just not working. You can’t knock his effort and determination but he’s just not the player he was at Liverpool.
Juan Mata: IN. In my opinion he’s our player of the season so far. Class, great technique and a proper Spanish Gentleman who just lets his football do the talking. Just ask Kyle Walker!!
Oscar: IN. What a talent the boy is and he’s still improving. Unbelievable tekkers!
Mikel: IN. Reliable in centre mid. He gets a bit of stick but he does an important job and has definitely improved over the last few seasons.
Victor Moses: IN. Very quick, powerful player who is still young.
Florent Malouda: OUT. Embarrassing how he is happy to train with the youth team and collect his extortionate wages. See the new Winston Bogarde article!
Eden Hazard: IN. Exciting player with bundles of talent and he’s still developing and improving. A quick and powerful runner with a low centre of gravity and an impressive change of pace, on his day he is unplayable. He just needs to become more consistent if he wants to take his game to the next level and catch up the likes of Bale, Ronaldo and Messi.
Paulo Ferreira: OUT. Loyal servant but he’s the wrong side of the hill now and rarely plays. Valuable experience and a good pro but I think this will be his last season at the club.
Marko Marin: IN. He was unlucky with injury at the start of the season but he needs to try and get more game time now. Bought for over £7m and touted as a promising German youngster having impressed for the German Under 21s alongside Meszut Ozil, his career has somewhat stalled as of late.
Ross Turnbull: OUT. Not even sure he can believe he is a professional employee of Chelsea Football Club. Struggled against Brentford recently! Thankfully Cech has been relatively injury free this season.
Gary Cahill: IN. Solid English centre-half in the JT mould.
John Terry: IN. Simples. Captain, leader, legend.
Cesar Azpilicueta: IN. Impressive so far. Young, strong, quick, good going forward, he seems to have improved since his time at Marseille. He may be partial to the odd defensive error but this is his first season in the Premier League.
Demba Ba: IN. He’s a good signing at £7.5m and a solid premier league player. We desperately needed someone to support Torres. Not convinced he’s Champions League quality though and can’t see him leading our attack for years to come.
Ryan Bertrand: IN. Played very well in the Champions League final particularly considering that was his debut in the competition. Still got a long way to go to catch up Ashley Cole though.
Henrique Hilario: OUT. Give him credit he has usually played well when required – I remember him playing out of his skin against Barcelona a few years ago. But he’s getting on a bit now and his reflexes aren’t getting any quicker!
Nathan Ake: IN. Promising youngster who recently impressed in midfield against Middlesbrough.
I've been a Chelsea fan as long as I can remember. Like many proper fans, I used to go with my dad [Note: his sister is called Chelsea. "By pure luck, because we liked the name." I personally doubt it]when I was just a little kid. I was even a mascot back in the days for a Chelsea-QPR game in the mid-90's! I've always loved going to the live games, even when Stamford Bridge had no proper stands. I used to sit in the East End but there came a point when I outgrew the family section, and I now sit in the Shed End.
 |
| Cam's haunt. |
Favourite Chelsea player of all time - Gianfranco Zola
Favourite Chelsea memory? It has to be the Champions League victory last season. Drogba’s header and then his penalty? Simply immense. Although the first Mourinho inspired league title in 2005, the club’s centenary year, comes a very close second! And Ancellotti’s league and FA cup double can’t be forgotten in third!
What was your reaction like when Abramovich took over at the club and big players arrived? Happy days! Exciting times, particularly considering that without his investment the club was in all sorts of financial problems.
What do you like the most about being a Chelsea fan? There’s nothing better than watching your team win live, be it at Stamford Bridge, on an away day or at Wembley, the home of football.
