FA Cup Final Preview: Chelsea vs. Portsmouth

Two clubs with very different agendas meet for the FA Cup final on Saturday, as the curtain comes down on the English football season.

For Chelsea it's a chance to make club history and secure the league and cup double for the first time. For a team that dominated English football during the middle of the 00's, it seems hard to imagine they haven't done this already, but they could not be more prepared to make history.

Carlo Ancelotti's men smashed eight goals past Wigan on the last day of the season, completing a 103 goal haul over the whole campaign, a Premier League record. That will have been helped by some high-scoring wins, including a 5-0 victory at Fratton Park in March, but the Italian isn't assuming history will be repeated on Saturday.

“I learnt from the semi-final between Spurs and Portsmouth that if you don’t prepare well, you can have difficulty playing against them,” Ancelotti said before the game.

“Also, we have a lot of respect for the opposing team, who did a fantastic job to get to the final. Avram Grant is a very good coach. He was at Chelsea for one year, played the League Cup and Champions League final and did a very good job.

“Portsmouth have had a difficult year, but he did well to take them to the final of the FA Cup."

Pompey, by contrast, have the chance to put some much needed shine on an otherwise depressing season. The club's debt spiralled to nearly £140 million, plunging the team into administration and earning them a nine point deduction which effectively relegated the side.

Despite this, Avram Grant has managed to steer his charges to the cup final, which itself is nothing short of miraculous. The fact they were helped by a slippery Wembley pitch in the semi-final against Tottenham, is more of a sidenote.

After the furore around the state of the turf, Pompey won't be expecting any further help, but could be confident of causing an upset. Anything can happen on cup final day, just ask Sir Alex Ferguson who lost to unfancied Everton in 1994.

"I spoke with a few of the lads and they know that in one game anything can happen," Pompey defender Tal Ben Haim warned the Blues.

It has been a bizarre season for the south coast club, with four different owners, untold financial problems, and goalkeeper David James offering to pay the wages of sacked club staff.

It will be the first time ever that the newly crowned champions have met the side bottom of the league in the final - could it be the first time a relegated side has won a final? In the bizarre world of Portsmouth, it could just be the finale their crazy saga warrants.

FORM

Chelsea
Apr 13: Chelsea 1-0 Bolton (Premier League)
Apr 17: Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea (Premier League)
Apr 25: Chelsea 7-0 Stoke (Premier League)
May 2: Liverpool 0-2 Chelsea (Premier League)
May 9: Chelsea 8-0 Wigan (Premier League)

Portsmouth
Apr 14: Wigan 0-0 Portsmouth (Premier League)
Apr 18: Portsmouth 1-2 Aston Villa (Premier League)
Apr 24: Bolton 2-2 Portsmouth (Premier League)
May 1: Portsmouth 3-1 Wolves (Premier League)
May 9: Everton 1-0 Portsmouth (Premier League)

TEAM NEWS

Portsmouth
Portsmouth have not been the luckiest with injuries this season, and it was against Chelsea that one of their nastiest occurred - Daniel Sturridge's flailing elbow gave Tommy Smith one of the most graphic broken noses seen for a while.

Smith misses out, along with long-term absentees Hermann Hreidarsson (Achilles) and Danny Webber (knee).

Pompey's main injury worry, though, is all-action midfielder Jamie O'Hara, who has a back problem. The Spurs loanee has been in brilliant form this season and Grant's side have missed his combating midfielder displays of late. He is hoping a pain-killing injection will allow him to play some part.

Centre-half Tal Ben-Haim has recovered from a groin problem, Nadir Belhadj and Richard Hughes (both hamstring) should be available, but Aruna Dindane (groin), Marc Wilson (hamstring), Hassan Yebda (thigh) and youngster Lenny Sowah (knee) are all concerns.
Kevin-Prince Boateng, scorer in the semi-final, is almost certain to miss out with an ankle injury and has not even travelled to London with the squad.

Possible line-up: James, Finnan, Rocha, Ben-Haim, Vanden Borre, Mokoena, Belhadj, Hughes, Mullins, Piquionne, Utaka.

Chelsea
Unsung hero of the season Branislav Ivanovic is a doubt with a knee problem but the big worry this week was captain John Terry. Thankfully for Blues fans his foot injury looks to be nowhere near as bad as first feared and the centre-back even declared himself "100 per cent" fit to play.

John Obi Mikel has undergone minor surgery on a knee injury and is out for the remainder of the season, while long-term absentees Michael Essien, Jose Bosingwa (both knee) and Ricardo Carvalho (ankle) remain sidelined.

Possibly line-up: Cech, Terry, Alex, A Cole, Ivanovic, Ballack, Lampard, Malouda, Kalou, Anelka, Drogba.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Chelsea - Didier Drogba

The Ivorian has 36 goals in all competitions already this season and will be keen to add more on Saturday. He claims he isn't "crazy for goals" but the public strop after not being allowed to take a penalty against Stoke says otherwise.

Childish displays aside, it's difficult to argue with Drogba's form - 11 goals in his last 11 games - and when he's on song it's almost impossible to stop him.

Portsmouth - Ricardo Rocha

The former Spurs man put in a Man of the Match performance against his old club in the semi-final, despite playing out of position at centre-half. Pompey were so ravaged with injuries the defender, usually used to playing at right-back, slotted in and was immense.

Another sterling display - albeit against a better forward (no offence Spurs fans) in Didier Drogba could be the catalyst for a famous Pompey victory.

Carlo Ancelotti: We Must Not Take Portsmouth Lightly In The FA Cup Final

Carlo Ancelotti has warned Chelsea repeat the mistake that Tottenham Hotspur made and underestimate Portsmouth in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

After they clinched the Premier League title last weekend, a victory at Wembley would give Chelsea the first Double in club history.

Pompey was able to shock Spurs in the semi-finals with a 2-0 extra-time to earn a chance to win their second FA Cup title in three seasons.

Ancelotti has given credit to Pompey manager Avram Grant for the job that he has done with under extraordinary circumstances and believes that Chelsea must respect the Championship-bound club.

“I learnt from the semi-final between Spurs and Portsmouth that if you don’t prepare well, you can have difficulty playing against them,” Ancelotti told the Daily Star.

“Also, we have a lot of respect for the opposing team, who did a fantastic job to get to the final.

“Avram Grant is a very good coach. He was at Chelsea for one year, played the League Cup and Champions League final and did a very good job.

“Portsmouth have had a difficult year, but he did well to take them to the final of the FA Cup.

“We have to play against players with strong, strong motivation.”

The Italian admitted that he did not understand how special the FA Cup was until experiencing it for himself.

“I didn’t know before this season how special the FA Cup was and how important it is for every club.

“It’s the oldest competition in this country. I know now there were a lot of surprises, a lot of little teams played important games; Leeds beat Manchester United, Liverpool lost to Reading.

“For us, it’s a great opportunity to win the Double for the first time for this club and we can do this.”

Real Madrid Struggling To Agree New Contract With Chelsea Target Gonzalo Higuain

Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain's displeasure at the club's latest contract bid continues to leave the door open for a Premier League switch.

Spanish newspaper El Confidencial has reported that the Primera Liga title chasers have offered the Argentine €4 million-a-year to stay. However, this falls €2 million short of what the player himself and his father and agent Jorge are demanding.

Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City are all rumoured to have been offered the centre-forward for €34 million. With 27 goals in 34 La Liga matches this campaign, he has been in deadly form.

Higuain is currently contracted to Real until 2013 on €1.6 million-a-year. This would be significantly improved if he moved to England.

Carlo Ancelotti Admits Interest In Liverpool Striker Fernando Torres

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has agreed with Didier Drogba that he "would like to play" with red-hot Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.

Drogba admitted this week that he would like to form a deadly partnership with the Spanish international. Torres has been linked with a £70 million switch to either the Blues or Manchester City during the upcoming transfer window

Speaking to reporters, Ancelotti confirmed he agreed with the opinion of his current star centre-forward: "Me too, I would like to play with Torres, he's a very good player. But this is not an issue for today, he's a Liverpool player, a very good striker and we don't need another striker today."

Meanwhile, Ancelotti dispelled any rumours he would miss the World Cup, and Terry will also line-up against Portsmouth in Saturday's FA Cup final:

"John Terry had the problem with his foot, but trained on Friday with no problems so there will be no problem on Saturday."

The Premier League champions are red-hot favourites to complete their first ever double but Ancelotti warned they cannot underestimate the south-coast outfit.

Ancelotti said: "It could be the first time for Chelsea to win the Double, it's a great opportunity. But we have the final, we have to have respect for Portsmouth.

"Portsmouth played a very good semi final, they beat Tottenham and it will be a very tough game for us. If you don't prepare well it can be difficult."

Anelka: Make It A Double

One of two men on the verge of making history, Nicolas Anelka admits achieving a 'double Double' will make him a very proud man.

The Frenchman, along with Ashley Cole, has already achieved the feat of winning both the FA Cup and the Premier League in the same season with Arsenal, in 1998, while Cole did it four years later in 2002.

Nobody has ever done it with two clubs, and Anelka appreciates the standing it would give him in the game.

'I heard from Chelsea TV that nobody else has won the Double with two teams, it would be good if we can make history, even more because I like this club and I want to win everything I can,' he told the official Chelsea website.

