VILLAS-BOAS: THE FIRST INTERVIEW

On the day that he became the fourth youngest manager in Chelsea history, Andre Villas-Boas sat down with the Official Chelsea Website to discuss the path that led him back to the club and his vision for the future…

• Is managing a club like Chelsea an ambition you have had since the first time you worked here?

                                                                          I was an assistant in a very successful technical staff and I always took it in a very professional way, particularly with wanting to be successful but also be part of the group. My input was an input that I would consider important in a technical staff but I wasn't obsessed with my own individual career or my own individual achievement.
But when a chance to coach happened when I was at Inter Milan, I just felt it inside me that I wanted to take on another role and face the challenge so I took the opportunity to go to Academica and left Jose [Mourinho]. Coaching was not a kind of obsession and neither did I use Jose as the way to arrive into this path, it was something that happened naturally and at the moment it is working out well - but with the game's expectations you need to continue to be successful.

• Are you surprised how quickly your career has progressed?

                                                              I tend not to think about it a lot. It is something that went crazy, there is no doubt about it. In two years we have achieved so many things and it was two very happy years. The main important thing that people have to reflect on is that I don't see the game as a one-man show, I see the game as the getting together of ideas and collective ideas and good players. I was fortunate enough to in those two years to get those players together and maybe challenge their ambitions and motivations which helped us arrive at this type of success.

• It was going well at Porto, what convinced you it is the right time to move to Chelsea?

                                           I think it is a massive individual challenge which I felt I should take. I went to a magnificent year in Porto and the split from Porto is not something that is not easy for me because it is my club, the club I have defended a lot. Porto is my city and there is no running away from it, Porto supporters will always feel like there is nothing I can say that will delete their sense of being betrayed.
But I felt it was a challenge I needed to make with the importance of Chelsea, the importance of the Premier League and happily I left Porto with good success. Now I face this new challenge and focus again on being successful at Chelsea.

• What do you think Bobby Robson would have thought about you taking one of the top jobs in England?

                                                          Bobby was a very important person in my career. He was the person who advised me at a very young age to go on coaching courses and unlocked the doors of Porto for me to have access to his training sessions. We had a very good relationship and he was someone I respected a lot and was respected in world football. He is somebody that means a lot to the English game and I think he would be happy of course.
What he did he did not only with me and Jose but with all different kinds of people, promoting them and inspiring them to take their own role and their own way. I think he would be extremely happy.
Last time here we called you Andre Villas, but now you are Andre Villas-Boas.
This is common in Portugal, we have big names and my name is not only Andre Villas-Boas but there are a couple of names in between. But in England we made things easier with two names, first and last. Now we have to try to expand the letters and maybe be fluent when we say the name, but it is not going to be easy!

• It is inevitable what you do at Chelsea will be compared with the Mourinho era, at least at the beginning, but you have had similar already at Porto so will that help you deal with it?

                                                       I think there is no way you can avoid comparison, it is something that is the interest of the media. I didn't take the Porto job nor the Chelsea job because Jose made the same steps. They are two of the most sought-after clubs in the world and in the end I had the opportunity and was able to make them find something in me that they thought would continue their route to success.
Chelsea appointed me basically for human qualities and that is what I want to bring into this club again. The most important thing is to motivate the players to get their ambitions right, to reflect again on what the club has achieved in the last six years and we need to keep this route to success.

Chelsea is a club that in the last six years has achieved so much and people are expecting us to be on the same way. There is not going to be more or less tolerance for me if I am not successful so this is the challenge I face and I feel confident that we can motivate everybody, not only the players but also the structure. I feel confident I can respond to the ambitions of the supporters and the ambitions of the owner and the administration.

• Explain your philosophy for how your teams play.

                                                  We are a technical staff that focuses a lot on unlocking potential. Everybody has a little bit more to give and in day-to-day life, that is how everybody progresses in their careers. We feel that the players are the same and you have to stimulate them and motivate them to look for the things that they didn't try before. We are a technical staff that incentivises a lot of freedom of choice because in the end when the players are on the pitch, they face different situations that they have to solve without the help of their manager.
That this is the kind of stimulus that we want the players to have, responsibility and making decisions, because in the end the game is decided by them on the pitch. It is a clashing together of two good organisations and in the end it is the relationship between all of our players that can lead us to success, and that is what I want to work on.

• Are you likely to play the same formation at Chelsea as at Porto?

                                                  It is not a question of only formation, that would be too narrow. The game is very chaotic and very frenetic and sometimes it doesn't run as good as you want and maybe when you don't expect it to run in a certain way it runs very, very well. The most important thing is for people to be involved again with the first team and to feel there is change going on, to feel a new leadership and to feel a new way of communicating, and to excite people, excite the players, excite the supporters and try to create empathy with everybody to reach success.
It is much more about players, motivation and raising new ambitions for the future than the arrival of one man to change everything, because I don't want to change everything. Our past reflects extreme success so let's keep it that way.

• Is there pressure to innovate to stay ahead?

                                                       It is not only in football, in modern society you have to be able to constantly adapt yourself and to look for innovations everywhere. When we were first at Chelsea we felt we were bringing a new methodology into football but there is no running away from it, in football you can be successful in various different ways. With a good methodology and with a bad methodology, old-fashioned or not, in the end it is the essence of the players and their quality that can bring you success.
We just feel that we can relate everything together to be successful. Of course you have to be innovative and you have investigate, you have to constantly adapt to be at the standard of the most-watched league in the world. There is a high, high standard in the Premier League and European football and we want to keep on the route to success. This is a club that has been used to being successful and we have to keep it that way and challenge ourselves to keep the habit to win and then win again the year after.

• Have you had any contact yet from the players you already know?

                                                                   Yes, a couple of them and it is good to feel they are around and to feel their expectations. Everybody is excited and everybody is looking forward to starting again and this is something positive. We need to get the group back together and to feel them and then go on from there and face every single game as a game we have to win and fight for it with our upmost desire.
Some of the backroom staff remain from your last time here which must help you settle.
It is good to see a lot of people that are still here. This helps me to move around and I know the qualities that they have. There are so many people that I know that represented a lot to me, and a lot to the club, and they know the way I am and the way that I approach them. It is good to see them again and it helps to face this new challenge in a more concentrated and focused way.

• On a personal note, last time you lived in central London. Will you do so again?

                                                      London is a city that offers so many things up to the highest standard and I am sure that coming back to London for my family and the families of my technical staff is something that is easy to adapt to. I always like to live in the city.

• Is motor racing still a big interest?

                                            This is one of the passions I have apart from football and I try to follow it around when I can. Of course free time is impossible when you are in such a demanding sport like football and particularly with a challenge like Chelsea and the Premier League, but it something that here and there I will keep an eye on with much interest.

• We tour Asia this summer. Are you looking forward to that?

                                                                        With Chelsea I went to Korea when we reached an agreement with Samsung and we had a good experience then, and one year I was scouting at the Barclays Asia Trophy because Chelsea were soon to play Portsmouth or Liverpool and I was there scouting them in Hong Kong. It is good to go there and keep broadening our brand and our name.
Going back to Asia is important for us. It shortens the distance with the Asian public who are following us from a big distance. It is important for them to feel we have respect for them and we are able to feel their heat. I am sure they will give us tremendous support for the games we will have over there.

• How important is the pre-season training?

                                                            We are a technical staff who don't change radically the way that we work from pre-season to the rest of the season. We take everything as the whole of what the game is. It is a game that expresses itself at the same time physically, psychologically and technically, and when that happens you have to train like that.
There is no aggressive focus on fitness in pre-season, there is no splitting of the different characteristics of the game. We like to approach everything together and it is nothing new because it is in line with what Jose did before when he was here and maybe the other managers with the work that they did. We are not going to go crazy in pre-season, we just like for the people to get back together and face the challenges for the season.
The most important thing that the club has done for pre-season is make sure in Asia we have the facilities that allow you to train and with a good distance from the hotel to the training facility, respecting the rest periods and the training periods. Then we can play the games to get the team back together.

• You are starting work today. What can you achieve before the players return?

                                                          There are a lot of dossiers to focus on and I will be sitting down with people. There are lot of things that I would like to do and a lot of people who I would like to speak to, people who have a big impact on the running of this club and step by step we want to make sure everything is right to start in July.

VILLAS-BOAS: IN PROFILE

Andre Villas-Boas returns to Chelsea after a gap of just under four years.
He was our scout responsible for assessing opposition teams throughout Jose Mourinho's time in charge of the team which was between the summer of 2004 and September 2007.
He remained part of Mourinho's staff when Inter appointed the ex-Chelsea manager as their new coach for the 2008/09 season, allowing Andre to extend his experience of working in Europe's big clubs and experience more trophy success as the Italian club won the Serie A title.
Shortly after the start of the following season came the chance to move into management in his own right, the offer coming from Portuguese club Academica from the city of Coimbra. Raising the previously struggling club up to 11th in the table by the end of the season and into a League Cup semi-final impressed Porto sufficiently for Andre's former club to give him the senior coaching position with less than one year's experience of that role. He did not disappoint them.
The club returned to the type of silverware haul they enjoyed under Mourinho, winning the Portuguese Super Cup at the start of the season and progressing to win a domestic league and cup double and the Europa League by beating another Portuguese side, Braga, 1-0 in Dublin in May. Aged 33, Andre became the youngest manager to win a European trophy

At home Porto had broken their own record for games unbeaten at the start of the season in all competitions, previously set in the Mourinho era. They played 36 times before losing a group stage League Cup game. They went through the league campaign unbeaten, drawing just three games out of 30 and scoring 73 goals as they finished a record 21 points ahead of second-placed Benfica, earning praise for their attacking style of football both at home and in Europe.
Andre was the first at Chelsea to hold the opposition scout role as a dedicated, full-time position and was innovative in the use of up-to-date computer and video technology to brief the coaching staff and players. It played an important part in bringing back-to-back Premier League titles and FA Cup and Carling Cup victories to Stamford Bridge.