What do you like the least about being a Chelsea fan? The way that everyone automatically assumes you are a glory hunter who decided to support Chelsea after Abramovich’s millions poured in.
 |
| Cam is apparently not one of these guys. |
Frank Lampard: new contract or not? For sure! Soon to be Chelsea’s top ever goalscorer (amazing considering he’s a midfielder), years of loyal service, runner-up European and World Player of the Year 2005 (to Ronaldinho!), great professional on and off the pitch, invaluable experience, still playing very well this season, exemplary vice-captain, captained the club to the Champions League title last year, what more can he do Roman?!
 |
| Cam has surprisingly got some flowing blond locks all of a sudden. Love the hair, hate the grammar Cam! |
Finish the sentence: John Terry is... Mr Chelsea.
What is your opinion about the whole Rafa Benitez fiasco? Embarrassing. A proper shambles. The fans never wanted him in spite of his European experience and solid CV which he keeps ramming down everyone’s throat. Statistically his record is worse than Di Matteo’s; a Chelsea legend who had just led the team to the Champions League and FA cup double and successfully overseen a change of personnel, style and tactics with us playing attractive football. Sure we had a bit of a dip and the Man U home game was key but this wasn’t all Robbie’s fault.
However, now that Rafa is here and we know that he is only “interim,”
constantly booing and protesting is somewhat nonsensical and is partly to blame
for our disappointing home form. The fans just need to get behind the team and
work together to get that vital Champions League spot. Then Rafa will go in the
summer and hopefully Jose will return.
Torres: undeniable failure, or is there hope? This really is one of football’s greatest mysteries! Spanish international world beater in his prime setting the premier league alight, great goal scoring record, electric pace, great touch and technique, strong in the air and now he seems to have lost almost all of that. His locker was full and now appears half empty. He’s still a decent player; he’s just not the force he once was. He has definitely lost confidence and a bit of pace, he cannot finish like he used to and he has also had his fair share of bad luck. FT occasionally flashes glimpses of his former self but not often enough and it has been two years now so it is not just a loss of form/confidence.
 |
| Fernando Torres. |
What are your views on Abramovich? He’s the boss, it’s his money and he has the right to exercise his prerogative. Chelsea fans are grateful for what he has done for this club and although he gets a bad press and is trigger happy when it comes to hiring and firing managers, it has thus far worked out rather well. Especially when you contrast our situation with Arsenal!
If you had to name your favourite Chelsea team of all time? This is a hard question and is made up purely of players that I myself
have seen play live. I’m not going to include legends like Ron Harris and Peter
Osgood because I never saw them play.
Cech, Cole, Terry, Desailly, Petrescu, Wise, Lampard, Gullit, Vialli,
Zola, Drogba
Unlucky to miss out: Steve Clarke, Di Matteo, LeBoeuf, Carvalho, Gallas,
Poyet, Robben, Hoddle, JFH, Flo, Makelele ...
What do you make of your team's reputation? To be honest it’s not great and we do get a bad press. Everyone loves to hate Chelsea but you get used to it and it shows that we are successful.
In or Out?
Peter
Cech: IN. Hero! Big Pete’s been a truly world class keeper for a good few
years now. The way he bounced back from that horrific Stephen Hunt inflicted
injury was very impressive. Plus he will forever be a Chelsea legend for
everything he has done for the club, particularly his Champions League final
penalty saves last season!
Branislav Ivanovic: IN. What a Serbian brute of a defender! The guy is massive and quick.
Ashley Cole: IN. World class, consistent, fit as a fiddle, strong in the tackle and a proven winner.
David Luiz: IN. What a character! Brazil captain, unbelievable technique, quick, strong, brave, passionate... Personally I think he’s better in midfield but his ability to play in different positions also highlights his quality as a footballer. No wonder Barcelona are interested in him!
Oriol Romeu: IN. He’s been unlucky with injuries. Looked quite good in central midfield but maybe lacks a little pace and tenacity to really succeed in the premier league.
Ramires: IN. What an engine this guy has! An unbelievable athlete who would give Mo Farah a good long distance race! Plus he has good technique, he can play in a few positions and he scored the goal of the season last year against Barcelona!
Branislav Ivanovic: IN. What a Serbian brute of a defender! The guy is massive and quick.