'I will be proud to have achieved something in football, and very happy to say in the future I was able to win things with Chelsea at this time - this is even better because it is something special.'

Having spent so long in his career without major honours, last season's FA Cup success was his first trophy in England since 1998, and it has been a relief that he is again obtaining silverware.

'It was unexpected with Arsenal, we were a long way behind Manchester United in the league, but in football you never know and you have to fight and believe until the end, that's what we did and we had a lot of wins at the end of the season which gave us confidence to win the title, and then the Double,' he explained.

'Here at Chelsea we have always had belief and it is good to be in a squad when you know you can win titles, so I look forward to playing this game at Wembley and hoping we can win again.'

Fabio Capello Explains He Had 'No Option' But To Strip John Terry Of England Captaincy

Stripping John Terry of the England captaincy after revelations about his private life was the only thing Fabio Capello could do, the Three Lions boss has revealed.

The Italian axed the 29-year-old after revelations appeared he had an affair with the ex-girlfriend of England team-mate Wayne Bridge.

Capello told Italian newspaper La Stampa: "I had no other alternative - he knows that for me values come before everything.

"I was in Italy and I had a telephone call where I was told everything that had happened.

"I thought about it and then I called John and we spoke. He is an adult and a serious person."

On his return to England, Capello summoned Terry to his Wembley office where he told him of his decision to hand Rio Ferdinand the armband.

He said: "We looked each other in the eyes. I told him that the captain has to be an example for everyone. I cannot let you keep the armband."

Capello also added he never feared Terry quitting the team during the scandal.

"No," he said when quizzed. "It's one of those things that can happen in life."

"Terry is one of those that makes a difference, he is a true leader."

Branislav Ivanovic Admits That Working Under Avram Grant Was Most Frustrating Time Of His Career

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has admitted that working under former manager Avram Grant was "the most difficult time in my career".

The Serbian international joined the club for £9 million in January 2008, just over a month after Grant replaced Jose Mourinho as manager at the west London club. And Ivanovic — who will come up against Grant on Saturday in the FA Cup final against Portsmouth — admits that his inability to get into the Israeli's first-team for the remainder of that season, when they were targetting Premier League and Champions League success, was a source of great frustration.

"I have no ill feeling towards Avram but at that moment I was really angry," Ivanovic told the Evening Standard.

"I understand him now because I couldn't change a lot of things in that moment.

"When I arrived it was difficult for a lot of reasons. I had come from the Russian League when there was a break between seasons.

"I was not ready to play. I needed time to be able to get used to the training, the play and everything about the club. But after that I picked up an injury and when I returned it was near the end of the season and every game for Chelsea at that stage was important.

"The squad was very strong and they were trying to get to the Champions League Final. They were also involved in a very tough title race with Manchester United, like it was this year.

"However, it was the most difficult time in my career."

Ivanovic only made his debut for the Blues eight months after signing, and long after Luiz Felipe Scolari had replaced Grant in the dugout. Now a first-team fixture at Stamford Bridge, Ivanovic paid tribute to Andriy Shevchenko — another who had his problems during his stay at the club — for giving him the advice and guidance that enabled him to survive the dark days.

"I can't forget what Andriy did. He really helped me. He tried to give me confidence," Ivanovic said.

"He told me about the style of play in England, what I had to do as a defender and where I could improve.

"It was a difficult period for him, too. He had been outside the team, he was also injured, but he wasn't just thinking about himself, he was thinking of me too.

"I can only say a big thank you to him for everything he did because he helped me become prepared for when I would play."

Chelsea Net Hat-trick Of Awards After Free-scoring Premier League Season

While Chelsea have the chance to make history and complete a first ever league and cup double on Saturday, they managed to get their hands on more silverware before the FA Cup final with Portsmouth has kicked off.

Dider Drogba's last-day hat-trick against Wigan Athletic meant he was the top flight's Golden Boot winner with 29, and he was presented with his trophy on Thursday.

The accolades for Blues players did not stop there as goalkeeper Petr Cech was awarded the Barclays Golden Glove for keeping the most clean sheets - 17. Liverpool's Pepe Reina also managed 17 clean sheets, but Cech's sheets-to-game ratio means the Spaniard misses out.

And the club also received a special prize, the Barclays Merit Award, for their goalscoring exploits - their 103 league goals was the first time a team had broken a tonne since records began in 1992. The Blues are also the first team to break a century in the English top flight since Tottenham in 1962-63.

The newly-crowned Champions' attacking exploits have been simply breathtaking this season, finishing the season with an 8-0 victory over Wigan at Stamford Bridge.

But their monumental victory last time out was not their only goal-fest of the season. Carlo Ancelotti's side managed to score seven goals in home victories against Aston Villa, Stoke City and Sunderland, in a season in which they have proven their attacking pedigree.

Terry Trains With Blues

Chelsea captain John Terry has trained with the club as normal on Thursday, allaying fears regarding his fitness ahead of the World Cup.

The former England skipper suffered an injury scare on Wednesday while training, sparking concerns that he could miss this weekend's FA Cup final and that his World Cup chances were damaged.

First reports suggested that Terry had broken a metatarsal as he left Chelsea's Cobham training ground wearing a protective boot on his foot.

But the 29-year-old centre-half went to hospital for a precautionary scan which showed no break, and he arrived to train as normal on Thursday.

A spokesman for Chelsea said: "John Terry has started this morning's final training session at Cobham prior to the FA Cup final.

"On Friday the squad will train at Wembley."

Chelsea take on Portsmouth in the cup final on Saturday as they look to win the domestic double having clinched the Premier League title last weekend.

The news will come as a major boost to Blues fans as well as England manager Fabio Capello, who has a number of fitness doubts in central defence.

Mancienne May Leave Chelsea

Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne admits he may have to leave the club in order to play regular first team football.

The promising 22-year-old has spent a second season out on loan at Mick McCarthy's Wolves, where he helped the Midlands club remain in the Premier League during an impressive spell.

Mancienne proved to be a capable operator at the back or in a holding midfield role at Molineux, however the expiry of his deal means he is due to return to Stamford Bridge for pre-season training.

The England Under-21 international helped McCarthy's team reach the top flight two years ago and was able to return to the club following promotion.

And after gathering vital experience in the firing line, Mancienne fears it will be time to leave the club he supports - even though he doesn't want to.

Mancienne told the Daily Mirror: "I want to play for Chelsea, I want to be able to break into their first team but I know how much quality they've got in the side so it will be very difficult.

"But I'm 22 now, I've had two seasons out on loan at Wolves and had regular games and really enjoyed it. Now I want to be settled at one club so I know where my future is long-term and really try to push on.

"I'm a Chelsea fan, I've been at Chelsea since I was a kid, I've grown up at the club but it's hard for any young player to break into the team at a big club so I don't really know what's going to happen."

A move away from the London club may prove difficult for him, though, as he still has three years remaining on his contract with Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Mancienne received a shock call-up to Fabio Capello's senior England squad for a friendly against Germany last season and after representing the Three Lions at Under 16, 17, 19 and 21s level he is keen to break into the full international fold.

But the former QPR loanee knows that his ambitions will only be fulfilled by playing regularly - leading him to ponder his future during the close season.

He went on: "I've got three years left of my contract, I'm due to go back to Chelsea, start pre-season training again and take it from there.

"I'm at a stage of my career, though, where I need to be playing regularly because I've got big ambitions.

"I loved getting the call-up for England and of course I'd love to play for my country in the future and to do that I need to be playing games.

"If I go back to Chelsea for pre-season I'll be giving everything but I'd like to think it will either be with a chance of getting some games or maybe it's time to think about my future."

Didier Drogba would welcome Chelsea Move For Liverpool Striker Fernando Torres This Summer

Didier Drogba hopes that Chelsea can form a frightening strike force by signing Liverpool superstar Fernando Torres this summer.

The Ivory Coast international’s hat-trick against Wigan Athletic on Sunday earned him the Premier League Golden Boot as his 29 goals were three more than Manchester United hitman Wayne Rooney.

Despite the fact that Drogba and France international striker Nicolas Anelka scored 51 combined goals in all competitions this season, the Ivorian would be happy to pair up with Torres at Stamford Bridge next season.

"I have heard the talk about Torres maybe coming in and I would welcome it, of course,” Drogba told The Mirror.

"Every time there is a new player coming here it's making the club bigger and giving us a lot of strength.

"If there is a chance for him to come he will be welcome because any help is welcome!"

Chelsea have been after Torres since the striker helped Spain triumph at Euro 2008 and Blues chief executive Ron Gourlay will give manager Carlo Ancelotti some money to bolster the squad this summer.

The only club to make a legitimate run at Torres has been Manchester City but with the Spanish international frustrated with a disappointing season at Liverpool, Chelsea could take advantage and make a move for the 26-year-old.

Liverpool will be looking for upwards of £60million in exchange for Torres but Chelsea will be hesitant to pay any more than £40m.

Spanish Fight For Ashley Cole Won't Tempt Chelsea To Cash In On Prized Asset

Chelsea will not sell Ashley Cole at any price despite interest from Spain's two biggest clubs. Cole's future has been the subject of much speculation with both Real Madrid and Barcelona looking to sign him this summer.

