How it all started for me

My association with the Club started as a young lad back in 1970 when working in my parents' grocers shop, an army man offered to sell his ticket for the 1970 FA Cup Final. After my father purchased the ticket, I went to see the Cup Final at Wembley Stadium. My older brother who supported Chelsea for a number of years was already going to the Final so he was the 'real' supporter in the family.

The game ended a 2-2 draw against Leeds United and this was the start of my Chelsea love affair. The team went on to win the replay 2-1 at Old Trafford, Manchester.

The following seasons I supported the Club at all home matches and some London away games. There were some highs and quite a few lows.

For two of the 70's seasons I was a young steward in the old West Stand - as seen in these old photos below ...

Due to hooligan problems which I couldn't handle, I quit and then my attendances at Stamford Bridge alas deteriorated. I continue to follow The Blues by media coverage ( tv, radio, press & internet ), they have and always will be my Club.

Last time at the Bridge

My last visit to see a game at the Bridge was to see Chelsea play Manchester United many, many seasons ago with a work colleague who had a spare ticket. It was strange seeing the changes going on within the ground, the new stand and on the pitch. Alas Chelsea lost 3-2.
My last non football visit to the ground was also some years ago to check out the latest offers in the Club Megastore where you can buy lots of Chelsea FC memorabilia. I purchased some sports socks with the CFC logo & a reduced 2000 Cup Winners t-shirt - alas I had to return it via post as it was never a XL ! It was good to see the F A Cup & Charity Shield on display together before sweet partings. Also on view outside, many builders were completing the impressive new West Stand complex.

If you have read any of my web pages you know my passion for the West London Club is still there, whether I return to the Bridge to see future matches is another story.

FAVOURITE PLAYER: Peter Osgood ... Ossie was King of the Bridge during my days. As far as I was concerned on his day Ossie walked on water.

FAVOURITE MOMENT: It wasn't a Cup Final but the Quarter-Final 2nd leg of European Cup Winners' Cup against RFC Bruges in 1971. Ossie came back from suspension to level the tie from 2-0 down. He scored, jumped over a barrier and looked up at the crowd and that was the night I connected with the club. We eventually won the tie 4-0 after extra-time.