In his debut article for the Fancast, Nick Stroudley outlines his expectations ahead of the new season.
2018/19 feels like it could be a mini turning point in our recent history. We have a new manager, an exiled owner, a new stadium on hold and a number of gaps to fill both on and off the pitch.
But as fans what is it that we’re hoping for this season?…
A top-four finish? A trophy? Free-flowing, attacking football?
For me, it’s about much more than that. I’m going to set out my criteria for what I’ll be judging success on.
Turn the Bridge back into a fortress
OK, although last season wasn’t quite the disaster of 15/16 (where we managed just five league wins at home), something felt rather odd about our performances at the Bridge. Standing in the Matthew Harding Lower, the groans were noticeably louder, the post-match (and pre-match) pub chat decidedly more negative. Admittedly, we regularly set ourselves up tactically in a way that allowed teams to dominate us, but much more painful was our lack of desire, our lack of ‘Chelseaness’. It’s a blessing that we get to start our home campaign with a 5:30 pm kick-off against Arsenal. With Sarri’s style of football on display – the potential for a high-scoring win against our neighbours would set a much nicer tone than our opening performance of 17/18. Indulge me, it’s pre-season, and I’m optimistic.
Coming of age of the youth
Don’t get me wrong; I’m not fully subscribed to the ‘play the kids’ argument.
If you’re good enough, you’ll get your chance.
But this season is about someone, anyone, taking their chance…
Whether it’s RLC, or CHO (did you know we have the most double-barrel surnames in the Premier League?), I would like nothing more than to see one of our own make their mark with the first team.
However, part of the issue with why the ‘kids’ haven’t made it in the past is to do with taking their chance. I understand that we haven’t given enough of those chances, but when we have done, too many players have come in and been happy just to get an opportunity.
Almost certainly, Ruben and/or Callum will feature throughout the season, but when they do, I want to see them dominate – make it impossible for Sarri not to select them for the next game. The Europa League will provide an opportunity for others too, which is why I’m really looking forward to Thursday nights (plus, we can now get a flat Singha at Half-Time- hoorah!).
Reconnection between the Club and fans
I know, I know. This probably won’t happen.
As we’re all too aware, football is now a business. Premier League clubs are on an endless mission to grow their International fan-base, illustrated by things such as how many people like their Facebook page or that eye-ball gauging Twitter post asking; ‘Where in the world are you watching Chelsea v Hull City?’.
I get it. I work in sport, and I understand how sponsorship revenue streams are geared around global reach. But when trying to grow your ‘business’, you’re foolish to neglect your existing ‘customers’ (I hate that word SO MUCH). Nothing illustrates this more than the investment in the new mobile app, named ‘The 5th Stand’, which is so obviously aimed at bringing the club’s overseas fans closer to the action. I don’t have a problem with that; I have friends who are fans that live/are from other parts of the world. But what about fixing some of the other issues first…
One of the worst ticketing platforms in sport perhaps? A Virtual Waiting Room that has many of us punching our computer screens at 7 am on a Monday morning?
For anyone who is active on Twitter, I’m sure you’d have noticed this weird new phenomenon of regular gripes and heated debates between ‘match going fans’ and ‘non-match going fans’. Where the hell did this come from?! I can’t help but think it’s born from the club’s communications strategy (yes, I agree – I’m not sure they have one).
Overall, it feels like there are several issues within the club at the moment (new stadium, performance, ownership) and we, as match-going fans, are probably ranking quite low on their list. But I don’t think I’m over-reacting by saying I’ve never felt this unvalued in my 25 years as a fan.
Despite this, I’ll still be cheering us on, through the sun and rain – I’m just as excited as I’ve always been, and I can’t wait to get back to the Bridge.
Here’s to a top-four finish, a trophy and plenty of free-flowing attacking football!
KTBFFH.
Written by Nick Stroudley – @NickStroudley