It has been reported that the England left-back wants to leave Stamford Bridge because he has had enough of the intense scrutiny into his private life. The 29-year-old has come under fire for his behaviour off the pitch and regularly been featured on the front pages due to the break up of his marriage with Cheryl Cole.

It hasn't prevented him from having one of his best seasons for Chelsea and he played a key role in the club winning their first title for four years.

Jose Mourinho, who brought Cole to Chelsea from Arsenal in 2006, is expected to leave Inter Milan for Real this summer and is hoping to tempt his former player to Spain.

With reports that offers for Cole could reach £25million, Chelsea's desire to break even has led to talk they may cash in on the former Arsenal star to raise the funds they need to buy players such as Sergio Aguero or Fernando Torres.

But it is understood the club are not interested in listening to any bids for a player they consider to be “the best left-back in the world”.

The England international, who only signed a new four-year contract last September, also admits he is delighted to be playing for one of the best sides around. Chelsea's 8-0 win over Wigan on Sunday ensured they finished one point ahead of Manchester United and meant they scored a record 103 Premier League goals on their way to the title.

Cole believes that statistic shows the squad are full of flair, although he is just as proud of the way they grind out results when needed.

“On our day we are unbelievable,” said Cole, who claimed his first title winning medal as a Blue. “If we show fight and character we will beat anyone. The players are so dedicated here and are very professional. I am proud to be a Chelsea player.

“Everyone says about [the team] entertaining but we have beaten teams 6, 7 and 8-0. Everyone talks about the Arsenal and Manchester United teams and they do play good football but player for player we have one of the best teams in the world. Sometimes you don't have to entertain, you have to win and we have done it.

“I think [the club record 8-0 win against Wigan] has been coming. We have been beating teams 7-0 and we deserved to beat these teams by more. It happened against Wigan with a great performance. I came here to win medals and to win big trophies. This will shut a few people up. I have proved a few people wrong.”

Meanwhile, striker Didier Drogba has reiterated his desire to see out the rest of his career at Chelsea and has warned the club's rivals that he will be even better next season.

The 32-year-old scored a career high 29 League goals to win the Golden Boot ahead of Wayne Rooney this term.

He said: “This is the first time I have been at a club for six years and I feel at home. I have said before I want to stay at Chelsea for the rest of my career.

“I really feel season after season I'm getting better. I always keep working. I'm not Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo but I have my own qualities and I always try to improve.

“This is the best season of my career. My third year here I scored 33 goals, 20 in the League, but this season I have scored 29 in the League and 36 overall. It's amazing. When I start the season I always look to do better than the last one or the best season I have had. It's going to be difficult to do that next year but I think it's possible.”

Drogba's first target, though, is to ensure Chelsea finish the campaign with a historic Double by beating Portsmouth at Wembley on Saturday.

He added: “I want to finish the job with the FA Cup Final. To win the Double will mean a lot for the club and the players. It won't be easy because Portsmouth are really focused. It will be a happy ending for them if they win it.”

Carlo Ancelotti Sets Sights On Roma Striker Mirko Vucinic

Chelsea are readying a bid for Roma forward Mirko Vucinic this summer. Carlo Ancelotti is hoping that a bid in the region of £22m will be accepted by the Serie A club for the services of the Montenegro International who has been in fine form this season.

Roma have run Inter Milan very close in the domestic title race but could end up falling at the final hurdle but the fact that the Stadio Olimpico side have been able to challenge Jose Mourinho’s all conquering side has a lot to do with the amazing season Vucinic has had.

The lanky forward is having the best season of his career, netting 13 goals and assisting many others and whilst Claudio Ranieri will not want to lose the former Lecce man he may find it hard to prevent the 26 year old from wanting to make such a lucrative move to the Premier League champions.

Ancelotti is more than aware that his main strike pairing, Nicolas Anelka (more recently played out wide) and Didier Drogba are both 30 years and over and with that in mind the Italian is looking for longer term options for his Stamford Bridge attack.

Kalou: No Easy Game

So, just one more Chelsea game remains for Salomon Kalou before he heads off to prepare for his first World Cup Finals where the likes of Brazil and Portugal await as opponents.

Relegated Portsmouth may on the face of it look a very different proposition to national sides containing the likes of Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo and will be the underdogs as they line up against the Barclays Premier League-winning Blues, but Kalou remembers another recent FA Cup Final when Harry Redknapp's Pompey were the favourites.

Two years ago, the only FA Cup Final at the new Wembley not involving Chelsea, was an extremely tight affair between Championship side Cardiff and Saturday's opponents.

It was a close 1-0 victory for the south coast side, following a defensive game of football that saw few chances at either end.

'People think that because Portsmouth have been relegated and we are champions that it will be an easy game, but no, it won't,' insists Kalou.

'We have seen it before when a small team has made it difficult for the big team so we have to think about that, and as it is a cup final, it could last 90 minutes or it could last 120 minutes and we have to be ready for every situation. We must be prepared.'

This time it is Avram Grant and not Redknapp who will be guiding Portsmouth from the sidelines, the same Grant who led the Blues to a Carling Cup Final and the Champions League Final in 2008, although both games were lost.

'It will be good to see Avram again,' says Kalou, 'we had a good time with him here but now he's our opponent and we are ready to play the game.

'He will know the side but we will try our hardest to win the Double because it will make Chelsea history and we will be part of that history.

'Portsmouth will probably go 4-3-3 as well because that is what he [Grant] has played most of the time and they have the players for that system.

'But we are not focusing on what Portsmouth will be doing. We have to focus on ourselves.

'That's what we have been doing all season and now we have to finish that game well and the season well because it has been a very good season.'

Brooking Fearful Of Cole Chances

Sir Trevor Brooking fears Joe Cole could be facing World Cup heartbreak when Fabio Capello names his final squad for South Africa.

Chelsea midfielder Cole was a key figure for England before he suffered a knee injury in January last year, and he struggled to regain his place in the Blues' side once fit.

Three Lions boss Capello has nonetheless handed the 28-year-old the chance to book his ticket on the plane by naming him in an initial 30-man training squad.

But Brooking feels Cole, a player he managed during his brief stint as caretaker boss of West Ham, needs to impress or he will miss out when Capello settles on his final 23 next month.

"He was one of those who people thought were marginal because he hasn't rediscovered that form, Chelsea had a lot of momentum and Joe hadn't started a lot of the games," Brooking, the FA's director of football development, said.

"A year or so ago Joe would have been a certainty but he's one of those who will have to make an impact in the next two weeks because otherwise he could be one who misses out. So it's an important spell for Joe."

Brooking does feel there are still places in the squad up for grabs for some of Capello's wildcards, such as Adam Johnson, Scott Parker and Tom Huddlestone.

"There will be a lot of interesting battles," he added.

"Although you are there as a squad you don't want to be one of the seven who doesn't make the cut.

"Having watched Fabio for a couple of years he does put a lot of emphasis on what happens in training.

"He likes to try one or two things to look at players and I do think, at the moment, there are a couple of places that could go either way and he will make that decision at the end of that period."

Joe Cole Determined To Make England Squad

Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has admitted that, after getting back into Fabio Capello's provisional England squad for the 2010 World Cup at the eleventh hour, he is determined to do everything in his power to ensure he is in the Italian's final 23.

Cole's domestic season with the Blues has been ravaged by injury, with the 28-year-old finding it difficult to force his way back into the Premier League champion's starting line-up after missing the first few months of the campaign with a long-term injury.

But given a last gasp chance to prove his worth at international level by Capello, Cole is determined to make the absolute maximum of the opportunity to play in another World Cup.

"I want to go to the training camp [in Austria], force my way into the final 23, then get in the first eleven, and then once I'm in that I'll be looking to win it," Cole told reporters.

"I'm ready, I'm fit. We've done a fitness test today and I'm the fittest player in the squad. I'm fresh and hungry and just want to get out there."

Before Cole can fly out with the rest of the England squad on Monday, however, there is the small matter of Saturday's FA Cup final against Portsmouth. And after scares this week about the fitness of defender John Terry, Cole admitted he was always confident the club captain would be fine for the Wembley game.

"I think, with JT, you would have to run him over a few times before he's not going to play," Cole said.

"I knew he was all right."

The Englishman's status at the club is currently uncertain, with his contract expiring at the end of the campaign and a new deal between club and player reportedly far from being agreed.

When asked about his future, Cole's hesitancy in his response suggests he is not fully expecting to ply his trade at Stamford Bridge next season.

"My future... the way I'm seeing it is I'm focusing on the cup final," Cole eventually stated.

John Terry's Father Admits Dealing Cocaine

Chelsea defender John Terry's father has today pleaded guilty to dealing cocaine.

Edward Terry, 56, of Chafford Hundred, Essex, admitted at Basildon Magistrates' Court to supplying a class A drug.

He was released on bail and will be sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on June 1.

Terry's lawyer claimed that his client was embarrassed about the upset he may have caused to his son, who himself has been the subject of much tabloid controversy this season.

The court was informed that Edward Terry had supplied £160 worth of cocaine to an undercover reporter in a wine bar in Chafford Hundred last year.

His lawyer claimed that he had been targeted by reporters because of his famous son.

