Because they feature heavily in the sports sections today.
So Marco Van Basten is not to be their boss according to the BBC. But then closer inspection of the wording does not say that at all. Not that I’m saying the beeb would allow sloppy journalism.
The Dutch FA and Chelsea both say that Van Basten has not been approached for, or offered any sort of job, even though he sat very close to Roman Abramovich at Old Trafford last Sunday. Van Basten is under contract with the Dutch FA until after Euro 2008, though their last qualifier is in November. There is a chance then that he could be installed after that date, and the speed of the move would surprise no one who has seen Abramovich move for someone he wants.
Failing that you might see Avram Grant until next summer if Chelsea pre-arrange a move for Van Basten. This would make more sense and might allow them to request dispensation for Grant to stay as manager without the requied licenses as he would not be permanently in the job.
Jon Obi Mikel will serve a full 3 game ban for his red card on Sunday, which was a harsh decision. Fifa should consider a change to the rules where an offense is deemed red card worthy (as Mike Dean felt it was) but a full 3 game ban does not befit the crime.
And in light of a half empty stadium for a Champions League tie, Chelsea have decided to drop their prices for European games. Evidently their hardcore support could not muster another £45 for such a key affair, so a much more reasonable £36 was charged. Realising this is still a bit much (uhm, yeah!) they will now charge £25.
All I’m wondering, is if you can’t sell out a key tie against Valencia at full price, what sort of fans do you have?
Tags: avram grant, chelsea, jon obi mikel, marco van basten, mike dean, roman abramovich, rosenborg, valencia
September 29, 2007 at 9:18 am
i think you may be right about van basten esp now that hiddink seems to have ruled himself out.
during last season’s Champions league i did a spoof forecast of the outcome of the remaining matches (QFs onwards). my football forecasts were hopelessly off-beam but i did forecast the end of jose on terms spookily close to the actual fallout. check it out if you fancy at the posting ‘Forecasting’. fed up with all the female anguish over his departure i did a best looking managers of all time list, just for the ladeez. avram grant didn’t quite make the top 10 surprisingly.
fpb