His involvement in professional football began as a 17-year-old when then Porto manager Bobby Robson moved into the same building in the city.
A young enthusiast for the sport, Andre soon enjoyed conversations with the highly-experienced ex-England manager. With an English grandmother, he spoke the language to a very high standard which also helped his work when he moved to Chelsea.
He was invited along to Porto training sessions and Robson recommended his new protégé travel to the UK to take courses. He became the youngest person to gain the FA's coaching qualification.
Robson then made Andre the youth team coach at Porto where he remained until Mourinho's arrival seven years later, when he began working in the role he fulfilled at Chelsea first time around. Porto won two Portuguese League titles, the Portuguese Cup, the Uefa Cup and the Champions League before the coaching team moved to London in 2004.

Andre Villas-Boas appointed as new Chelsea manager

Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce that Andre Villas-Boas will be the club's new manager.

He has signed a three-year contract and will start work immediately.

Andre was the outstanding candidate for the job. He is one of the most talented young managers in football today and has already achieved much in a relatively short space of time. His ambition, drive and determination matches that of Chelsea and we are confident Andre's leadership of the team will result in greater successes in major domestic and European competitions.

Andre will bring his coaching experience back to a club he is already very familiar with, having previously worked here for three years. He has always been highly regarded at Chelsea and everyone here looks forward to welcoming him back and working with him.

Torres will be Chelsea's New Number NINE

Fernando Torres will wear the Chelsea number 9 shirt.
The forward, 26, completed his move from Liverpool yesterday and will occupy the previously vacant jersey.
The Spanish World and European champion also wore the shirt at Liverpool, in the World Cup in South Africa and at his previous club Atletico Madrid.
He follows in the footsteps of former Chelsea forwards Kerry Dixon, Roy Bentley, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Peter Osgood.
Chelsea kit man Mick Roberts is pictured printing Torres's first Chelsea shirt.

Torres Joins Chelsea

Chelsea Football Club have officially confirmed

the signing of Fernando Torres on a five-and-a-half year contract.
The move to bring the Spanish World Cup and European Championship winner to London from Liverpool for an undisclosed fee was completed on Monday evening. He will be available to play against Liverpool on Sunday.
Speaking at Stamford Bridge after finalising the move, Torres said: 'I am very happy with my transfer to Chelsea and I am looking forward very much to helping my new team-mates this season and for many years to come.
'Having played against Chelsea many times since coming to England, and in some very big games I will never forget, I know there are many great players here and I will work hard to win a place in the team. I hope I can score some important goals for the supporters to enjoy this season.'
Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck said: 'This is a very significant day for Chelsea, capturing one of the best players in the world with his peak years ahead of him. We have long admired the talents of a player who is a proven goalscorer in English football and Fernando's arrival is a sign of our continuing high ambitions. I hope every Chelsea fan is as excited as I am with this news.'
Chief executive Ron Gourlay added: 'Signing a player of the stature of Fernando Torres benefits the club on many levels. Carlo Ancelotti was keen to add his talents to the squad as we continue our quest for three trophies this season, we are delighted we have succeeded with that wish, and this signing will undoubtedly aid the club in realising our worldwide potential - on and off the pitch.'
Torres's scoring pedigree in English football is without doubt. The 26-year-old netted 65 goals in 102 league appearances for Liverpool and 81 in 142 games in all competitions.
He moved to the Premier League aged 23 having spent the previous 12 years at Atletico Madrid, a club based a few miles from the town of his birth on the outskirts of the capital city.
In his time at Atletico, 'El Nino' (The Kid - his nickname in Spain) was the club's youngest player and youngest captain. His debut came aged 17 and he took the armband two years later.
His first full season was a quiet start with just six goals from 36 league appearances but that became 13 from 29 games the next year and the 20-goal mark was reached in 2003/04, Torres's most prolific season in Spain and the year of his debut for the national side.
The player's subsequent emergence on the international stage and 75 goals in 174 Spanish top-flight games meant many clubs across Europe were after his signature but he chose to work under compatriot Rafael Benitez at Liverpool.
The transfer in July 2007 was valued at approximately £20 million, Luis Garcia going the other way, and Torres's first goal for the Merseysiders was against Chelsea at Anfield, opening the scoring in a 1-1 draw after getting the better of Tal Ben-Haim. It was the first of seven goals in seven games against Chelsea. It is his best return against any English club.


He scored three hat-tricks on the way to 33 goals in his first season in England, becoming the first Liverpool player since a previous wearer of the number 9 shirt, Robbie Fowler, to break the 30-goal mark in one season.
His second season returned 17 goals (injury reducing his number of appearances) as his side finished second, three points and one place above Chelsea in the league table. Last season, despite Liverpool dropping down the table to seventh, Torres accumulated a very healthy 22 goals in 32 games.
He headed to the World Cup in South Africa already a winner of the European Championships at senior international level.
In his teenage years, Torres had achieved top-scorer status for his country in both the Under 16 and Under 19 European Championships and he scored his first goal for the senior side against Italy aged 20, seven months after his first cap.
In the 2006 World Cup in Germany he scored three times in the group stage but Spain were beaten by France in the first knockout round. However there was no stopping his nation two years later at Euro 2008, Torres scoring once on the way to the final and the only goal in that match in Vienna as Germany were defeated. It was Spain's first major piece of silverware since 1964.


Last summer in South Africa, Torres struggled for full fitness and form during the World Cup having undergone surgery in April. As a result, Barcelona's Pedro took his place for a semi-final triumph over Germany.
Coach Vicente Del Bosque also left Torres out of the starting line-up for the final. Instead he came on in extra-time in the 1-0 win over Holland although he tore a muscle before the end.
Back in England this season and before joining the Blues, Torres made 26 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 11 times including both goals in Chelsea's November defeat at Anfield.

Chelsea Sign Brazil international David Luiz

Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of defender David Luiz from Benfica for an undisclosed fee.
Luiz, who has signed a five-and-a-half year contract, joins Chelsea as the third Brazilian in the current squad, linking up with former Benfica team-mate Ramires and fellow central-defender Alex.
He said: 'I am delighted to be joining a big English club, and I know very well the quality that Chelsea has.
'It is a major challenge for me but I am determined and confident in my ability to adapt to this excellent league, and I look forward to meeting my new-team mates.'
Now 23, David Luiz Moreira Marinho was born on April 22, 1987 in Sao Paulo and began his career with Esporte Clube Vitoria in Bahia where he made 47 appearances.
The 6ft 2in defender, who is renowned for his skill on the ball as much as his defensive ability, switched to Benfica, initially on loan in January 2007 before making the move permanent that summer.
In total he made 82 league appearances for the Lisbon club missing just one game last season as they wrapped up a first league title in five years. Uefa.com voted Luiz the league's Player of the Year.
Luiz, who made his Brazil debut against America last year, will not be eligible for Champions League football this season after completing all six of Benfica's group games. They finished third behind Schalke and Lyon.
He also represented his country at the 2007 Under 20 World Cup, and can cover at either left or right-back.
Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay said: 'David Luiz is one of the great defensive prospects in world football, and already a Brazilian international. I am sure he will prove a valuable addition to the Chelsea squad.'
Chairman Bruce Buck added: 'It is a delight to have completed this transfer for a fantastic young footballer who we have admired for some time. David has played in the Champions League and the squad now has a more experienced look to it that will hopefully serve us well for the rest of this season and going forward.'
The deal will also take midfielder Nemanja Matic to Benfica in the summer, though the Serbian will remain a Chelsea player until his loan deal with Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem is completed at the end of the season.

STURRIDGE LOAN TO BOLTON

Daniel Sturridge has this evening (Monday) joined Bolton Wanderers on loan until the end of the season.
The 21-year-old forward will link up with Owen Coyle's squad hoping to add to his 21 appearances this season, in which time he has scored four times, most recently against Ipswich Town in the FA Cup on January 9.
It represents an opportunity for the Birmingham-born England Under 21 international to try and gain more Premier League starts, as he is yet to begin a league game this season.
In total Sturridge has played 41 times for Chelsea, scoring nine times. We wish him well for the rest of the season.

Fulham Sign Chelsea Prospect Gael Kakuta On Loan

Fulham have confirmed the loan signing of Chelsea midfielder Gael Kakuta until the end of the season.

Kakuta has featured for French squads from under-16s level to under-20s, in which time he has scored 15 goals from 45 appearances for the national youth teams and played an integral role in lifting the UEFA under-19s Championship last summer.