Gourlay: We Are On Track

Chief executive Ron Gourlay gives a major interview to Chelsea TV this evening but ahead of that, he spoke to the Official Chelsea Website about a first season in his current role that has been marked by the team's championship success.

We have to start with last Sunday's match. It is hard to imagine how it could have gone any better.
It was fantastic. During the week it was quite a nervous period, not for Carlo, he seemed to be very, very calm but all through the week, if somebody had told me it was going to be 8-0 I maybe wouldn't have worried. The tactics were to get the early goal and once we went 2-0 up and Wigan lost a man, it was pretty much one-way traffic from then on.

How does being the champions impact on the club?
It is very important for our stature and how we are seen on a global basis. It is very important as we grow our non-football side of the business. It helps us generate the revenue to finance the business so it is very, very important. In certain parts of the world, the Asian-Pacific region for example, success is the key driver in popularity stakes.

When you were interviewed back in November, you said this club simply has to win trophies.
And we are delivering. We've proved that we are on the right track again. The FA Youth Cup win is fantastic also and the Premier League is the absolute icing on the cake. If we can do the business next weekend then it would be an unbelievably successful season, the most successful we have ever had.

Can you give an insight into what it is like working with Carlo Ancelotti?
He has a very open mind, he understands the commercial requirements of the business, the obligations the club has to sponsors, and he is unbelievably knowledgeable about the game. He has experience, he has been there and done it, so it is really great to be working with someone like Carlo.

Is he really as calm behind the scenes as he appears publicly?
Certainly when he is with me. My new strategy is I am not going to worry about anything anymore. I have decided when Carlo is worried, I'll worry!

Given his success in Italy, is there a danger his achievement in his first season in a new country is under-estimated?
My view is the Premier League is the most difficult league to win in the world. He has come in and he has won it in a competitive season and at the end of the season we shall all sit down, take a big breath and see just how far we have come in the last 12 months.

Everyone who saw the TV pictures of Sunday's game would have seen the owner reacting to the action the same way as many a fan in the Shed or Matthew Harding Ends.
Sometimes Roman's commitment has been strangely questioned by the media but he is extremely committed to the football club and he is very engaged with what we do at board level, and that is great.

One newspaper article last week was claiming that regardless of whether Chelsea won the league or not on Sunday, we face a greater need to regenerate the squad than Manchester United?
I can't talk for Manchester United, I don't know enough about what is going on inside their business but from our point of view, we will wait until the end of next weekend and then we will sit down and Carlo will analyse the situation.

Next season is the start of new Barclays Premier League requirement for eight 'homegrown' players in a named squad of 25. Have we reached the stage yet when we can fulfil this requirement using players from our Academy?
We can fulfil that requirement from our Academy but also from existing squad players who have already qualified. This is something we have been aware of and have been able to plan for and everybody else is in the same boat. It is not something we are overly concerned about and we will address it.

The Academy by its nature is a long-term project but is it on course to justify its investment?
We are very much on course and we started to see that two seasons ago when we got to the FA Youth Cup Final. Unfortunately we lost to Manchester City but this season we put it right and in that space of time we have really started to see our young guys break through but it is a big step for the lads. We are certainly going in the right direction and we will see where it takes us but at the same time, we have to win football games and we are expected at the end of every season to be challenging for the trophies. It is a question of getting the balance right.

Details of the new Uefa regulations on club finances are starting to appear in the media which is suggesting Chelsea have more to be concerned about than most.
It is all about self-sufficiency. It something Uefa will bring in, we are not sure of all the details at this present time but what it will do is bring forward plans we already have in place. Again it is something we have known we have to deal with.

Finally, what has been your on-pitch highlight of the season?
The highlight was Sunday. Starting to relax and enjoy the game once the third goal went in. It was very, very special. At one point the stands were shaking with the atmosphere and that was something I will always remember in my first year. We are now going to look forward to the FA Cup Final. It is important, we have a great opportunity of winning the Double so we should concentrate on that and then after that we can start to plan for 2010/11.

Chelsea & England Defender John Terry's Foot Injury Not As Bad As First Feared

Despite initial fears, England defender John Terry has not broken his metatarsal after a training ground accident with club side Chelsea on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old was sent to hospital after the incident at the club's Cobham training ground for a scan on his right foot, but initial results reveal he has not broken any bones. He will undergo further tests tomorrow to assess any possible ligament damage.

"John Terry has today taken a knock in training and has gone to hospital for a precautionary scan on his right foot," a statement on the club's official website read shortly after the incident.

"He left Cobham walking freely in a protective boot, and we await the results which are expected on Thursday."

There were fears the defender would be unavailable Saturday's FA Cup final with Portsmouth, let alone England's World Cup squad, but the defender reportedly told the Press Association he is hopeful he will play in the game at Wembley.

The usual recovery time for such injuries is between four and eight weeks, meaning if Terry had broken his metatarsal he would have been unlikely to be fully fit for the start of the summer tournament in South Africa on June 11.

But it seems Terry has avoided adding his name to what is becoming a traditional list of important England players falling foul of metatarsal injuries on the eve of a major tournament. David Beckham picked up the same injury in action for Manchester United ahead of the 2002 World Cup, while Wayne Rooney suffered a similar fate four years later.

Both players made the tournament finals with the Three Lions, but their performance was clearly hampered by the effects of the injury, as England were knocked out in the quarter-finals on both occasions.

Chelsea Plan Summer Sales To Make Space For New Talent

Chelsea are planning a summer clear-out to raise funds for new signings. Ricardo Carvalho, Deco, Juliano Belletti and Paulo Ferreira will all be allowed to leave as the club seek to reduce their wage bill and create space in the squad for new players and emerging talent from the youth team.

Ron Gourlay, the chief executive, said yesterday that in an ideal world future signings would be funded by player sales, and although that seems a remote prospect, the decision to trim the squad is a sign that the club are at least making some efforts to operate as a self-sustaining business.

Of the quartet who have been told they can leave Carvalho is the only player with any significant resale value and attracted strong interest from Inter Milan last summer before opting to stay at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea now accept that their determination to keep hold of Carvalho was mistaken, as his performances have dropped during a season ruined by injuries. Although there are no new offers José Mourinho may make another move for one of his trusted lieutenants, particularly if he leaves Inter to become the coach of Real Madrid, who have also bid for Carvalho in the past.

Chelsea value the defender at £10 million, but have little hope of gaining any fees for the other players they want to offload and will be happy simply to reduce their wage bill. Belletti is out of contract and can leave on a free transfer, and Deco has one year of his contract remaining, but will be allowed to leave for nothing if he wishes to return to Brazil. Ferreira has three years left on his contract, but with José Bosingwa and Branislav Ivanovic also at the club Chelsea will even consider paying him off to secure his departure.

Chelsea have also made it clear that Ashley Cole is not for sale after interest from Real. The England left back said yesterday that Chelsea’s Premier League title triumph had vindicated his decision to leave Arsenal four years ago, for which he was widely vilified.

“It has been a long time and this is my first title at Chelsea and now people will realise why I came here,” he said. “I came here to win the big ones, the Premier League or the Champions League. Hopefully we can get the Double and make history for this club. I am happy and hopefully there is more to come.”

Real Madrid Plan Chelsea Raid

According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid have emerged as shock candidates for Chelsea FC midfielder Michael Ballack.

The German international has played a crucial role in Chelsea FC’s successful Premier League campaign, but is out of contract in June and is yet to agree terms with his employers.

The 33-year-old had been linked with a return to the Bundesliga, with Schalke 04 openly admitting their interest, however according to reports in Spain, the former Bayern Munich captain is attracting strong interest from Real Madrid.

Sport1 claim Real Madrid would jump at the chance to sign the Chelsea FC star on a bosman, and with the German international currently reluctant to sign a reduced terms deal at Stamford Bridge, Ballack could seek one final swansong on the continent before retiring.

The media speculation continues to suggest Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho is Real Madrid’s top managerial target this summer, and Sport1 indicate Ballack and the former Chelsea FC manager would relish a reunion at the Bernabeu.

Chelsea And Manchester City Offered Unsettled Barcelona Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Barcelona have offered Chelsea and Manchester City the chance to sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic for around £40 million, according to a report from the Daily Mail.

The Swedish international only arrived at the Nou Camp last summer, in a blockbuster £40m deal with Italian side Inter Milan that also saw Samuel Eto'o head in the opposite direction.

But the 28-year-old's form has been inconsistent this season, scoring a fairly disappointing 16 goals in all competition, and he was even withdrawn early by manager Pep Guardiola as the Catalan giants failed to defeat Inter in the Champions League semi-finals last month.

Consequently Barca president Joan Laporta has reportedly instructed 'super-agent' Pini Zahavi to gauge interest in the player from abroad, as the club try to recoup the money they spent on the skilful striker. Juventus have shown their interest in paying around £35m for their former star, but Laporta hopes either Chelsea or Manchester City will be more willing to meet their valuation.

Both Premier League clubs have been strongly linked with moves for strikers during the summer, with Liverpool's Fernando Torres, AC Milan's Alexandre Pato and Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero all reported targets. But either or both might be intrigued by the possibility of adding Ibrahimovic to their ranks.

