Posts Tagged ‘Stamford Bridge’

The Difference Between Foreign Chelsea Fans and Stamford Bridge Tourists

Quite rightly a lot has been made of the decline in atmosphere at Stamford Bridge in the last decade with our growing foreign fan base often cited as a culprit.

This is an unfair generalisation that is unfair on many of the foreign fans I have had the pleasure of meeting during my time writing about Chelsea.

It is important to remember that there is a difference between passionate foreign fans who view going to a Chelsea game as an exciting pilgrimage, and tourists who stumble upon Stamford Bridge as part of a package or activity to fill a dreary Wednesday evening in October.

Foreign Fans

The foreign FANs I have made the acquaintance of or befriended tend to be loud and proud when they visit Stamford Bridge often putting some mouse like regular visitors to the Bridge to shame when contributing to the atmosphere.

Whilst there are exceptions they tend to be more knowledgeable about the opposition as they watch as much football as they can often in countries where wall to wall Premier League coverage is provided.

Whilst they may not have been to as many games as UK members and season ticket holders it is my opinion that these fans should be welcomed to the Bridge and can add to the atmosphere.

Tourists

Then there are the tourists the scourge of football fans, the type that often are not even that interested in football that come out of curiosity or because their tour guide told them that they ‘simply must’.

They arrive late and leave early, asking stupid questions and contaminating their seat, no one wants to be sat within 50ft of a tourist.

These fans ruin the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge and should be discouraged; maybe we should ask questions at the turnstile as a condition of entry.

Actually on second thoughts that may not work, after several pints I am not sure I could hold up to a general knowledge test, but still as a club steps should be taken to encourage supporters rather than tourists.

Grab our RSS Feed

Join us on Facebook

Join us on Twitter

FREE KINDLE TRIAL FOR UNITED STATES USERS

FREE KINDLE TRIAL FOR UK USERS

The East Stand – Stamford Bridge History

The latest installment of the Here4TheChelsea look at the history of Stamford Bridge

Capacity: 10,925

The East stand and its redevelopment nearly cost the club its life when work in the vast new East Stand was completed in 1973.

Originally intended as the start of a comprehensive redevelopment of the stadium, the stand ran over time and over budget.

This put paid to the stadium redevelopment and put the club in difficulty both on and off the pitch, which took the club nearly two decades to recover from.

The East Stand essentially survives in its 1973 three tiered cantilevered form, although it has been much refurbished and modernised since.

The oldest stand, the East Stand is located along the east side of the pitch.

The stand has three tiers and is the heart of the stadium, housing the tunnel, dugout, dressing rooms, conference room, press centre, AV and commentary box.

The middle tier is occupied by facilities, clubs, and executive suites. The upper tier provides spectators with one of the best views of the pitch and it is the only stand to have survived the extensive redevelopment of the 90s.

Previously it was the home to away supporters on the bottom tier; however at the start of the 2005/2006 season then-manager José Mourinho requested the move of the family section to this part of the stand to boost team morale. Away fans were moved to the shed.

Stamford Bridge In Pictures – Part One

After spending three months in India, it is safe to say that there is no place like home when it comes to football, and fortunately with my return our poor run of form seems to be coming to an end.

To celebrate my return and the home of Chelsea here are a few pictures of home, however we are looking for more please email any you have to cfc_kris@hotmail.co.uk

The entrance to the Bridge taken by Lee Blake

View from Shed Upper Row 4 Seat 27

The game unfolds in front of the goal of the Matthew Harding Stand

Entrance to the shed by Lee Blake

Chelsea vs Stoke – Preview

Nice and short this preview as there is little controversy around a relatively settled Chelsea line up, the only possible change will be the introduction of Ramires for Mikel however with fitness still something that may need to be brought up to English standards for the Brazilian this may not happen straight away.

Otherwise I expect an unchanged side as follows

Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Alex, Cole, Essien, Mikel/Ramires, Lampard, Malouda, Anelka, Drogba

Stats:

Last 2 fixtures v Stoke: 1-2 (Drogba 45+2 and Malouda 90+4) 7 -0 (too many goalscorers to mention)

Expected Match Attendance: SELL OUT crowd

Key Men for Stoke: Rory Delap (pesky long throws), Matt Etherington and Kenwyne Jones (if fit)

What is your score prediction?