Chelsea Fancast

Stamford Chidge and Chelsea Legend Kerry Dixon are back to preview the new season and look ahead to Chelsea's opening fixture against Burnley. Kerry Dixon gives us his thoughts on Chelsea's pre-season; our business in the transfer market so far and dismisses any concerns about Conte walking away. Kerry expects Chelsea to finish in the top four but believes its too hard to predict much beyond that although the first 6 matches will be crucial with Hazard and Bakayoko missing initially. Much will depend on how quickly Morata settles in and finds the back of the net. As for Burnley, Kerry fully expects Chelsea to secure 3 points comfortably!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Stamford Chidge returns for the new season together with Jonathan Kydd, Mark Worrall and Alex Churchill aka 'The Girl Who Likes Balls' to look back at the summer shenanigans culminating in the Community Shield match against Arsenal. On the show tonight we’ll be asking whether the Community Shield really matters and what on earth was going on with the ABBA dance off penalties. In part two we have an interview with Simon Johnson, Football Correspondent at the London Evening Standard where we discussed the trouble with overseas tours; the trouble at the bridge and will there be trouble ahead in the new season. If you’re looking for trouble you’ve come to the right place! In part three we have news on the crowdfunding for Alan Hudson’s biography – Working Man’s Ballet; Mark and Alex’s books released over the summer and the Chelsea Supporters Trust AGM next Sunday 13th August. In part four we’ll be looking ahead to the opening match of the season against Burnley next Saturday and more specifically what we are

Back in the summer of 2009, Chelsea FanCast were delighted to have Alan Hudson - one of the original 'Kings of the Kings Road' - as a special guest. Recorded in our first home in Putney Station Bar with Stamford Chidge, Dr Mart, ChelTel and Chris 'Celery Terrorist' Norman, Alan talks about his career at Chelsea, winning the FA Cup and European Cup Winners Cup with fellow legends such as Chopper Harris, Peter Osgood, Charlie Cooke and Tommy Baldwin before it all ended abruptly being sold to Stoke City. Alan also offers his views on the modern game and the Chelsea of today, unrecognisable from the club he played for. We were also joined by Mr Blueblagger himself, the editor of the much loved cfcuk Fanzine, who talks about what has become a Chelsea institution. Alan's biography 'The Working Man's Ballet' was widely acclaimed as one of the best football books ever written when published in 1996. Out of print for many years, John King (author of Football Factory) and Martin Knight (author of Chelsea: The Specia

Chelsea Legend Kerry Dixon and Stamford Chidge look back at a Chelsea season that ended in disappointment with an FA Cup final defeat but saw the Blues win the Premier League title for the 5th time. Kerry and Chidge whilst disappointed that Chelsea lost the FA Cup final, acknowledge that Arsenal played well and showed more desire. Defeat could be a blessing in disguise, proving that Chelsea are not the finished article. Looking ahead to next season, Kerry believes we need at least 2 world class additions to the squad - a striker and a creative midfielder - to mount a challenge on the Champions' League and the Premier League. Kerry also hopes to see some of talented youngsters get the chance to shine. As for this season, Antonio Conte gets the plaudits for turning things round and exceeding expectations and getting the best out of the team. On the pitch, Eden Hazard has been the player to catch Kerry's eye - a deserved winner at Chelsea's POTY awards last week. All in all its been a great season, and on...