Ashley Cole: IN. World class, consistent, fit as a fiddle, strong in the tackle and a proven winner.
David Luiz: IN. What a character! Brazil captain, unbelievable technique, quick, strong, brave, passionate... Personally I think he’s better in midfield but his ability to play in different positions also highlights his quality as a footballer. No wonder Barcelona are interested in him!
Oriol Romeu: IN. He’s been unlucky with injuries. Looked quite good in central midfield but maybe lacks a little pace and tenacity to really succeed in the premier league.
Ramires: IN. What an engine this guy has! An unbelievable athlete who would give Mo Farah a good long distance race! Plus he has good technique, he can play in a few positions and he scored the goal of the season last year against Barcelona!
 |
| Ramires: "Clattenburg said whaaaaaaat?" |
Frank Lampard: IN. Unbelievably consistent goal scoring midfielder, a top player and a top professional who has everything in his locker. Soon to be Chelsea’s all time top scorer = legend! Roman sign him up!
Fernando Torres: OUT. Unfortunately it’s just not working. You can’t knock his effort and determination but he’s just not the player he was at Liverpool.
Juan Mata: IN. In my opinion he’s our player of the season so far. Class, great technique and a proper Spanish Gentleman who just lets his football do the talking. Just ask Kyle Walker!!
Oscar: IN. What a talent the boy is and he’s still improving. Unbelievable tekkers!
Mikel: IN. Reliable in centre mid. He gets a bit of stick but he does an important job and has definitely improved over the last few seasons.
Victor Moses: IN. Very quick, powerful player who is still young.
Florent Malouda: OUT. Embarrassing how he is happy to train with the youth team and collect his extortionate wages. See the new Winston Bogarde article!
Eden Hazard: IN. Exciting player with bundles of talent and he’s still developing and improving. A quick and powerful runner with a low centre of gravity and an impressive change of pace, on his day he is unplayable. He just needs to become more consistent if he wants to take his game to the next level and catch up the likes of Bale, Ronaldo and Messi.
Paulo Ferreira: OUT. Loyal servant but he’s the wrong side of the hill now and rarely plays. Valuable experience and a good pro but I think this will be his last season at the club.
Marko Marin: IN. He was unlucky with injury at the start of the season but he needs to try and get more game time now. Bought for over £7m and touted as a promising German youngster having impressed for the German Under 21s alongside Meszut Ozil, his career has somewhat stalled as of late.
Ross Turnbull: OUT. Not even sure he can believe he is a professional employee of Chelsea Football Club. Struggled against Brentford recently! Thankfully Cech has been relatively injury free this season.
Gary Cahill: IN. Solid English centre-half in the JT mould.
 |
| John Terry and Gary Cahill. Or is that Gary Cahill and John Terry? |
John Terry: IN. Simples. Captain, leader, legend.
 |
| I just threw up (Bappo speaking) |
Cesar Azpilicueta: IN. Impressive so far. Young, strong, quick, good going forward, he seems to have improved since his time at Marseille. He may be partial to the odd defensive error but this is his first season in the Premier League.
Demba Ba: IN. He’s a good signing at £7.5m and a solid premier league player. We desperately needed someone to support Torres. Not convinced he’s Champions League quality though and can’t see him leading our attack for years to come.
Yossi Benayoun: OUT. Not sure why he’s still at the club. After unconvincing
loan spells at Arsenal and West Ham, it seems that no other club really wants
him and so he’s come back to Chelsea. Rarely plays and this will surely be his
last season at the club.
 |
| Torres, Benayoun and Malouda in the background: the epitome of failure. |
Ryan Bertrand: IN. Played very well in the Champions League final particularly considering that was his debut in the competition. Still got a long way to go to catch up Ashley Cole though.
Henrique Hilario: OUT. Give him credit he has usually played well when required – I remember him playing out of his skin against Barcelona a few years ago. But he’s getting on a bit now and his reflexes aren’t getting any quicker!
Nathan Ake: IN. Promising youngster who recently impressed in midfield against Middlesbrough.
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