The 19-year-old recently signed a contract extension with the Premier League in December and has made appearances in five out of six of Chelsea’s Champions League group matches this season

A statement from Chelsea’s website said: “Kakuta, who recently signed a new four-and-a-half year deal with Chelsea, will be hoping to gain increased first team opportunities to add to his total of 16 appearances in our colours.”

The hotly tipped youngster moved to Stamford Bridge from French side Lens in 2007.

New England Sports Venture (NESV) Take Over Liverpool

New England Sports Venture (NESV) have completed their takeover of Liverpool football club.

Liverpool's Commercial Director Ian Ayre confirmed the deal at 3.55pm this afternoon, meaning John W Henry replaces Tom Hicks and George Gillett as the owner of England's most successful football club.

John W Henry stated that he was "proud and humbled" to be the new owner of Liverpool football club.

However remaining in the background, something like a grey cloud, are the former owners threatening a £1billion lawsuit for "damages".

The American pair say they will "pursue every legal avenue" as they look to claim damages for what they believe is an "extraordinary swindle".

When asked about this Henry joked: "Why is it only that much?"

A statement on behalf of John W Henry said:

"On behalf of the entire NESV partnership, I want to express how incredibly proud and humbled we are to be confirmed as the new owners of Liverpool FC.

"We regard our role as that of stewards for the Club with a primary focus on returning the Club to greatness on and off the field for the long-term. We are committed first and foremost to winning.

"We have a history of winning, and today we want LFC supporters to know that this approach is what we intend to bring to this great Club."

Chairman Martin Broughton also stated that he would remain for the time being as Chairman in a "transitional role" until Henry and NESV create their own board.

The transaction values the Club at £300m and eliminates all of the acquisition debt placed on LFC by its previous owners, reducing the Club's debt servicing obligations from £25m-£30m a year to £2m-£3m.

NESV Chairman Thomas Werner said in a statement: "We recognize that Liverpool Football Club is an historic institution ultimately grounded in the community and the fans. Our first step as new owners will be to listen.

"We want to hear from the Manager and the players and those who are part of the daily operation of the Club. We will be visible at Anfield and will embrace and listen to those who have stood by this Club and who are the rock on which its future success will be built. We want to hear from the fans, local leaders and the local community.

"We want to hear from those who know LFC best, who have made it the best and share our desire to return to a culture of winning."

Jointly Mr Henry and Mr Werner both stated:

"We are eager to commence with our plan, spend time with the organization, its leadership, its supporters, and the local communities.

"We will take these steps alongside the Club's executives with a shared objective of stabilizing the Club and ultimately returning Liverpool FC to its rightful place in English and European football, successful and competing for trophies."

Chelsea Midfielder Yossi Benayoun Faces Achilles Surgery And Six Months On The Sidelines

Chelsea have confirmed that midfielder Yossi Benayoun will face a six month lay-off with an achilles injury.

The Israeli international midfielder sustained the injury whilst on international duty last week and will undergo an operation on Monday to limit the damage done to the Achilles tendon.

The injury presents a blow to the Premier League champions, as they look to compete on three fronts this season with the league, the cup and the Champions League all realistic ambitions.

Benayoun adds to the injury worries that already face manager Carlo Ancelotti, as both Alex and Saloman Kalou face spells on the sidelines with thigh injuries. Promising young cente-back Jeffrey Bruma is suffering from tight hamstrings.

Benayoun only joined Chelsea from Liverpool for a fee in the region of £5.5 million in the summer, with Englishman Joe Cole subsequently moving in the other direction on a free transfer.

Transfer Updates

The summer's transfer window has closed and, despite the ongoing economic turmoil around the globe, some high-profile players have been on the move. The English Premier League's stringent new legislation on squad size has seen some of the league's top performers switch clubs while Italian teams were the busiest of any nation's during the summer. The top two in Spain continued to flex their financial muscles while the German Bundesliga welcomed, and waved goodbye to, a fair few star names.

Russia's Premier League showed its ability to attract star names and pay top dollar despite some underwhelming displays from its clubs on the continent. Meanwhile, Portuguese teams did more buying than selling while some surprising domestic transitions kept France's Ligue 1 ticking over. Turkey's wounded heavyhitters did their fair share of strengthening too. The World Cup provided a shop window for some of Central and South America's top talents and African representatives were also on the move. Moreover, European leagues turned again to Asia for talent. 2010-11 is shaping up to be more eclectic than ever; we'll bring you details of how all the new faces are settling in...

Top 5 buyers summer 2010/11 by gross spend

1. €146m - Manchester City
2. €81m - Real Madrid
3. €72m - Barcelona
5. €50m - Juventus
4. €48m - Zenit St. Petersburg*
Source used: Transfermarkt

*note: Zenit play a summer season - includes winter transfersEngland: No prizes for guessing which clubs proved to be the prime mover in the English transfer market. No club in the world spent more money than Manchester City, who welcomed a galaxy of star names, including David Silva, Mario Balotelli, Yaya Toure, Alexander Kolarov, Jerome Boateng and James Milner. City rivals Manchester United dipped into their depleting savings to sign World Cup star Javier Hernandez, as well as Chris Smalling and Bebe. Chelsea added Ramires, Yossi Benayoun, Tomas Kalac and removed Joe Cole, Michael Ballack, Deco, Belletti, Ricardo Carvalho and Miroslav Stoch, among others from their hefty wage bill. Arsene Wenger tweaked his Arsenal squad from a familiar source, adding Marouane Chamakh and Laurent Koscielny from Ligue 1. Sebastien Squillaci was also recruited. Le Prof also offloaded Eduardo to Shakhtar Donetsk. Liverpool may have lost Javier Mascherano but bought Christian Poulsen, Raul Meireles and Paul Konchesky, Danny Wilson and Jonjo Shelvey.

Other notable spenders were Sunderland, who brought in Asamoah Gyan as a replacement for Stoke City's Kenwyne Jones, while Tottenham Hotspur are still awaiting the results of a late swoop for Rafael van der Vaart. Spurs did manage to supplement their squad with Stipe Pletikosa and William Gallas. Moussa Dembele (Fulham), Mauro Boselli (Wigan) and Stephen Fletcher (Wolves) were also notable additions. Birmingham moved late, but moved well, supplementing the signing of Nicola Zigic with Aliaksandr Hleb and Martin Jiranek. Bolton Wanderers raided Real Madrid's cantera for Marcos Alonso and signed for Blanco Rodrigo. Martin Petrov could also prove to be good business.

Italy: AC Milan grab the headlines in Serie A with the acquisitions of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho, along with other key signings, like Kevin Prince Boateng. Juventus are seeking to spend their way back to Calcio's top table and have brought in Leonadro Bonucci, Fabio Quagliarella, Armand Traore, Simone Pepe, Milos Krasic, Jorge Martinez, Marco Storari, Alberto Aquilani and Marco Motta to help them. Inter were quiet, finalising Philippe Coutinho and bringing back Jonathan Biabany. Roma's tight purse strings contributed to a lean summer but Fabio Simplicio, Marco Borriello and Adriano were recruited and money was lavished on Nicolas Burdisso.

Genoa had a successful summer, adding Andrea Rannochia, Luca Toni, Rafinha, Franco Zuculini, Miguel Veloso, Anthony Van Den Borre and Kakha Kaladze. Napoli welcomed Hassan Yebda, Christian Lucarelli and Jose Sosa. Lazio pulled off a coup with the acquisition of Hernanes, as well as Javier Garrido and Mark Bresciano and others. New boys Cesena were busy too with a number of players coming in for the long haul in the top flight. Fiorentina scaled back their spending; only Gaetano D'Agostino and Artur Boruc were purchased.

Top 5 buyers summer 2010/11 by net spend

1. €122m - Manchester City
2. €81m - Real Madrid
3. €47m - Zenit St. Petersburg*
4. €31m - Rubin Kazan*
5. €28m - Barcelona
Source used: Transfermarkt

*note: Zenit play a summer season - includes winter transfersSpain: David Villa gives Barcelona what would seem to be an unfair advantage in an attacking sense after his signing from Valencia; Javier Mascherano can play a bit too. Adriano was recruited from Sevilla but there were more outs than ins at Camp Nou, including Dymtro Chygrynskiy returning home to Shakhtar. Real Madrid conducted their customary summer overhaul; Sami Khedira, Mesut Oezil, Pedro Leon, Sergio Canales, Angel Di Maria and Ricardo Carvalho all joined Jose Mourinho at Santiago Bernabeu. Raul and Guti head the departures. Neighbours Atletico strengthened with Filipe, Diego Godin, Thiago and Fran Merida. Out went Jurado and Roberto to foreign teams, but Kun Aguero stayed.

Valencia were the big earners during the window, selling Davids Villa and Silva for huge profit; they outlaid some of that booty on Sofiane Feghouli, Mehmet Topaz, Roberto Soldado, Tino Costa and Ricardo Costa. Hercules made some intriguing moves, landing David Trezeguet and Royston Drenthe, as well as Haedo Valdez.

Beyond Barca and Madrid by far the biggest spenders were Malaga, who used their new-found investment to pay fees for seven different players, the biggest being Salomon Rondon from Las Palmas and striker Sebastian Fernandez from Banfield. Getafe made the fifth biggest net profit anywhere in Europe thanks to their funnelling of talent to the likes of Valencia and Real Madrid.