Stamford Chidge is joined by Jonathan Kydd, Dan Silver and Alex Churchill (The Girl Who Likes Balls) for the last FanCast of the season to look back on a very disappointing defeat to Arsenal in the FA Cup Final. On the show tonight we ask if the decision on Arsenal’s first goal made the difference and what on earth was Victor Moses thinking? In part two we ask if Conte was too cautious. Should he have started Fabregas? Why is the team prone to performances like this but will it do us a favour going forward? And was this our most disappointing Cup final defeat of all time? In part three and four, we have loads of emails from you the listeners from all over the blue world, the last chance for you to have your say this season.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Chelsea legend Kerry Dixon and Stamford Chidge preview the FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Arsenal. Kerry and Chidge look back at the furore over JT's 26 minute guard of honour and Batshuayi's two cracking goals in the last Premier League match of the season last Sunday. But this weekend its all about the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Arsenal. Arsenal have some great FA Cup winning form over the years, but with most of their regular defence missing can they stand in the way of the Chelsea juggernaut to deny them their 8th FA Cup and second double? Will Fabregas or Matic start? Will Conte outwit Wenger? Will Costa bully Arsenal or can Sanchez provide the threat to bury Chelsea's double dreams? As always Kerry has all the answers, but we can guarantee that Saturday's final will, as always be a very special day in the football calendar. Whatever happens let's Keep The Blue Flag Flying High from Stamford Bridge to Wembley and Up The Chels!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out infor

Stamford Chidge is joined by Jonathan Kydd, Clayton Beerman and Tony Glover to look back at an emotional weekend that saw us say farewell and thank you to John Terry. On the show tonight we look back at JT’s curtain call and the furore it has caused – oh dear, how sad, never mind! In part two we look at breaking records not making terrible ones; Batshuayi ah ha ah ha I like it; praise Cesar and Roman and give a hand to TBO for winning the Golden Glove. In part three, we look back at Saturday nights Eddie McCreadie book launch and look forward to next weekend’s FA Cup final against Arsenal. In part four we have loads of emails from you the listeners from all over the blue world.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It being that today, 19th May, is the 5th anniversary of Chelsea's unbelievable triumph in the Champions League, we thought it would be nice to put up the podcast we recorded shortly afterward. Buried away in the Chelsea FanCast archive and not heard by many who have only found us recently, the cast of Stamford Chidge, ChelTel, Dazza Mental, Pablo, Ross, Chris, Lauren et al are still clearly buzzing from the Champions League win in their old podcast haunt of Putney Station bar... Originally recorded as Chelsea FanCast #207 in May 2012.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Chelsea Legend Kerry Dixon and Stamford Chidge look back at Chelsea's wins against West Brom and Watford that brought the title back to Stamford Bridge and look forward to the last league match of the season against Sunderland on Sunday. Kerry heaps praise on Batshuayi, the team and in particular Antonio Conte for a professional and hard won performance against West Brom last Friday. Kerry believes that Conte's ability to keep the squad happy has been fundamental to our success this season and hopes that he'll be able to add to the squad to challenge on all fronts again next season. Roman Abramovich is singled out for bringing so much success to the club since his arrival in 2003, whilst Kerry also tips his hat to Ken Bates who laid the foundations for the Roman era. Whilst the younger players had a chance to shine against Watford, it was JT who stole the headlines and Kerry believes that Sunday will be an emotional affair with the supporters bidding a fond farewell to our 'Captain, Leader, Legend'.... &#

We were delighted to interview Mark Meehan and Neil Smith recently, two of the authors of the eagerly awaited book "Eddie Mac, Eddie Mac" covering the seasons when Chelsea were managed by Eddie McCreadie. Even better, we got to interview them in a pub over a few beers, so this podcast of that interview has the feel of some of our early podcasts in Putney Station! Mark and Neil's immense passion for Chelsea and unrivaled knowledge and memories of being part of Eddie McCreadie's Blue & White Army shines through in a highly entertaining interview. The book will be an absolute cracker and a must have addition to every Chelsea supporters book collection. But, to set the scene... Chelsea’s steady, multi-trophy-winning ascent to football’s summit has been well documented. In the modern Blues era, relegation is something that happens to other clubs, while a defeat to bitter London rivals Tottenham Hotspur is as rare an occurrence as a total eclipse of the sun. But life wasn’t always quite so carefree at...