Barcelona have been widely linked with an agreement to sign Valencia and Spain hotshot David Villa in the summer, a possible reason behind their sudden willingness to offload their big signing of the last summer transfer window.

Despite an underwhelming season Ibrahimovic is still ranked at an impressive No.9 in the Castrol Rankings, making him the third highest Barca player behind Gerard Pique (8) and Lionel Messi (1).

Chelsea Join Race To Sign Kaspar Schmeichel From Notts County

Chelsea are now in the hunt to snap up goalkeeper Kaspar Schmeichel from Notts County, according to a report from The Daily Mail.

Blues scouts were apparently watching the 23-year-old in action last week against Torquay United and view him as a potential understudy to Petr Cech.

Bayern Munich, West Bromwich Albion and Derby County are also believed to be tracking the young Dane.

Schmeichel is now a free agent after spending a season at Meadow Lane.

Manchester City And Chelsea Battle Over Mario Balotelli And Marek Hamsik

The two clubs predicted to be among the Premier League's biggest spenders - Chelsea and Manchester City - are ramping up the competition for the signings of Serie A starlet duo Mario Balotelli and Marek Hamsik.

Chelsea and City, who have Italian managers in Carlo Ancelotti and Roberto Mancini, respectively, are tracking the young strikers as speculation in Italy suggests both will be allowed to move in the summer.

Balotelli, 19, has endured a difficult time at Inter Milan lately, having fallen out with manager Jose Mourinho and come under fire from the club's notoriously hard-to-please fans.

He gestured towards the stands after being jeered during their Champions League campaign, and stormed off without staying on the pitch to celebrate following their victory over Barcelona earlier this month.

Meanwhile Slovakian star Hamsik, 22, has impressed in a Napoli team pushing for a European place this season, scoring 12 goals.

But the club could opt to cash in on him if they receive a hefty pay-off from an English counterpart.

Mancini is a known admirer of Balotelli, having seen him first-hand and signed him from Lummezzane during his time at the San Siro.

And he is also well versed in Hamsik's ability through his ongoing connections in Italy.

Meanwhile Ancelotti is also aware of the talent of both strikers and is keen to bring them both in alongside Salomon Kalou as understudies to first-choice forward pairing Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka.

Rising Stoch

Having won a championship medal of his own in Holland, Miroslav Stoch returned to Cobham this week to share his story.

The 20-year-old Slovakian had a season to remember with FC Twente, where he helped secure the club's first ever Eredivisie title with 10 goals from 32 appearances under the leadership of Steve McClaren, the former England manager.

'I think it was a great season, when I went there I didn't expect it could be like that, that we could be champions but from the first day it was getting better and better and we kept on winning,' Stoch explained. 'I was so surprised and now we are champions, it was so great!

'My form was good until the winter break, then I had a little problem with my groin and didn't play so good, but in the end I was better and my play improved enough to score in the last two games.'

The second of those was in the final day victory over NAC Breda which secured the championship for the Enschede side.

'To score was so nice, I felt so happy and of course to win was unbelievable. I think everyone is a legend there now, it is something special for the club, the first time they won the title and everyone there is buzzing,' smiled the diminutive winger.

McClaren yesterday left the club for Germany, and Wolfsburg who competed in this season's Champions League. Stoch hopes it brings the Englishman further success overseas.

'I heard the manager had gone to Wolfsburg, I knew a little earlier that maybe he would leave, but it is not surprising, he has done a great job and what else can he do with the team?' he reasoned. 'Now he can move on to a bigger team and hopefully learn more.'

'I don't know what will happen but we have to decide the best option for me, last year we decided really well when I went to Twente, and now I hope we will do the best again,' he explained. 'I want to play all the time like I did in Holland.'

Stoch was at Cobham for his end of season fitness testing, and was joined by fellow loanees Jack Cork, Michael Mancienne and Scott Sinclair.

Cork rounded his loan spell at Burnley on Sunday with a goal as the Clarets came back from two down to beat Tottenham 4-2.

The goal, a second-half header, pulled already relegatedBurnley level before they went on to win the game.

It was Cork's 11th appearance for the Turf Moor side since arriving there in early February, following a spell with Coventry City for the first half of the season.

Mancienne was not involved in Wolves' final game of the season on Sunday, so completed his stay at Molineux with 25 starts and eight sub appearances, helping them to achieve Premier League survival for the first time.

Sinclair was ineligible for Wigan's visit to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, but was at the game to see his temporary side beaten 8-0 by the Blues.

During his time at the DW Stadium, Scott made five starts and 17 sub appearances, scoring twice.

Franco Di Santo has also completed his loan spell at Blackburn, where he made 16 starts and nine sub appearances, scoring a solitary goal against local rivals Burnley in October.

Michael Ballack Admits Time Is Running Out To Sign A New Deal At Chelsea

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has admitted that time could be running out for him to secure a new contract at Stamford Bridge ahead of the World Cup.

The German's current deal at the club runs out in the summer and, whilst he accepts the decision taken by owner Roman Abramovich to delay contract negotiations until after the weekend's FA Cup final, he does feel that something needs to happen quickly.

"Roman Abramovich will only hold contract discussions once the season is over," Ballack told reporters.

"I don't want to pass judgement on that and I have to accept it.

"But everything is becoming rather tight in terms of time."

Bundesliga outfit Schalke 04 have been linked with the 33-year-old in recent days.

Sky Sports Pundit Lauds Ancelotti's "Unnoticed" Assistant

Sports pundit Chris Kamara has praised the contribution of Chelsea FC’s assistant coach Ray Wilkins, suggesting Carlo Ancelotti’s right-hand man deserves a lot of credit for his part in helping the Blues win the Premier League.

Kamara suggests Wilkins goes relatively unnoticed by those outside of the Chelsea FC dressing room but claims the former QPR manager plays a crucial role in liaising with the players and Ancelotti.

The Sky Sports pundit praises Wilkins as “Mr. Chelsea” and suggests Ancelotti’s assistant “deserves a shower of love” for his role in the club’s successful Premier League campaign.

Kamara told Skysports.com: “I think Ray Wilkins deserves a lot of credit too.”

“He goes unnoticed but the contribution he makes at that football club is brilliant.”

“He's been through a few managers now but he's a great coach, he's Mr. Chelsea and he deserves a shower of love.”

Chelsea Won't Break Bank For Joe Cole

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay has warned midfielder Joe Cole the club has a salary budget this summer with regards to new deals.

The former West Ham man along with vastly-experienced German midfielder Michael Ballack are both of contract next month and available on free transfers.

The club is keen to thrash out new terms with England international Cole, who has been at the club for the past seven years following his Upton Park switch.

Gourlay insists finalising players' futures is one of the club's top priorities, however, with their aim to be self-sufficient in mind; The Blues will not retain the 29-year-old at all costs.

"We will sit down and talk to Joe Cole at the end of the season, and he knows that," explained Gourlay.

"We will do that with a number of players, but when it comes down to salaries you have to draw the line somewhere.

"Every time we push the wage levels up higher we have somebody else knocking at the door," he continued without naming Cole.

"We've got to make a mark in the sand at some point."

Chelsea To Make £20M Raid On Tottenham For Luka Modric

Chelsea will make a £20m raid on Spurs for midfield maestro Luka Modric.

And Carlo Ancelotti has been told he can buy a £70m player like Fernando Torres if he wants.

But the Chelsea manager has targeted Croatian schemer Modric as the man he wants to add to his midfield.

As a result he would allow both Deco and Joe Cole to leave. Modric is also understood to be a target for Manchester United, but it is believed that he would prefer to stay in London and could be interested in a move to Chelsea.

Ancelotti wants to freshen up his midfield and the 24-year-old Modric is considered ideal signing because he has already had two seasons in the Premier League.

It means that Cole will be allowed to leave because Chelsea are refusing to meet his £100,000-a-week plus wage demands.

But he could easily go in the opposite direction and join up with Spurs boss Harry Redknapp, who he started his career with at West Ham.

Redknapp wants to keep hold of Modric but may struggle if the player wants to move to Chelsea, and Cole could be the perfect answer.

Talking about meeting Cole’s wage demands, Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay said: “We’re very conscious of controlling our salaries, but at the same time we’re expected to win every game we play so have to get the balance right.

“The balance is being able to bring players through from the academy to offset some of the higher costs we’ve incurred over the years.

“We will sit down and talk to Joe Cole at the end of the season, and he knows that. We will do that with a number of players, but when it comes down to salaries you have to draw a line somewhere.”

Chelsea also hope to do new deals with Michael Ballack and Nicolas Anelka, who are out of contract this summer.

But although Chelsea want to become self-sufficient and balance their books, Gourlay would not completely rule out splashing out a record £70m on a player – like Torres.

He added: “We have to get a team together to challenge for trophies.

“We have a good squad. We do not feel we will be required to spend a huge amount of money.

“It is a balancing act between trying to become self-sufficient and improving the football team. Any decision about signings will be made by Carlo.”

Chelsea And Man City Chase Torres

CHELSEA will match Manchester City in the fight for Fernando Torres.

Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti has been given the go-ahead to bid for £50million-rated Liverpool striker Torres.

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay said: "If it was good for the club then we can make an exception to buy a marquee player.