Germany: Bayern stayed quiet and crucially, lost no players in the window while the challengers to their crown spent significantly to bridge the gap. Wolfsburg bought Simon Kjaer, Arne Friedrich, Cicero, Mario Mandzukic, Nassim Ben Khalifa and Diego at some expense. Last season's runners-up Schalke made space for Real Madrid legend Raul and former team-mate Christophe Metzelder. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Sergio Escudero, Kyriakos Papadopolous, Jurado, Hans Sarpei, Nicolas Plestan, Tim Hoogland, Atsuto Uchida, Ciprian Deac and Eric Jendrisek were also brought in. Michael Ballack adds experience to Bayer Leverkusen while Hanno Balitsch was purchased from Hannover; Shinji Kagawa and Robert Lewandowski head the arrivals at Dortmund.

Hamburg's defence was fortified by Heiko Westermann, who seemingly took the clean sheets with him from Schalke; Gojko Kacar looks an interesting signing for HSV as does Mohammadou Idrissou at Moenchengladbach. Werder Bremen offset the departure of playmaker Oezil with the signings of Wesley, Mark Arnautovic and Mickael Silvestre. Other clubs did decent business; Morten Rasmussen and Adam Szalai (Mainz), Gylfi Sigurdsson (Hoffenheim). Stuttgart left it late but snared Mauro Camoranesi to join Philipp Degen, Christian Molinaro and Christian Gentner, as well as Martin Harnik.

Top five summer transfers by price

1. €40m - David Villa ( Valencia - Barcelona)
2. €32m - David Silva ( Valencia - Man City)
3. €30m - James Milner ( Aston Villa - Man City)*
4. €28m - Mario Balotelli ( Inter - Man City)
5. €25m - Angel di Maria ( Benfica - Real Madrid)
Source: World Football Insider

note: €30m includes €9.7m valuation of part-exchanged Stephen Ireland
France: Champions Marseille lost Hatem Ben Arfa to Newcastle but managed to add to their ranks with Cesar Azpilicueta, Loic Remy and Andre-Pierre Gignac. Bordeaux were on the receiving end of another major domestic transfer with Yoann Gourcuff joining Lyon. Les Gones also grabbed Pape Diakhate and Jimmy Briand while Girondins spent on Fahid Ben Khalfallah, Maazou Moussa and Anthony Modeste. New boys Arles were hyper busy in the market while Auxerre brought in the classy Anthony Le Tallec. Dieumerci Mbokani and Pierre Aubameyang were among the new arrivals at Monaco. Nene and Mathieu Bodmer went to PSG while Rennes, now Gyan-less, and St Etienne were also busy.

Russia: The RPL welcomed its most expensive ever player in the shape of Bruno Alves, who transferred with Sergei Semak, Aleksandr Bukharov and Aleksander Lukovic to Zenit. Rubin Kazan were among Europe's biggest spending teams, adding Salvatore Bocchetti, Aleskei Medvedev, Obafemi Martins and Carlos Eduardo, amongst others. CSKA Moscow replaced Krasic with Zoran Tosic; Seydou Doumbia also arrived. Spartak Moscow prepare for life in the Champions League with the purchases of Aiden McGeady and Nicolas Pareja.

Top 5 sellers summer 2010/11 by gross spend

1. €84m - Valencia
2. €53m - Inter
3. €50m - Benfica
4. €45m - Barcelona
5. €38m - Liverpool
Source used: TransfermarktPortugal: Champions Benfica lost some of their stars but added Eduardo Salvio, Nicolas Gaitan, Roberto Gago and Franco Jara. Porto snapped up Sporting's Joao Moutinho; good thing as Meireles left for Anfield while James Rodriguez came from Banfield. Nicolas Otamendi arrived from Velez. Sporting got Alberto Zapater, Maniche, Diogo Salamao and others. Braga have Hugo Viana in their ranks ahead of a Champions League campaign.

Greece: Panathinaikos added Jean Alain Boumsong, Sidney Govou, Luis Garcia and Damian Plessis while Olympiacos brought in Kevin Mirallas, Ariel Ibagaza, Francois Modesto, Dennis Rommedahl and Albert Riera from overseas. Papa Bouba Diop (AEK) and Stephen Makinwa (Larissa) were the other high profile arrivals.

Turkey: Galatasaray were busy but were still knocked out of Europe. Nonetheless Zvjezdan Misimovic, Emiliano Insua and Lorik Cana were among their most high-profile overseas additions. Rivals Fenerbance added Mamadou Niang, Issiar Dia, Joseph Yobo and Miroslav Stoch. Besiktas welcome Ricardo Quaresma, Guti and Mehmet Aurelio, among others.

Asia: Bunyodkor said goodbye to their stars Stevica Ristic (Amkar Perm), Server Djeporov (FC Seoul), Rivaldo and Denilson (both released). In Australia, Robbie Fowler opted to trade North Queensland Fury for Perth Glory. Gamba Osaka sold star forward Leandro to Al-Sadd for a sum verging on the eight figures. Also, Abdul Kader Keita joined Al Sadd for a similar sum: he and Leandro will be team-mates of Nadir Belhadj.
Top 5 sellers summer 2010/11 by net spend

1. €51m - Valencia
2. €40m - Inter
3. €22m - Udinese
4. €24m - Nice
5. €20m - Getafe
Source used: Transfermarkt Gabri and Mario Melchiot moved to Umm Salal. Ivorian pair Aruna Dindane and Baky Kone now ply their trade for Lekhwiya. Al Sailiya brought Moumouni Dagano and Yazid Mansouri to the club. Marcelo Bordon swapped Schalke for Al Rayyan. Fabio Cannavaro headed the arrivals in the UAE League, joining Al Ahli of Dubai.

Africa: Geddo was the biggest mover, from Al Ittihad to Al Ahly, for a fee of around $500,000, while South Africa saw plenty of moves within its PSL.

MLS: Thierry Henry and Rafael Marquez (New York Red Bulls) were two of the major marquee signings in the United States. Also featuring in the MLS this season are Mista (Toronto FC), Nery Castillo (Chicago Fire) and Geovanni (San Jose Earthquakes). The biggest domestic trade saw Freddie Ljungberg swap Seattle Sounders for Chicago.

South America: And finally there was plenty of movement in South America, even though in many countries the season is long since underway. In Brazil, for example, Deco joined Fluminense, while Internacional sealed a move for Ilan. But key was who didn't move: Neymar and the now-injured Ganso are staying at Santos - for now - as two of the hottest prospects on the continent.

Chilean defender Waldo Ponce moved to Racing Santander from O'Higgins, while Jean Beausejour left Mexico's America for Birmingham City.

In Argentina, Estudiantes signed Hernan Lopez from Velez Sarsfield, Damian Escudero joined Boca Juniors from Villarreal, while River Plate made a number of key acquisitions, not least Betis' Mariano Pavone and former Boca man Jonathan Maidana of Metalist Kharkiv.

Champions League Draw:Chelsea face Marseille Inter To Face Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United Draw Valencia, Barcelona And Rubin Kazan To Meet Again

The 2010-11 UEFA Champions League group stage is now set after the draw took place in Monaco on Thursday and it proposes some interesting match-ups and intriguing possibilities.

The trophy holders Inter have been dealt a tough hand in Group A as they will face-off against Werder Bremen, Tottenham Hotspur, and Twente. The likely group of death would seem to be Group G with Real Madrid, Milan, Ajax, and Auxerre.

Meanwhile, Barcelona in Group D will be relatively pleased to battle against Panathinaikos, Copenhagen, and Rubin Kazan.

Last year's finalists Bayern Munich also have a Germany - Italy duel versus Roma. Basel and Cluj round out Group E.

English giants Manchester United will take on Valencia, Bursaspor, and Rangers while Chelsea's Didier Drogba will visit his old stomping ground versus Marseille.

Chelsea Consider £8m Move For Monaco Striker Park Chu-Young - Report

Chelsea are considering a move for Monaco striker Park Chu-Young after he impressed for South Korea at the 2010 World Cup, according to The Sun.

The striker's representatives reportedly held talks with Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti ahead of their 6-0 win over West Bromwich Albion on the opening day of the new Premier League season.

Ancelotti is set to decide in the next 48 hours whether to meet Monaco's £8 million asking price for the 25-year-old, and the deal could help Chelsea make a commercial impact in the Far East.

Along with Manchester United midfielder Ji-Sung Park, Park Chu-Young is among the best known sportsmen in the Far East and could prove lucrative in shirt sales and other marketing ventures.