Stamford Chidge is joined by Dan Silver, Football Agent Seb O'Mahoney and Football.London's Chelsea correspondent Oliver Harbord to look back at a Champion weekend! On the show tonight we look back at last night’s game against Watford – a meaningless game against meaningless opposition or a chance for the b team to shine and a curtain call for JT. In part two we celebrate Chelsea winning the title at West Brom and applaud Batshuayi an unlikely hero, the away fans who more than anyone deserved to be there to share in it and most of all King Conte – the manager who has done more than anyone to bring this title home. In part three, we have an excerpt from an exclusive interview I recorded with Mark Meehan and Neil Smith two of the authors of the new book ‘Eddie Mac, Eddie Mac’ exploring the three seasons between 1975 and 1977 where having been relegated, Eddie McCreadie and his Blue and White army bounced back to division one with a vibrant team of youngsters. In part four we have loads of emails from you...

We interviewed friend of the show, Tim Rolls, about his forthcoming book on 'Docherty's Diamonds' - "Diamonds, Dynamos & Devils" on the Chelsea FanCast. Tim discussed his reasons for writing the book and explained his passion and fascination for the young team forged by Tommy Docherty in the mid-1960's, a team which won the League Cup in 1965 and included Chelsea players such as Peter Bonetti, Ron 'Chopper' Harris, Peter Osgood, Bobby Tambling, Barry Bridges and Terry Venables. As well as recalling some of the great players, Tim discussed the famous victories and the numbing defeats; Stamford Bridge – the crowds, the atmosphere, the new West Stand, The Shed and the controversies, the rows and the fall-outs – Blackpool, Roma, Bermuda and many more. Tim also revealed the details of his recent interview with Tommy Docherty and his love for Chelsea, still going strong even in his 90's, Judging by this interview, Tim's book promises to be a cracking read and will be more than worth its place in a long line

Stamford Chidge is joined by Chelsea legend Kerry Dixon to look back at Monday night's win against Boro and discuss Friday night's match against West Brom - a match that could see Chelsea clinch the title! Kerry discusses his memories of when Boro relegated Chelsea in '88 and applauds a professional and ruthless win against them on Monday night bringing Chelsea one step closer to being Premier League champions. Boro goalkeeper Brad Guzan conceded three goals through his legs - how many goals did Kerry score by nutmegging the keeper? And it was good to see another Fabregas masterclass and perhaps one of the last times we'll see JT in a Chelsea shirt. Looking ahead to Friday night's match against Boro, Kerry and Chidge savour the opportunity for Chelsea to clinch the title. Usually away to West Brom can be a tricky fixture but their recent form has been poor. Will they offer resistance or will it be plain sailing for Chelsea?  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Stamford Chidge is joined by Jonathan Kydd, Mark Worrall and Tim Rolls to discuss the victory that relegated Boro and puts Chelsea one win away from winning the league. On the show tonight we explain why revenge over Boro by relegating them to atone for them relegating us in 1988 was very important to Chelsea supporters of a certain vintage. In part two we kind of, almost, accept that it’s over and now you’re going to believe us, we’re going to win the league as well as discussing the key issues from last night’s game. In part three, we talk to Tim about his forthcoming book 'Diamonds, Dynamos and Devils – the transformation of Chelsea FC under Tommy Docherty' and the crowdfunding campaign to get it to the book stores launching on Thursday. In part four we have a couple of emails from the antipodes and we look back at a fun weekend spent with the boys from the London is Blue podcast.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Stamford Chidge and Kerry Dixon report back on Chelsea's all important win away at Everton last Sunday and look forward to next Monday's match at home against Middlesbrough. Kerry applauds a big Chelsea win against Everton and now feels that we are on the way to the title. We discuss the match against Middlesbrough coming up this Monday and expect a a good win for the boys in Blue. The only potential spanner in the works being how much fight relegation certainties Middlesbrough have left in them and what kind of performance referee Craig Pawson puts in. Kerry and Chidge wrap up the show with a discussion on what the future holds for loanee Tammy Abrahams - will he be one of Chelsea's strikers next season or will he get more game time with another loan perhaps to another Premier League club?  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Stamford Chidge is joined by Jonathan Kydd, the Girl Who Likes Balls - Alex Churchill, and Chelsea journalist Dan Levene to look back at two good wins against Southampton and Everton that take Chelsea 'closer' to winning the title! On the show tonight we applaud Pedro – something of an unsung hero and to whom I owe an apology. We also big up Gary Cahill who for the second time in a week showed his captaincy credentials but will he get the armband for keeps next season? In part two we ask are Fabregas and Willian the perfect impact subs; who won the heavyweight clash between Costa and Lukaku and will the later replace the former next season? And we look at the home straight and ask what could possibly go wrong? In part three, we look back at last week’s win against Southampton which saw Costa return at last to goal scoring form. We also ask if Ryan Bertrand was the one that got away. In part four we have a couple of emails the first of which asks what our match day superstitions are and we celebrate...