"We have to challenge for trophies. We have a good squad and don't feel we are required to spend a huge amount.

"It's a balancing act between keeping to our strategy of trying to become self sufficient and improving the team.

"However, we want to let our on-field success drive our commercial income and any decision about signings will be made by Ancelotti.

"There is a balance to be had between young players coming through from the academy and those players that we might sign."

Pato Rules Out Chelsea Move: "I Want To Stay At AC Milan"

Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato has moved swiftly to reject recent transfer rumours linking him with a summer exit from AC Milan to new Premier League champions Chelsea.

The 20-year-old told Corriere dello Sport: "I want to remain at AC Milan and win everything with them. But I am a Rossonero player and my future will be decided by the club."

All the transfer rumours have suggested Pato would be eager to join up with current Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti who managed the young starlet at AC Milan.

Pato: "He helped me grow in Italy but I am under contract until 2014 and I am happy to remain at AC Milan.”

Alexandre Pato scored 14 goals in 28 appearances for AC Milan in 2009/2010 but has not played since March due to injury.

Chelsea have been linked with a host of high-profile strikers ahead of the summer transfer window, including Fernando Torres and David Villa.

Terry Hosts Tickets For Troops Dinner

John Terry and club chairman Bruce Buck last night hosted a special Tickets for Troops dinner at Stamford Bridge, where they paid tribute to Britain's Armed Services.

Terry, who lifted the Premier League trophy on Sunday, spoke at length with members of the Medical Regiment of the Colchester-based 16 Air Assault Brigade, and also met with Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry VC before settling down to dinner in Marco.

'We all picked up a medal for winning the Premier League but these young men and women deserve a medal every day for the courage they show,' said Terry. 'They are inspirational to us all.'

The evening was organised and hosted by Buck, who believes it is important clubs like Chelsea show their support for such initiatives.

'This was an easy thing and an obvious thing for us to do, the real heroes are out in Afghanistan and Iraq, they're not really at Chelsea Football Club, and all of us have an obligation to do whatever we can to make their jobs easier,' he said.

'This is a way for us to help Tickets for Troops and thank the people that have been generous to them.'

Tickets for Troops chairman Lord Marland saw the evening as a fitting tribute to the Services.

'It was set up because we felt the nation as a whole wanted to show gratitude and understanding for what our troops do,' he explained. 'One of the first people I called was Bruce Buck, a very good friend of mine, and Chelsea have led the Premier League in persuading others to give us tickets and started it rolling.

'It's not just about football, troops can go to theatrical shows, rugby games, the world darts, the world snooker, concerts at the O2, loads of events, and not just in London. It is very humbling, we feel good about doing it and that's very important. All we've done is captured the mood of the moment to support our troops, and it's a wonderful thing to be involved in.'

On the night, Terry was delighted to meet with Lance Corporal Beharry VC (as pictured top), who explained how servicemen and women feel about the scheme.

'Speaking for the guys on the ground, I never received a package or a letter from anyone, every now and then someone receives a box with things in, and the whole team looks forward to it, it's similar to Tickets for Troops,' he said.

'You have access to a computer and you can go online and apply for that ticket. Knowing you are actually getting a ticket, it's all you think about, you know when you finish your tour you are going to a game, or the opera, it is something to look forward to because all day you have nothing else.'

Tickets For Troops was launched last year and the charity is dedicated to providing free tickets for the Armed Services.

Terry also posed with a giant England ticket to mark the Football Association's decision to dedicate the last friendly before the World Cup between England and Mexico on May 24 to Tickets For Troops.

Youth Report: Tottenham 3 - 0 Chelsea

A depleted Chelsea Academy side finished off an FA Youth Cup-winning season with an away defeat to Tottenham in their second game in two days.

The side, which only had two substitutes on the bench after a weekend win over Ipswich, went down to 10 men midway through the first half when Kaby Djalo (pictured) was shown red.

It's likely the spritely midfielder would have been sent off following a late tackle but when a scuffle ensued red was the only option for the referee as Djalo was sent for an early shower.

However, despite being down to 10 and tired, the side continued to compete late into the second half when the game was killed off by Tottenham's third.

It didn't take long for the hosts to take the lead once Chelsea went down to 10. It was a good piece of football that sealed the opener as the home team dazzled our defence with some direct two-touch passing.

As the move reached its final man a mistake from Aldi Haxhia between the Chelsea posts was enough for the ball to slip over the line just before the half-hour mark.

At half time youth team manager Dermot Drummy decided to use one of his two subs when he swapped George Saville for Todd Kane. The change spurred the side into action but despite producing a few decent chances, Chelsea failed to really threaten to Spurs' goal.

Then, just before the hour mark was up, Philipp Prosenik went off with an injury, forcing goalkeeper Sam Walker into a striker's role as he took up the offensive position.

Not long after, despite having two keepers on the pitch, Chelsea conceded the second when another breakdown in communication allowed the hosts to break past our defensive line before slotting home.

It would take another 20 minutes for Tottenham to increase the lead but when they netted for the third time the game died down. Chelsea continued to work hard but the recent spate of games began to show as they tired towards the end.

'The boys did well and have had a fantastic season, it was a shame we finished the season with a loss but overall it's been a brilliant campaign,' said Drummy after the game.

'They showed fantastic commitment and although our discipline went slightly, you can't argue with the overall work ethic of the side.

'We just want to congratulate the first team players and staff on winning the League and thank them for giving the boys a chance to see, at close quarters, a League-winning side.

'These are things in development that you can only learn by winning. The first team showed us that this weekend and the way they were with the boys was fantastic.'

Ancelotti Testifies In Match-Fix Case

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti testified on Tuesday in Naples at the criminal trial on the Italian match-fixing scandal.

Ancelotti, whose team won the Barclays Premier League title on Sunday, was called in as a witness by the prosecution.

Ancelotti has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

Juventus general director Luciano Moggi and former referee selector Paolo Bergamo are defendants.

Ancelotti was the coach of AC Milan for eight years before leaving for Chelsea last summer.

Milan were hit with an eight-point penalty during the 2006-07 campaign for their role in the scandal.

Carlo Ancelotti Eyes Long Chelsea Stay & More Trophies

Boss Carlo Ancelotti plans to establish Chelsea as the leading force in English football after winning the Premier League in his first season at the club.

The Blues last lifted the title in 2006 but thrashed Wigan 8-0 on Sunday to wrest it away from Manchester United.

"I hope to stay here a long time and win a lot of titles," said 50-year-old Ancelotti, who joined Chelsea from AC Milan on a three-year deal last summer.

"We have a very good squad, for next year and the years after."

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay backed up Ancelotti's assessment of his squad and insisted that a move for Liverpool striker Fernando Torres had not been discussed by the club's board.

"We have 28 players in the squad and the average age is 27 - that's not too old," Gourlay told BBC Sports News correspondent Dan Roan.

"The squad has lots of experience and we have lots of individuals and characters. There is not going to be too many changes for next year.

"We have not discussed anything at board level," added Gourlay, referring to speculation linking Chelsea with Torres. "We will see through the FA Cup final and analyse where we are. If the right player is available we will take that into consideration."

Ancelotti succeeded Guus Hiddink as the Blues boss on 1 July 2009 after eight years at the San Siro, where he won one Serie A and two Champions League trophies.

On being appointed, the Italian spoke of his desire to guide Chelsea to a maiden Champions League crown in his debut season.

Their bid was ended by Inter Milan in the first knockout round but they bounced back to win the Premier League and deny United an unprecedented fourth successive title.

Ancelotti now hopes to match Jose Mourinho's achievement in 2005 and 2006 of leading the west London side to back-to-back league titles.

But before then he could do something either Mourinho or any other previous Chelsea boss managed by winning a league and FA Cup Double.

"Mourinho did some fantastic work and won two titles consecutively," said Ancelotti, whose side faces Portsmouth at Wembley on Saturday. "This is my first and I hope to do the same as Mourinho.

"Now we have the opportunity to win the Double and I hope that my players can, after these celebrations."

Chelsea's triumph arrived despite six defeats and five draws over the course of a unpredictable season in the top tier.

The west London club eventually pipped United by a point and Ancelotti felt it was their league double over Sir Alex Ferguson's men - November's 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge and a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford in April - that made the difference.

"The key point, I think, was our victory at home and also, above all, in Manchester," he said. "They were the key for this title because that improved our confidence and sent United a little bit down."

Chelsea went into the final day knowing anything other than a victory would probably see United - who beat Stoke 4-0 - snatch the title.

But Didier Drogba's hat-trick, a Nicolas Anelka double and strikes from Salomon Kalou, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole saw them demolish Wigan and score seven or more goals for the fourth time this term.

"We had a fantastic season, not only by winning the Premier League but because we showed a good style on the pitch," said Ancelotti. "But we played much better in the second half. We played a good match and won, and that was our aim.

"To win this game and close this title. We are very happy and I want to say a lot of thanks: to my owner, Roman Abramovich; to my club and everyone who worked with me in this season, supporting me every day; and above all my players.

"I found a fantastic team here who worked very well every day, maintaining a good atmosphere as a team. We won this title because we played as a team and worked as a team, everyone.