CHELSEA 6-0 WIGAN ATHLETIC

Chelsea continued our emphatic start to the season with a 6-0 away win, but we didn't have it all our own way at the DW Stadium.
It took half an hour for the Blues to even register a shot on target, but as soon as Florent Malouda swept home Frank Lampard's parried effort, there was only going to be one winner, and five second half goals was the mark of a much improved showing from Carlo Ancelotti's men.
Nicolas Anelka claimed the first two, sub Salomon Kalou the next pair before Yossi Benayoun netted his first Chelsea goal in injury time.
It was a harsh lesson for Wigan, who for long periods in the opening half had dominated possession and stopped Carlo Ancelotti's men playing the football they so enjoy, but there will be no complaints that it was a deserved three points.
Chelsea's only change to the starting line-up was at right-back, where Branislav Ivanovic, now fully fit, replaced Paulo Ferreira who dropped to the bench.
Our last meeting with Wigan may have yielded eight goals, three points and a Barclays Premier League title, but Carlo Ancelotti was right to recall his first visit to the DW Stadium in September last year, when we were beaten 3-1 and eventually down to nine men.
It was the Italian's first defeat as Chelsea manager, but after last week's 6-0 win against West Brom and today's hosts' 4-0 home drubbing by Blackpool, he will have been confident of avoiding a repeat.
The Wigan side that started this game though looked a far more accomplished outfit than the one which appeared a week ago, and they were the more impressive side in the game's opening minutes. Left-back Maynor Figueroa tested Petr Cech's alertness with a long-range drive, and Hugo Rodallega then curled a free-kick at the goalkeeper in the 24th minute, both efforts before Chelsea had registered anything meaningful.
The Colombian sent another shot into the goalkeeper's arms shortly afterwards as the home side sought to convert possession and territory into goals before the inevitable Chelsea improvement, but they were out of luck.
On 33 minutes Chelsea put together the best move of the game as an intricate passing move eventually saw the ball come to Cole on the left, and when he pulled back to Lampard it looked as though the midfielder would score, but Chris Kirkland in the Wigan goal parried the ball back into play with a smart save.
On hand to tap in the rebound, however, was Florent Malouda, who netted his third Premier League goal in two games and gave the Blues a lead we hardly deserved.
Two minutes after half-time the advantage was doubled, and in sensational fashion.
Possession was well retained inside the Chelsea area, with Cole and Lampard working the ball to Mikel, who sent a 50-yard diagonal pass into the right channel for Nicolas Anelka to chase.
With the ball slowing as he approached, Anelka opted to shoot first time, and hammered it low into the far corner across Kirkland for his first of the season, and to more than likely put this game beyond Wigan's reach.
James McCarthy toe-poked just wide in response before Anelka grabbed his second in four minutes, nodding home from a yard out after Drogba had pulled Malouda's deep cross back across the face of goal.
Rodallega jinked his way past half the Chelsea defence before seeing his shot blocked, and then Alex performed a superb tackle on Charles N'Zogbia before the Frenchman could get his effort away.
Mauro Boselli's follow-up after McCarthy's deflected effort came back off the post was chalked off for offside, and then the Argentine headed straight at Cech when he should have netted.
Back on the attack Michael Essien forced Kirkland to save with his legs at his near post, and then Drogba dragged a shot wide moments after crashing a free-kick into the wall.
The Ivorian's next involvement was far more impressive, turning his man inside out and racing on towards goal, squaring for Kalou to tap home rather than trying to beat Kirkland himself as Chelsea made it 4-0 and 10 league goals for the season inside three hours.
With two minutes left Kalou was prevented from adding to his strike by a strong Emmerson Boyce tackle after showing skill inside the Wigan half, but a minute later he had his second of the game, flicking home Drogba's excellent cross from the left.
The scoring still wasn't complete, as sub Yossi Benayoun secured his first Chelsea goal, stroking home into the far corner from 10 yards to make it our best ever away win against the Latics, after another sub, Paulo Ferreira had supplied the perfect pull-back.
So two games, six points, 12 goals for and none conceded. Starts do not get any better than this.
Wigan (4-3-3): Kirkland (c), Stam, Gohouri, Alcaraz, Figueroa (Boyce 83); Thomas, Diame (McArthur 79), McCarthy (Watson 78); N' Zogbia, Boselli, Rodallega.
Scorers
Booked
Chelsea (4-3-3):Cech; Ivanovic (Ferreira 62), Alex, Terry (c), Cole; Essien (Benayoun 78), Mikel, Lampard; Anelka, Drogba, Malouda (Kalou 69).
Scorers Malouda 33, Anelka 47, 51, Kalou 77, 89, Benayoun 90+3
Booked Ivanovic 36, Terry 60

MATCH REPORT: CHELSEA 6 WEST BROMWICH ALBION 0

A Didier Drogba hat-trick, Frank Lampard among the goals, a mighty home win and Chelsea on top of the table. No it is not a reposting of the report from the final league game of last season, but happily the first one of this campaign.
Just six minutes of league football was played by Chelsea since the final goal against Wigan back in May and Florent Malouda netting the first against West Brom at the Bridge today.
The dodgy pre-season results were quickly forgotten and although the rest of the play between that Malouda strike and Drogba's first goal just before the interval was a little uninspiring, in the second half the Blues put the ragged Baggies to the sword, Drogba scoring a further two, Lampard opening his account for the season and Malouda wrapping up the match as he began it when he netted his second.
The afternoon had begun with good news with Lampard declared over his injury suffered on duty with England and he was named in the starting line up, as were Petr Cech and Alex whose recoveries came just in time for the 'big kick-off'.

Didier Drogba was also handed a start following his appearance off the bench in the Community Shield.
Paulo Ferreira was rewarded for his pre-season form by retaining the right-back shirt so Branislav Ivanovic dropped to the bench. Salomon Kalou made space for Drogba in the front three with Nicolas Anelka moving wide right.
Before kick-off there was the expected and totally deserved warm reception for Chelsea cup final heroes Roberto Di Matteo and Eddie Newton (their manager in 1997, Ruud Gullit, was an on-pitch guest at half-time to similar applause).
The first shot of the game was from Di Matteo's team - sliced well wide by Morrison. Anelka was the first to let fly for Chelsea - his on target but straight at Carson.
That was on three minutes and less than two minutes later the former England keeper made a double save but still could not prevent Malouda from opening his account for 2010/11.
It was the same Frenchman who initially won a free-kick in a central position when his run was blocked by Ibanez.
Di Matteo's hopes that his side could survive an early storm on the pitch as the rain poured down from above evaporated when Drogba's attempt was pushed out to Mikel and although Carson intervened again, the ball fell to Malouda just two yards out. The chance was unmissable.
Cole, a persistent attacking presence in the early stages, flashed a dangerous ball across the area soon after before Cech made his first save to keep out Dorran's deflected shot.
Bednar had the ball in the net for West Brom on 18 minutes but the Baggies' lone striker was offside when receiving the ball.
The biggest supply of danger in the midway part of the first half was from the two keepers - both escaping when under-hitting clearances. Chelsea were failing to follow up strongly on the good start. With Malouda and Anelka tucked in behind Drogba - the shape looking more Yuletide decoration than genuine 4-3-3 - Stamford Bridge was looking a very congested pitch.
On 34 minutes Cole showed he is far more than just an attacking instrument in a narrow game when he was back with a timely intervention when West Brom threatened a break with Bedner found quickly.
Then the game became the Florent Malouda show for a four-minute period.

First he crashed a shot against the post as the flag was going up - a tight offside call. Then the number 15 was almost the beneficiary of an expertly-executed Lampard back heel but was strongly resisted by Jara's challenge.
Then Drogba was dumped to the turf and this time Lampard stung Carson's hands with a free-kick. It came Malouda's way once more but this time the opening goalscorer headed over.
Right on the stroke of half-time came Chelsea's third free-kick within shooting range. The rotation put Drogba back on strike and it was third time lucky for the Blues as West Brom's wall let Carson down badly by letting the ball straight through, giving the keeper no chance of making it.
The ball flew just inside the right-hand post at the Shed End. Last season's Golden Boot winner was off and running.

There was a spot of good fortune six minutes into the second half when Dorrans' deflected shot dropped a couple of yards wide after Ferreira had been caught in possession. Cech would have struggled had it been on target.
Any chance of West Brom getting back into the game was ended soon after when Drogba netted his second, gobbling up his chance from inside the six-yard box when West Brom missed their chance to clear, a Terry header having been stopped on the line. That made it 3-0.
With our run of good opening day results now certain to continue, Ancelotti began to change his team - Ivanovic coming on for Ferreira shortly after the right-back had collected the game's only booking.
Benyoun would soon follow on to the pitch for his home debut but not before goal number four. A Chelsea hatful without a Lampard goal is always unlikely and this was not to be such an occasion. Lamps took Cole's square pass after Anelka had made an incision and wrong-footed Carson before rolling the ball home.
Drogba completed his hat-trick on 67 minutes when he both tried and received his luck with a shot from 25 yards out - the ball taking a heavy deflection off Tamas on its way into the net.
Now one of the major tasks remaining was to preserve a clean sheet that an all-round solid defensive display deserved. Alex did his bit with a headed deflection on a shot with five minutes remaining, and then substitute Cox shot wide when well placed.
Then on 89 minutes at the other end a France combination ended the day - Malouda taking Anelka's beautifully-judged pass on the right and finishing off the inside of the post.