Stamford Chidge and Kerry Dixon look back at the FA Cup semi-final between Chelsea and Spurs and Tuesday night's Premier League match against Southampton as well as previewing the match on Sunday away at Everton. Kerry discusses whether Conte took a gamble by not starting with Hazard and Costa against Spurs and dismisses the idea that Spurs were the better team on the day. With 2 goals against Southampton it looks like Costa is well and truly back, which bodes well for the run in. Kerry is looking forward to a 'Heavyweight' strikers clash with Costa and Lukaku matching up in Sunday's fixture against Everton. Is this a must win for Chelsea or can we afford to drop points in what on paper is a tough away fixture?  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Stamford Chidge is joined by Jonathan Kydd, Alex Churchill 'The Girl Who Likes Balls' and Football Agent Seb O'Mahoney to chew the fat over Chelsea's 7th FA Cup semi-final since 2000 and even sweeter, a win against Sp*rs. On the show tonight we look at the massive gamble by Antonio Conte and how it paid off. In part two we applaud Hazard – a man on fire – who’s contribution to big games is getting better and better and discuss Matic’s thunderbolt and say well done to Kante for winning the PFA Player of the Year award. In part three, we discuss the 2 sevens clash as Chelsea show their Wembley class whilst Spurs continue their losing streak at Wembley and semi-finals. Will this loss cause significant psychological damage to their title challenge? In part four we have loads of emails from all over the world.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Stamford Chidge is joined by Chelsea Legend Kerry Dixon to discuss Chelsea's defeat to Man Utd in the Premier League last weekend; look forward to the FA Cup semi-final against Spurs on Saturday and give a heartfelt tribute to John Terry who announced that this will be his last season with Chelsea this week. Kerry discussed his frustration with Chelsea's performance against Man Utd whilst acknowledging the part that Mourinho's tactics played. Eden Hazard needs to step up if he wants to join the likes of Messi and Ronaldo as one of the best in the world. Whilst he was starved of service, Costa too needs to be at his best for the run in and Kerry believes he'll find his scoring boots again soon. Turning to the FA Cup Final against Spurs, it will be a tough game and is too close to call. If our big players such as Hazard and Costa play at their best then Kerry believes Chelsea will win, if not...doesn't bear thinking about! We wrap up the show with Kerry's tribute to John Terry who in many respects is a... &

Stamford Chidge is joined by Jonathan Kydd, Nick Verlaney from the 'London is Blue' podcast and ESPN's Chelsea correspondent Liam Twomey to look back at Sunday's defeat to Man Utd; look ahead to the FA Cup semi-final and give a tribute to John Terry. On the show tonight we ask were Chelsea tactically undone by a classic Jose one off bit of party poopery or was it simply another one of those days? In part two we make the case for not changing the back three; have a detailed look at the causes for concern and the factors in mitigation before looking at possible salvation ahead. In part three, we say thank you John Terry – Captain, Leader, Legend as we look back at the career of arguably one of Chelsea’s greatest ever players. Read Stamford Chidge's tribute to JT here http://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/players/last-man-standing-gone-tribute-12908100 In part four we have emails from New York; India; Canada; Mexico and Cornwall!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.