"I remember every victory because every one stays in your mind. I'm happy to have done this in my first season. I had a lot of help because I found a team and a club with fantastic organisation. So it was easy for me to do my best.

"Manchester United stayed with us right to the end. I said it would go to the last game, so we have to be proud and happy that we won against such a fantastic team like United. They were a very good opponent."

If Ancelotti does want to strengthen his squad this summer, Chelsea chief executive Gourlay insisted funds would be made available to the Italian.

"We have a mature side but also a very experienced side and if the correct player of the quality that Chelsea requires is available in the summer then the funds are there for us to take that opportunity," Gourlay told BBC Radio 5 live.

"Carlo will identify any players required for the club and we'll take it from there.

"It was very important for Chelsea to wrestle the title back from Manchester United. Three years without the Premier League for a club of our status is not the perfect world.

"It's very difficult to win the league but if you look at the last six years we have three each with Manchester United so we'll certainly be trying to push forward from here for next season.

"We have played football the way the owner wants it to be played and I really believe we can take it too the next level over the next few season."

Cole: I Came To Win The Big Ones

If Ashley Cole still needed to prove to anyone that he is fully fit again following injury, he couldn't have done it any better than racing into the Wigan penalty area to crack in a volley just before the final whistle.

The scorer of Chelsea's eighth and final goal in the title-winning rout was understandably in jubilant mood after ending a six-year personal wait for another championship-winners' medal.

'It has been a long time and this is my first title at Chelsea and now people will realise why I came here,' said the left-back who was twice a league champion at Arsenal.

'I came here to win the big ones, the Premier League or the Champions League, and hopefully this can be a big year, we can get the Double and make history for this club.

'It was always going to be tense going into the game, knowing we had to win and we knew Man United were going to get a result,' he added.

'Before they got a man sent off they played well, passed the ball and made it hard for us and we probably didn't play as well as we could have in the first half, but in the end we deserved it.'

Cole's goal gave him four for the season, the best total of his career and included among them was the recently-announced Chelsea Goal of the Season.

'I said before the start of the season that I was going to get five. I am happy with the way I played this season, happy with the goals I contributed to the team but I am a little bit disappointed I didn't get more to be honest, but I missed two months of the season.

'At the time of the injury I was playing well and it hurt me that I had to miss two months because I had a lot to give to the team. But I worked hard to get back and this is the reward I got for it.

'I am happy and hopefully there is more to come from this club.'

Chelsea Will Have To Pay £15m To Land Javi Martinez From Athletic Bilbao

Chelsea are in the hunt for Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez but the Basque club will not alllow the player to leave for less than £15 million, according to a report from The Daily Mirror.

Real Madrid are also apparently in the hunt for the 21-year-old, who signed for Bilbao in summer 2006 from Osasuna.

Martinez has also been linked with a move to Liverpool during the course of the last year or so, though nothing concrete has materialised.

The Blues are also apparently interested in Valenica winger Pablo, according to the report.

Blues Want Carlo For Long Term

Chelsea are hoping manager Carlo Ancelotti is happy to stay at the club in the long term after clinching the Premier League title.

Ancelotti took charge at Stamford Bridge last summer after ending his lengthy association with AC Milan and he could mark his first season in England with the League and FA Cup double.

He was appointed by Chelsea to replace interim boss Guus Hiddink following a turbulent time on the managerial front since the September 2007 departure of Jose Mourinho.

With Ancelotti bringing the title back to West London, Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay is hoping the Italian may be prepared to spend a decade at the helm.

"It is a pleasure working with the guy," said Gourlay. "The plan is to work with Carlo for five to 10 years. I think stability would be good for the club going forward and when we start to bring the young players forward.

"Carlo is definitely here for the long term. He is not a coach who moves around, even in his playing days. I am sure he will be around for many years to come.

"We have won the Premier League and hopefully we can win the double. But then we have to look at next season because it is important that we continue on."

Gourlay also confirmed that the likes of Michael Ballack and Joe Cole have yet to be offered new contracts as the club attempt to reduce their wage bill.

He added: "We decided a couple of months ago not to talk about any new contracts or any comings and goings at the football club until the last game of the season.

"The plan is to keep that the same. Our approach has been spot on and hopefully we will be able to add the FA Cup next week. But we are respectful of Portsmouth and it will be tough game.

"We have given the players no indication about contracts at all. We made it very clear that the time for talking about these things is at the end of the season.

"That is the way forward for future seasons and that is the way it should be. As a contract nears its end there is a time to open up the conversation, but it should never get in the way of football.

"The bottom line here is that Carlo will recommend any players that he wants in the squad next year. We will sit down at the appropriate time at the end of the season and evaluate that."

Cech Puts Celebrations On Ice

Petr Cech has told his Chelsea team-mates to focus on winning the FA Cup before truly celebrating their achievements this season.

Jubilant scenes greeted the final whistle at Stamford Bridge on Sunday as Chelsea clinched their first Premier League title since 2006 with an 8-0 thumping of Wigan.

Cech, who revealed his post-match celebrations consisted of a glass of champagne and a pint of Guinness, says he is more concerned with landing an historical domestic double than enjoying the Blues' title success.

"To win the Premier League is wonderful but the upcoming FA Cup final against Portsmouth is more important than a party," the 27-year-old goalkeeper told sport.cz.

."The ultimate target for all of us is to claim the double."

Cech, who collected his third winners' medal for the Blues, claimed this one meant the most.

"This one is the most valuable one because the league has been extremely even," added the Blues shot-stopper.

"It has shown that all big clubs invested big money into new signings ahead of the season.

"To win the third title has been the most difficult because in the two previous cases we had won it before the final round, this time we had to fight until the very end.

"We have won all matches against the clubs from the 'Big Four' and that made the difference in the end."

Chelsea Rule Out Bidding Wars

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay insists the club will not enter bidding wars with rival teams to purchase players in the close season.

Carlo Ancelotti's side wrapped up the Premier League title on Sunday following their 8-0 thrashing of Wigan and the Blues can claim an historic double should they beat Portsmouth in the FA Cup on Saturday.

But the Chelsea squad has faced questions over their age throughout the campaign, with concerns raised by some over the team's ability to combat tiredness and offer alternative dimensions to their play.

It has led to suggestions the Stamford Bridge outfit will enter the transfer market in the summer to brighten up their playing ranks and add younger talent to the side.

Gourlay dismissed such talk, but admitted his team would not pay over the odds in chasing new targets.

He told Sky Sports News: "No - we wouldn't get involved a bidding war. If there's any player that has become available and we feel they can strengthen our team then it will be on the terms of Chelsea Football Club.

"We've got to be respectful to the rest of the players in the pool and as we mentioned we have some great players coming through from the academy, so the future is bright."

He went on: "But I keep hearing about our ageing squad - we have 28 players in our first team squad and our age average is 27 - so I hope people are not telling us we're too old at 27. I think we're in a good position."

Despite his warning, Gourlay insisted resources would be available to Ancelotti should he chose to bring in new faces.

But after enjoying years of lavish spending under former boss Jose Mourinho, the 46-year-old said the club must operate in a "self-sufficient" manner in its transfer dealings.

That means it will be hard for Ancelotti to source big-money signatures, with Gourlay explaining some of the existing team may have to make way for new purchases.

He added: "If the right player is available that Carlo wants to bring into his squad and if it fits with everything else then we'll bring him in.

"The money will be there but we'll stick to our goal of being self-sufficient and that's very, very important.

"From a business point of view it would be nice to finance any new signings coming in from players that may be going out or selling players.

"But at the end of the day we've got to keep our goal of being self-sufficient but if we have to go into the market place then if it's the right player to strengthen the team, then the answer to your question is 'yes'."

Terry Calls For Reinforcements

Chelsea captain John Terry wants the club to splash the cash in the summer to strengthen their first-team squad after the Blues landed their first title for four years on Sunday.

Chelsea were crowned champions for the first time since 2006 after demolishing Wigan 8-0 to give them the title by a single point over Manchester United.

Terry is desperate to ensure their success is not a one-off and chief executive Ron Gourlay is adamant they will make a move into the transfer market if the price is right for the Blues.

"We definitely want to do it again but all the big four - ourselves, Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal - need to strengthen because everyone has become closer to us," Terry said.

"No doubt it will be a busy summer for the big clubs. Now I hope to lift the FA Cup to do the double - going down in history as the club captain to do it means the world to me."

The England defender also believes Chelsea must make sure that Joe Cole and Nicolas Anelka remain at Stamford Bridge.

Both players have yet to sign new deals with Chelsea after the club put a hold on any new talks until after the FA Cup final with Portsmouth this Saturday.

"We have a great squad here, anyway," added Terry. "Hopefully we can keep hold of Joe Cole because he has been key for us with his goal away to Manchester United. Nicolas Anelka will hopefully sign a new deal and we can keep everyone here.

"Last year I spoke to the club about the importance of keeping Didier Drogba when I was negotiating my contract.

"It was key for me and he has been brilliant. I wanted these kind of people to stay. They've been brilliant this year - Frank Lampard, Didier, people like this are important to the club."

The club's billionaire owner Roman Abramovich is ready to fund any rebuilding and chief-executive Ron Gourlay admitted the Russian would be interested in which players were brought in.