Chelsea had recorded our biggest top-flight opening day win.
Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech; Ferreira (Ivanovic 59), Alex, Terry (c), Cole; Essien, Mikel, Lampard (Benayoun 63); Anelka, Drogba (Kalou 69), Malouda.
Scorers Malouda 5, 89, Drogba 45, 55, 67, Lampard 61.
Booked Ferreira 57.
West Brom (4-2-3-1): Carson (c); Jara, Tamas, Ibanez, Cech; Mulumbu, Brunt; Morrison, Dorrans (Cox 67), Thomas (Barnes 83); Bednar (Miller 67).
Referee Mark Clattenburg
Shots on target Chelsea 13 West Brom 5
Corners Chelsea 3 West Brom 1
Fouls Chelsea 13 West Brom 10
Offsides Chelsea 2 West Brom 1

English Premier League Season 2010-11 Preview

Arsenal
Coach: Arsene Wenger since September 1996
Star men: Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie
Last season: 3rd
Season expectations: Champions League place
Ins: Marouane Chamakh, Laurent Koscielny, Wellington
Outs: Fran Merida, Pedro Botelho, Eduardo, Sol Campbell, William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre, Kerrea Gilbert, Francis Coquelin, Sanchez Watt, Philippe Senderos
If they were a pop act, they'd be: The Saturdays; Plenty of hits and attractive on the eye, but no sign of a number one




Arsenal were finally expected to splash the cash this summer after their centre back ranks were depleted and frustrations grew about the lack of a first choice goalkeeper. So far, the only major signings have been Koscielny and striker Chamakh. The most important piece of transfer news is undoubtedly their successful attempt to keep Fabregas away from Barcelona's clutches.

Aston Villa
Coach: Kevin MacDonald caretaker manager since Monday
Star men: Ashley Young, Gabriel Agbonlahor
Last season: 6th
Season expectations: Mid-table
Ins: Barry Bannan (loan return)
Outs: Wilfred Bouma, Marlon Harewood, Nicky Shorey, Andy Marshall, David Bevan, Stephen O'Halloran
If they were a pop act, they'd be: The Spice Girls; Years of success, but one high profile departure threatens to unravel the whole outfit

A quiet summer for the Midlanders exploded into life this week after manager Martin O'Neill dramatically quit the club amid rumoured accriminations about the impending sale of James Milner and a lack of transfer spending. If the England man seals his big money switch to Manchester City, Stephen Ireland is expected to travel the other way. More faces, and a new manager, are needed imminently if the club's push to towards the Champions League can continue.

Birmingham City
Coach: Alex McLeish since November 2007
Star men: Lee Bowyer, Nikola Zigic
Last season: 9th
Season expectations: Europa League qualification
Ins: Ben Foster, Nikola Zigic, Enric Valles
Outs: Christian Benitez, Gregory Vignal, Gary McSheffrey, Franck Quedrue, Colin Doyle, Artur Krysiak, Lee Carsley, Jake Jervis
If they were a pop act, they'd be: Editors; Surprise success story from the Midlands

The debate over how much money owner Carson Yeung actually has to spend has raged on all summer. After initially racing out of the blocks with the captures of Foster and Zigic, things have gone quiet. If the rumoured arrivals of Moussa Dembele, Mauro Camoranesi and Fabio Grosso come to fruition, another season of success could be on the cards.

Blackburn Rovers
Coach: Sam Allardyce since December 2008
Star men: Ryan Nelsen, David Dunn
Last season: 10th
Season expectations: Mid-table
Ins: Mame Biram Diouf
Outs: Yildiray Basturk, Steven Reid, Andy Haworth
If they were a pop act, they'd be: Seasick Steve; Rough, tough and bad looking




Manager Allardyce have endured a frustrating summer as he has chased replacements for his shot shy strikers. Manchester United's Diouf is so far the only arrival, but after scoring on his debut, big things are expected. If further additions can be made to boost a solid squad, then another campaign free from relegation worries can be expected.

Blackpool
Coach: Ian Holloway since May 2009
Star men: Charlie Adam, Marlon Harewood
Last season: Promoted
Season expectations: Relegation
Ins: Craig Cathcart, Elliot Grandin, Malaury Martin, Marlon Harewood
Outs: Ben Burgess, Daniel Nardiello, Alhassan Bangura, Hameur Bouazza, Stephen McPhee
If they were a pop act, they'd be: Tangerine Dream; Supporters need to pinch themselves that Premier League campaign is not fantasy




The shock promotion story of the past decade had looked to have turned into a nightmare already after Holloway was rumoured to have grown frustrated at the lack of transfer activity. After seeing repeat deals fall through to bolster his inexperienced squad, a raft of players were secured this week. More faces are needed if The Tangerines aren't to face a season of thumping defeats.

Bolton Wanderers
Coach: Owen Coyle since January
Star men: Gary Cahill, Martin Petrov
Last season: 14th
Season expectations: Mid-table
Ins: Martin Petrov, Ivan Klasnic, Robbie Blake, Marcos Alonso, Tom Eaves
Outs: Ali Al Habsi, Ricardo Vaz Te, Nicky Hunt
If they were a pop act, they'd be: Dave Matthews Band; Dull but refuse to go away

The 'Owen Coyle revolution' has continued at pace as the club seek to move away from the dark days of Gary Megson's reign. A serious of smart acquisitions have boosted a previously thread bare squad and given signs of optimism for the first time in several seasons. If the Scot can convince Arsene Wenger to lend him Jack Wilshere again, a punt at the upper reaches of mid-table can't be discounted.


Chelsea
Coach: Carlo Ancelotti since July 2009
Star men: Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard
Last season: 1st
Season expectations: Champions
Ins: Yossi Benayoun, Tomas Kalas
Outs: Michael Ballack, Deco, Juliano Belletti, Joe Cole, Jack Cork, Miroslav Stoch, Scott Sinclair, Ricardo Carvalho, Ryan Bertrand, Tomas Kalas, Rhys Taylor
If they were a pop act, they'd be: t.A.T.u.; Chart topping Russian heavyweight





Ancelotti's pre-season spending spree has taken a Samba touch after attempting to bring in Ramires and Neymar. After freeing about £20 million from the wage bill after the exits of some elderly stars, the Italian is determined to freshen up his Premier League champions. So far, Yossi Benayoun has been the star arrival but expect this to change in the coming weeks as the Blues attempt to finally land the Champions League crown.

Everton
Coach: David Moyes since March 2002
Star men: Steven Pienaar, Tim Cahill
Last season: 8th
Season expectations: Europa League qualification
Ins: Jan Mucha, Jermaine Beckford, Joao Silva, Magaye Gueye
Outs: John Ruddy, Dan Gosling, Carlo Nash, Anton Peterlin, Lukas Jutkiewicz
If they were a pop act, they'd be: Simply Red; "Money's too tight to mention" but the Toffees continue to perform

Moyes has again returned with empty pockets after asking chairman Bill Kenwright for funds, but this hasn't stopped him adding to an already impressive squad. Beckford and youngsters Silva and Gueye have add to the Scot's occasionally shot shy striking options. Importantly, there have been no high profile exits to match last summer's Joleon Lescott saga to leave the Toffees in rude health on the pitch if not off it.

Fulham
Coach: Mark Hughes since August
Star men: Clint Dempsey, Brede Hangeland
Last season: 12th
Season expectations: Europa League qualification
Ins: Philippe Senderos
Outs: Chris Smalling, Erik Nevland, Elliot Omozusi, Toni Kallio, Andranik Teymourian, Wayne Brown
If they were a pop act, they'd be: Billy Joel; Recently dumped for a more attractive option

After the euphoria of last season's Europa Cup final run was dampened by Roy Hodgson's exit, the Cottagers have been attempting to hold the fort. With Mark Hughes freshly installed and armed with a reported £20 million transfer kitty, another push for Europe can't be discounted. They will do this without their only major signing of the summer after Senderos was ruled out for six months with serious injury.

Liverpool
Coach: Roy Hodgson since July
Star men: Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard
Last season: 7th
Season expectations: Champions League qualification
Ins: Danny Wilson, Christian Poulsen, Joe Cole, Milan Jovanovic, Jonjo Shelvey
Outs: Albert Riera, David Martin, Yossi Benayoun, Philipp Degen
If they were a pop act, they'd be: Rolling Stones; Big name but no smash hit in England for two decades




After a season to forget, change has been afoot at Anfield with Roy Hodgson drafted in for Rafael Benitez. Smart moves in the transfer market have seen a weak squad strengthened with Danny Wilson, Milan Jovanovic and Christian Poulsen, while Joe Cole has added some much needed star quality. The biggest 'deals' have been Hodgson's ability to persuade Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard to stay on Merseyside and a push up the table towards the Champions League is on the cards.

Manchester City
Coach: Roberto Mancini since December 2009
Star men: David Silva, Carlos Tevez
Last season: 5th
Season expectations: Champions League qualification
Ins: David Silva, Jerome Boateng, Yaya Toure, Aleksandar Kholarov, Robinho (loan return), Jo (loan return), Joe Hart (loan return)
Outs: Valeri Bojinov, Martin Petrov, Benjani, Sylvinho, Javier Garrido, Ben Marshall, Adam Clayton, Gunnar Nielsen, Nedum Onuoha, David Ball
If they were a pop act, they'd be: P Diddy; Flashing cash like it is going out of fashion

The biggest spenders in the division have kept up the act this summer as Mancini tries to craft a squad capable of lifting a major trophy for the first time in 34 years. World Cup 2010 stars Silva, Yaya Toure, Baoteng and Kholarov have been brought in, with James Milner and Mario Balotelli believed to be on the way. An impressive roster has been established, now the pressure is on to turn the pound notes into silverware.