"We have a mature side but we also have a very experienced side," said Gourlay. "If the correct player of the quality that Chelsea requires is available in the summer, then the funds are there for us to take that opportunity.

"What happens is that manager Carlo Ancelotti will identify any player that is required for the club going forward, then we'll take it from there.

"Roman is always interested. He's very engaged with the football club, he likes to understand the decisions that we come up with and our thought process.

"Which I think is quite normal for an owner. He may not veto but he will certainly make sure that he has every right to question and ask our thought process."

Chelsea's hat-trick hero in their 8-0 hammering of Wigan, Ivorian striker Drogba, hailed the title success as the best moment of his career and claimed it finally eradicated the ghost of the Jose Mourinho era.

Drogba won the Premier League's 'Golden Boot' with 29 goals - three more than Manchester United's Wayne Rooney.

"This is the best moment I have had since I became a professional footballer," said Drogba.

"It's been a fantastic season, we scored a lot of goals, 103, and we have played some good football and that's what is important for the team.

"The team have worked hard for this all season and they helped me win the Golden Boot, which will always mean a lot. It is amazing and special and I owe it to the whole team.

"We kept our identity throughout the season which is good and this is a message for people about Chelsea's strength. We had a great season and we deserve to be champions.

"This is what we wanted to achieve at the start of the season and for four years we have been fighting for this, so it is great.

"Since Jose Mourinho left we have wanted to win the league and now it is done. It's not a new era it's just the continuity of what we have been doing for years and there's more to come.

"Now we could win the double. It's going to be hard but we will try."

Chelsea’s Search For Asian Star Given Bollywood Backing

One of Bollywood’s leading actors is backing Chelsea’s ‘Search for an Asian Star’ campaign, urging budding young Asian footballers to sign up to the project.

Abhishek Bachchan, a Bollywood actor and television presenter, emphasized the importance of such campaigns in promoting football in Asian countries.

“I know how important it is for young Asian kids to get involved with sport, not just to reach the top but to enjoy themselves, meet new people and be part of a team,” said the 34-year-old.

The star was quick to praise the London club for taking steps to promote the sport in Asia. “As a Chelsea fan I’m delighted my club is taking a lead on providing these amazing opportunities for Asian players and would urge everyone with a love for the game to sign up and take part.”

The competition began last year with over 350 players participating for a series of trial matches at the club’s training facilities in Cobham.

The search, which is aimed at youngsters aged between 8 and 13, involves specifically designed training exercises used by staff at Chelsea’s academy to analyse the ability, skill and speed of the competitors.

And managers, coaches and scouts from other clubs from various levels in the English game are afforded the chance to visit the academy in the search of potential talent.

The benefits of the initiative are evident after two of last year’s winners were later signed by Leyton Orient and Southend. The promise of a potential contract with the newly-crowned Premier League champions offers the ultimate motivation for any young Asian starlets.

Despite India’s vast population of over one billion it has failed to make any impact within world football. The country is ranked a lowly 132nd in FIFA’s rankings, a stark contrast to the success of the Indian cricket and hockey teams and golfer Jeev Milkha Singh who recently broke into the PGA’s top 50.

Match Report: Chelsea 8 - 0 Wigan

Chelsea clinched the Barclays Premier League title and set a new goalscoring record with a sensational destruction of 10-man Wigan at Stamford Bridge.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti guided the Blues to their first Championship success since 2006 in his debut season in England as Chelsea took their tally to 103 goals - the highest in the Premier League since Manchester United in 2000 and the first to achieve the century since Tottenham in 1962/3.

United's victory over Stoke at Old Trafford was irrelevant as the Blues finished the season one point clear of their rivals.

Ancelotti's side smashed home seven or more goals for the fourth time this season as Wigan, who had defender Gary Caldwell sent-off on the half-hour, simply capitulated.

A hat-trick from Golden Boot winner Didier Drogba, who finished the season with 29 league goals, two from Nicolas Anelka, a Frank Lampard penalty and others from Salomon Kalou and Ashley Cole, left Chelsea champions and on the brink of a League and FA Cup Double.

Only Portsmouth now stand in their way of a history-making season for Ancelotti and his team.

The Blues will become only the seventh team in the history of the game to win both competitions if they can overcome Avram Grant's side at Wembley next week.

The Blues were given the best possible start by France international Nicolas Anelka.

The striker, expected to sign a new two-year contract once the season is over, collected a knock down from Florent Malouda to fire past Wigan goalkeeper Mike Pollitt.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez caused a stir by playing three in defence and for the next 25 minutes they gave Chelsea and their fans some anxious moments.

But the game changed on a pivotal penalty on the half-hour when Lampard was clearly brought down by Wigan defender Caldwell.

Referee Martin Atkinson then produced the red-card for the unfortunate centre-half.

Drogba, chasing the Premier League Golden Boot and level on 26 goals with United's Wayne Rooney, asked Lampard to let him take the spot-kick but the England international rejected his request.

Drogba was distinctly unhappy with Lampard's answer and had to be calmed down by other members of the Chelsea side.

Lampard duly put the penalty into the bottom corner to leave Chelsea in control of their own destiny at half-time.

In the 54th minute the title was sealed as Lampard and Kalou combined for the Ivory Coast international to almost walk the ball into the net.

Two minutes later Chelsea's fans were in dreamland when a cross from Branislav Ivanovic was volleyed home at the far post by Anelka.

With the title now Chelsea's, the only remaining issue to be settled was Drogba and his hunt for the Golden Boot.

That was settled in the 63rd minute when the Ivorian rose highest at the far post to head Lampard's cross into the net and make it 5-0.

It got better for Drogba five minutes later when Cole was brought down and Lampard tossed the ball to Drogba so he could take the penalty.

The Ivorian's spot-kick went in off the post but it mattered littler to Drogba who had taken his tally to the season in the league to 28.

Ancelotti was hailed by the home fans and for the first time in the game the Italian responded by waving to the supporters chanting his name.

Drogba completed his hat-trick 10 minutes from the end of the game as Chelsea made it seven in a game for the fourth time this season.

Substitute Joe Cole's shot was parried by Pollitt but the ball fell kindly to the lurking Drogba who tucked it home for his 29th league strike of the season.

The goal sparked more cheering of Ancelotti but Wigan, who had not tested Petr Cech at all during the one-side contest, finally forced him into action when the Czech international tipped a goalbound shot from substitute Victor Moses over the bar in the 87th minute.

Cole completed the rout when he volleyed home in the final minute to make it 8-0 and as the champagne was sprayed over Ancelotti, the Italian had clearly banished the ghost of Jose Mourinho.

The day belonged to Ancelotti and his attacking side as Chelsea were crowned deserved champions for the fourth time in their history.

Carlo - We Don't Need Torres

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed claims he is set to make a summer bid for Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.

Rumours have circulated that the Italian tactician has approached the Spaniard after the Reds failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League this term.

However Ancelotti, who is hoping to wrap-up the Premier League title on Sunday afternoon, believes Torres is no better than the strikers he currently has at his disposal.

When asked whether an approach had been made, Ancelotti told Independent Sport: "No, I don't think so, because with (Didier) Drogba and (Nicolas) Anelka it's too similar.

"Torres is a fantastic player but it's better to grow players with this ability in the academy. We have a very good squad for next season.

"It's not an old team; we have players with experience, ability and skills. After the FA Cup final we will have a meeting with Roman (Abramovich) and take a decision about next season."

Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton declared debts of more than £350m at the club on Friday.

Chelsea Star Lampard Set To Turn Down Real Madrid Move

According to the Sunday Mirror, Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard will turn down a prospective move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.

The England midfielder has been rumoured to be the number one target of former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, should the 'special one' take over as manager at Real Madrid. The Sunday Mirror speculates that a £30million bid could see Lampard move to the Bernebeu.

However, Lampard will reportedly turn down the opportunity to move to Spain in favour of focusing on his relationship with TV star Christine Bleakley.

The Sunday Mirror quotes a friend of Lampard saying, “It’s no secret that Frank finds the prospect of a reunion with Mourinho at one of the world’s great clubs attractive.

“But he absolutely adores Christine and he is not prepared to do anything that would rock the boat.

“Her TV career is going brilliantly and Frank knows she wouldn’t leave the country right now so he’s decided to stay at Chelsea.”

Lampard has scored 25 goals for Chelsea this season and is on the verge of collecting his third Premier League winners' medal.

Chelsea’s Joe Cole Keen To Join Redknapp At Tottenham

Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole wants to join his former boss Harry Redknapp at Tottenham, according to The Sun.

Cole has been unable to agree terms with Chelsea with his contract expiring this summer. Although the 28 year-old has made it clear that he would like to stay at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea chief Roman Abramovich is looking to curb spending on exorbitant wages and is resisting Cole's demands.

Although Liverpool have also been linked with the England midfielder who will be available on a Bosman free, Cole apparently favours staying in London and would relish the opportunity to link up with his former West Ham boss Harry Redknapp at Tottenham. Redknapp helped nurture Cole as he came through the ranks at Upton Park.

Especially with Tottenham having secured Champions League football next season, Cole is keen to move to White Hart Lane according to The Sun. However, he will likely ask Spurs to agree to wage demands of around the £100,000-a-week mark, way beyond their previous salary limits.