Manchester United
Coach: Sir Alex Ferguson since November 1986
Star men: Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic
Last season: 2nd
Season expectations: Champions
Ins: Javier Hernandez, Chris Smalling, Bebe, Tom Cleverley (loan return)
Outs: Ben Foster, Zoran Tosic, Craig Cathcart, Matthew James, Mame Biram Diouf, Daniel Drinkwater, David Gray, Tom Heaton
If they were a pop act, they'd be: Take That; Manchester juggernaut that remains one of the biggest acts around

Groans and moans about a lack of spending from the Glazer family continue, but fresh faces have been in supply at Old Trafford. Smalling will boost a defence that fell apart through injuries last term, while Hernandez and Bebe add more bite in attack. The chase for Mesut Ozil continues and if he - or another star name - can be added, an assault on the sport's top prizes cannot be discounted.

Newcastle United
Coach: Chris Hughton since November 2009 (permanent)
Star men: Andy Carroll, Kevin Nolan
Last season: Promoted
Season expectations: Survival
Ins: James Perch, Sol Campbell, Dan Gosling, Xisco (loan return)
Outs: Nicky Butt, Fabrice Pancrate, Jonny Godsmark
If they were a pop act, they'd be: Lady Gaga; Erratic, out of tune but highly entertaining





Gone are the days of the Magpies being one of the biggest spenders. With chairman Mike Ashley forcing a new found prudency, manager Hughton has gone about his business in a demure fashion. Solid signings Campbell, Perch and Gosling won't set pulses racing but give the side a chance of avoiding another painful drop into the Championship.

Stoke City
Coach: Tony Pulis since June 2006
Star men: Kenwyne Jones, Ryan Shawcross
Last season: 11th
Season expectations: Mid-table
Ins: Carlo Nash, Kenwyne Jones
Outs: Amdy Faye, Steve Simonsen, Andy Griffin, Rodney McDonald, Ibrahima Sonko, Diego Arismendi
If they were a pop act, they'd be: Metallica; They may not be pretty but their powerful hooks have struck the right chord in the Premier League

A quiet summer burst into life this week as months of frustration ended with Pulis breaking his transfer record to land Jones. The powerhouse striker is the perfect fit for the Potters and will provide an excellent focal point for Glenn Whelan's passes and Rory Delap's throw-ins. With more cash to spend, a tilt at the upper reaches of the division isn't out of this world.

Sunderland
Coach: Steve Bruce since May 2009
Star men: Darren Bent, John Mensah
Last season: 11th
Season expectations: Mid-table
Ins: Cristian Riveros, Simon Mignolet, Marcos Angeleri, Nedum Onuoha, Titus Bramble, Ahmed El-Muhammadi
Outs: Marton Fulop, Nyron Nosworthy, Daryl Murphy, Lorik Cana, Roy O'Donovan, Jean-Yves Moto, Kenwyne Jones
If they were a pop act, they'd be: Elvis Presley; Up and down success over the years with a mystery American in the background pulling the strings

Bruce has been ruthless in re-moulding his squad, with players coming in the front door as quickly as others have been pushed through the exit. South American duo Riveros and Angeleri look set to impress, while Onuoha and Bramble should help firm up a leaky defence. With Manchester United's Danny Welbeck set to replace Jones, the ex-Wigan Athletic boss looks set to anchor the Black Cats in mid-table.

Tottenham Hotspur
Coach: Harry Redknapp since October 2008
Star men: Jermain Defoe, Gareth Bale
Last season: 4th
Season expectations: Champions League qualification
Ins: Sandro, Giovani dos Santos (loan return)
Outs: Eidur Gudjohnsen, Jimmy Walker, Adel Taarabt, John Bostock, David Button, Oscar Jansson, Dorian Dervite, Sam Cox
If they were a pop act, they'd be: N-Dubz; London stars set to make breakthrough into Europe and beyond after success in England





The excitement building at White Hart Lane is set for breaking point as the final Champions League qualifiers set to kick-off next weekend. After successive summers of big spending, Redknapp has yet to flash the cash with Sandro's deal set-up last season. The Spurs supremo never goes through a transfer window without making a splash and a few astute buys could keep the north London outfit in the mix for domestic and foreign success.

West Bromwich Albion
Coach: Roberto Di Matteo since July 2009
Star men: Pablo Ibanez, Chris Brunt
Last season: Promoted
Season expectations: Survival
Ins: Boaz Myhill, Nicky Shorey, Pablo Ibanez, Steven Reid, Gabriel Tamas (permanent deal)
Outs: Filippe Texeira, Robert Koren, Borja Valero, Andwele Slory, Andwele Slory, Kayleden Brown, Marcus Haber
If they were a pop act, they'd be: The Yo-Yos; History repeats for the Baggies as bounce back and forth from the Premier League and Championship

Since the Midlanders were promoted back into the top flight, Di Matteo has been a man on a mission to stop the cycle of relegation and promotion. The Italian has bolstered his squad with smart buys such as Ibanez, Shorey and Reid. A lack of a cutting edge up front still hangs over the club and this must be corrected if another spell in the Championship isn't too occur.

West Ham United
Coach: Avram Grant since July
Star men: Carlton Cole, Scott Parker
Last season: 17th
Season expectations: Mid-table
Ins: Pablo Barrera, Thomas Hitzlsberger, Frederic Piquionne, Tal Ben-Haim, Winston Reid
Outs: Ilan, Guillermo Franco, Matthew Fry, Josh Payne, Daniel Kearns
If they were a pop act, they'd be: Madness; London-born owners David Gold and Sullivan having a Premier League knees up

The memories of a disastrous previous campaign are slowly being swept away as a series of exciting signings have been brought into Upton Park. With Avram Grant at the helm, Mexico World Cup 2010 star Pablo Barrera is set to be given the platform to shine, while Hitzlsberger has just returned from captaining Germany while on friendly duty. If the club can continue to resist bids for Parker and Cole, last season's battle against relegation can be consigned to the past.

Wigan Athletic
Coach: Roberto Martinez since July 2009
Star men: Charles N'Zogbia, Maynor Figueroa
Last season: 16th
Season expectations: Survival
Ins: Ronnie Stam, Mauro Boselli, Antolin Alcaraz, Ali Al Habsi, James McArthur
Outs: Marcelo Moreno, Antonio Amaya, Jason Koumas, Cho Won-Hee, Olivier Kapo, Vladimir Stojkovic, Tomasz Cywka, Tomasz Kupisz, Mario Melchiot, Richard Kingson, Paul Scharner, Titus Bramble
If they were a pop act, they'd be: Paul Simon; Calls on sections from each corner of the globe to forge an eclectic mix

The Latics' well travelled scouting department have been racking up the air miles once again to forge a team capable of keeping their head above water in the Premier League. Argentine hit man Boselli has been banging in the goals in pre-season, while Alcaraz played the star role for Paraguay at the World Cup. Boselli must continue this form if Wigan are to avoid the dreaded drop.

Wolverhampton Wanderers
Coach: Mick McCarthy since July 2006
Star men: Kevin Doyle, Matthew Jarvis
Last season: 15th
Season expectations: Mid-table
Ins: Steven Fletcher, Steven Mouyokolo, Stephen Hunt, Jelle Van Damme, Adlene Guedioura (permanent deal)
Outs: Jason Shackell, Chris Iwelumo, George Friend, Daniel jones, Andrew Surman, Kyle Bennett, Sam Vokes, Stefan Maierhofer
If they were a pop act, they'd be: Snow Patrol; Predictable and uninspiring but still residents in the top 20





McCarthy has plundered the remains of last season's relegated trio to snatch his star summer signings. Fletcher showed enough in an otherwise dismal Burnley squad for the Irishman to splash out £6.5 million, while Mouyokolo could be the break out performer at the back. Relegation shouldn't be an issue for this smartly assembled squad and the safe surroundings of mid-table should be well within the Midland outfits reach.

NEW THIRD KIT REVEALED

Chelsea's new third kit for the 2010/11 campaign is available for pre-order today (Thursday) from the Stadium Megastore and Online Megastore.
The kit will go on sale in the Megastore at Stamford Bridge and Online Megastore on Thursday 26 August, but you can guarantee the arrival of your own third shirt by pre-ordering now.
The shirts feature adidas ClimaCool™ technology, a mixture of heat and moisture controlling materials, ventilation channels and 3D fabrics which improve air flow to the skin.

CARVALHO MOVES TO REAL MADRID

Chelsea Football Club can confirm it has agreed terms with Real Madrid for the transfer of Ricardo Carvalho.

The transfer is subject to a medical and the player agreeing personal terms.

Carvalho arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2004, following manager Jose Mourinho from Porto after winning the Champions League, and went on to form an excellent partnership at the centre of defence with John Terry after the retirement of Chelsea legend Marcel Desailly.

It soon became clear why Mourinho had wanted him as he showed dominance both in the air and on the ground, and although he sat out two months of his first season with a broken toe he returned to help us tie up the Carling Cup and the league championship, conceding just 15 goals along the way.

After a spell out of the side in 2005/06 he returned to the centre of a near impenetrable defence as we made it back-to-back titles, even making a trademark break from the back to smash home as we sealed the championship with a 3-0 thumping of Manchester United at the Bridge.

The departure of William Gallas and injuries to Terry and goalkeeper Petr Cech brought even more responsibility on the Portuguese's shoulders during the next two campaigns but he responded admirably and took the 2007/08 Players' Player award.

Injuries began in 2008/09, hamstring problems limiting him to just 18 appearances in a season he described as personally his worst ever.

During the summer of 2009 he was linked with a move to Inter in Italy and a reunion with Mourinho, but he stayed in west London and began the season by heading home another goal against United in the Community Shield at Wembley, winning the Man of the Match award too.

He then limped off against United in September, and although he made several attempted comebacks during the campaign, he was unable to string together a run of appearances, and Brazilian defender Alex, so often an understudy, looked to have edged ahead of his team-mate as we tied up an historic Double.

In total, Carvalho played 203+7 times for Chelsea, scoring 11 times, and during his time at Stamford Bridge helped us to three Premier League titles, two FA Cups and two Carling Cups.

Chelsea would like to thank Riccy for his six years of service, and we wish him well in his future career.

Chelsea 1-3 Manchester United

Manchester United lifted the first trophy of the 2010/11 season with a 3-1 Community Shield victory over last season's league and cup winners Chelsea.
United took a first half lead after an excellent quick-fire move that culminated in an Antonio Valencia goal, before Hernandez's second half scuffle bobbled beyond Hilario in the second. A late Salomon Kalou strike narrowed the gap and gave a platform to rally a comeback from before Dimitar Berbatov sealed victory with a fine chip in injury time.
Both sides welcomed back absentees who had been missing with injury. For United Michael Owen made his first competitive appearance since falling foul of the Wembley turf in the Carling Cup final in February, while Chelsea afforded a start to Michael Essien, who missed the World Cup with Ghana after playing little football throughout last season.
Neither manager handed first eleven berths to their summer signings, with Javier Hernandez and Yossi Benayoun watching from the bench after making their respective moves to the Premier League runners-up and winners.
Partnering Owen upfront for United was Wayne Rooney, returning from a poor World Cup in South Africa, but the striker showed early signs of the club form that saw him score 34 times in the last campaign. Early in the match the ex-Evertonian dropped deep to collect the ball and hit a measured pass that bypassed the Chelsea backline and fell to Antonio Valencia, but the Ecuadorian failed to beat Hilario with a lofted shot.
First Half
The former Wigan winger turned provider moments later after finding space down the right hand side, but his weighted cross to Paul Scholes, in space in the middle of the box, saw the veteran midfielder disappointingly smash the ball over.
At the other end, Chelsea's first effort on goal came courtesy of a stinging drive from Nicolas Anelka that had Edwin van der Sar sprawling across the goal to tip it away. Saloman Kalou collected the loose ball and rounding the Dutchman, but with the angle against him he elected to pass across goal, allowing Brazilian full back Fabio to clear after a clattering challenge on Essien.
Last season's double winners should have done better soon after from a free-kick out wide, but Frank Lampard's rolled short pass to Florent Malouda was poorly anticipated as the Frenchman scuffed his shot from the edge of the area.
They would come closer on 17 minutes via another set-piece, this time delivered by Malouda from deep, with Branislav Ivanovic rising above his marker and planting a header to the far corner, but an acrobatic van der Sar was on hand to tip the ball wide.
United were soon threatening Chelsea once more, with a clever Scholes chip finding Rooney in the area, but the Red Devils' powerful striker could only drag his shot wide of Hilario's goal whilst Owen did not react quick enough to turn in the loose ball.
What had been a highly entertaining opening soon petered out into a stop-start and slipshod affair, with both sides struggling to conjure up telling final balls and exchanging periods of possession to little effect as only a flurry of half chances that tested neither keeper. The frustration was epitomised in a brief period of activity that saw a sweeping Chelsea move end with a limp Lampard pass to van der Sar, before a stellar cross-field ball from Scholes picked out Valencia in space and with support, only for the winger to smack his cross into the legs of Ashley Cole .
Finally United were able to piece together a well worked move as Scholes – who had sprayed the ball with precision throughout the first half – picked out Rooney running towards the corner flag, and the Englishman turned the ball into the box where a sprinting Valencia powerfully struck into the roof of yet.
The goal added impetus to what had become a sloppy and stuttering game, with Rooney reinvigorated and tracking back with gusto to begin moves, and Essien hitting narrowly wide from distance as Chelsea pressed for an equaliser prior to the break.
Second Half
Half-time saw, as promised by Sir Alex Ferguson, the withdrawals of Rooney, Owen, and Park Ji-Sung with Javier Hernandez, Dimitar Berbatov, and Nani coming on, with Carlo Ancelotti opting to make no changes.
Malouda had the first chance of note in the second half after allowing a pass to roll around his body before unleashing a left-footed drive that had van der Sar beaten before glancing just wide of the far post.
Hernandez – with the nickname 'Chicharito' adorned on his shirt – then showed glimpses of what his manager deemed worthy of shelling out a reported £7million for after latching onto a Scholes pass and slipping a neat first-time ball through to Berbatov, but the Bulgarian couldn't quite reach it.
United showed further quick thinking from a free kick minutes later. As Chelsea players surrounded referee Andre Marriner, Scholes slipped the ball to midfield partner Michael Carrick who beat one blue shirt before passing to Valencia in space, but again the Ecuadorian could not pick out a team-mate despite being under little pressure.
Chelsea failed to prise open United after 15 minutes, and Ancelotti deemed it necessary to bring on Didier Drogba and Daniel Sturridge for Anelka and Jon Obi Mikel – with Malouda shifting into the middle of the pitch alongside Essien and Lampard as Kalou dropped to the left hand side of the pitch to accommodate the two incoming strikers.
The moves looked to have made the anticipated impact as Chelsea pushed forward with greater poise, and Kalou came close just minutes after the reshuffle after receiving the ball from Malouda, but the young Ivorian's shot was well caught by the veteran van der Sar.
Kalou and Malouda teamed up again moments later to tee up Essien, who shaped up and hit a distinctively venemous strike from range that only just steered wide of the United goal.
The strength and guile of Drogba would be seen too, as the talisman out-muscled Scholes and Carrick before splitting the defence with a pass to Malouda that necessitated a brave block from van der Sar.
The Dutch keeper, however, soon had a horror moment that he should really have been punished from. A high cross from Paulo Ferreira ought to have been grasped, but van der Sar could only tip it to Cole at the far post, but the left back had to wait for the ball to sit before awkwardly angling a shot straight at the keeper who had retreated to the goal line.

Both managers introduced two débutantes with Chris Smalling replacing Jonny Evans for United and Yossi Benayoun, a surprise signing from Liverpool, coming on for Malouda.
It was another substitute who would get the second goal of the game as Hernandez opened his account in English football after somewhat fortunately turning in a rare accurate cross from Valencia, who had raced clear of Cole before turning the ball across the face of the goal to the debut boy, who first slipped, then smashed the ball into the ground before it bounced off his head and into the back of the net.
That signalled a second double substitution from Ancelotti, with Yuri Zhirkov – rumoured to be leaving England for a return to Russian football with Zenit St Petersburg – switching for Cole, and youngster Jeffrey Bruma replacing Ferreira. Ryan Giggs came on at the same time to make his 13th Community Shield appearance in a straight swap for Carrick.
Chelsea substitute Sturridge should have closed the gap with a splendid chance after receiving the ball through the right channel, but the former Manchester City striker couldn't manage to lift it over van der Sar on his favoured left foot.
Sturridge, however, would be integral to his side's fortunes just moments later after confidently striding forward from the right wing and hitting a rocket of a shot that van der Sar could only parry into the path of Kalou who was left with a simple finish.
A similar opportunity would present itself to Drogba, again following another Sturridge shot, but the Ivorian – returning from surgery and an injury ridden World Cup – could only hit the side netting from a seemingly offside position.
Zhirkov then fizzed a cross across the face of goal that was clattered away from goal before a touch of class from Berbatov saw United's two goal advantage restored. The Bulgarian finished an exquisite team move with a superb chip over Hilario from just outside the area.

DECO JOINS FLUMINENSE

Deco has today (Saturday) signed for Brazilian side Fluminense for an undisclosed fee.
The midfielder, 32, agreed terms this evening having been allowed to leave the club for Brazil last week on compassionate grounds, ahead of the clubs agreeding a deal.
We wish Deco and his family well in the future, and thank him for his service to Chelsea.
During his two-year stay at Stamford Bridge, Deco provided glimpses of his immense talent - a debut goal from 30 yards rounded off a 4-0 win against Portsmouth in August 2008 as we stormed to the top of the Premier League under Luiz Felipe Scolari, whose knowledge of the player from their time together with the Portugal national team had persuaded him to make him his only summer signing.
A sublime free-kick into the top corner at Wigan a week later suggested Deco would settle very well indeed into English football, but he was limited to just 17 league starts in an injury-ruined campaign with a range of muscular issues.
One more piece of magic did come in that first season, a dynamic overhead kick against Bolton at the Reebok Stadium, and it was against the same side that he played his best football in last season's Double-winning campaign.
Sandwiched together during a busy run of games in October, the two games were lit up by Deco's range of passing and crisp finishing, in the first he smashed home from the edge of the area and in the second swept home after a rapid Chelsea counter-attack.
Injuries were an issue though, and while effective in all areas of midfield when he did play, particularly in wins at home to Aston Villa and away to Manchester United, where his ball retention was almost impeccable, all too frequently he was sidelined, and for the second time in as many seasons he sat out the final month of the campaign, missing our historic Double.
It was a disappointing end for a truly blessed player, who in total appeared 42 times from the start and 16 as a sub, scoring six times.