*This article is by SPTC team and community member Danny Windsor, who most of you will be familiar with by now. Danny had this amazing opportunity off the back of writing articles for this site and being part of our community here. I want to thank Daniel Finkelstein for making this happen again. That is now three members of our team (myself being one) who have had this incredible privilege now - Simon.
Saturday the 28th of September will always be a day I remember! I was lucky enough to be invited to the director's box for the Chelsea vs Brighton game by my good friend Daniel Finkelstein!
Match Analysis
Firstly what a game! What a performance from the team (expect Robert Sanchez), and how good is Cole Palmer?!? The game plan was clear from minute one: a high-intensity press that caused Brighton to become unsettled and make many mistakes. However, at times, they managed to get through the middle of the pitch, contributing to us conceding two goals. The attacking game plan was even clearer and excellently devised by Enzo Maresca and executed by the team. It involved exposing Brighton's high line with short passes followed by a quick release ball behind their defence, and it worked perfectly.
I have to give big credit to the team in the second half, who worked extremely hard in the press, meaning Brighton created almost nothing after halftime.
My Experience
The day was a crazy experience, and even as I sit here writing this article, I can’t believe I was lucky enough to be part of it!
It started with security nearly not letting me into the ground because I didn’t have my ticket, as it was at reception! I had to convince the steward that I was being hosted by the club, and he didn’t believe me. I then had to speak to his supervisor, who finally let me in. There was a moment when I thought I wouldn’t be able to get in! After that, I went to the Millennium reception, where I was greeted, received my ticket, and was taken up to the director's box.
When I arrived in the box, I was greeted by Daniel and his lovely wife and son. I was handed a nice glass of champagne and watched the Newcastle vs Man City game.
I then had a star-struck moment when I met the best left-back to ever play in the Premier League, Ashley Cole [as in featured image]. I have to say, he was very nice and a true legend!
We then sat down for dinner, which was exquisite! At my table, I had the pleasure of meeting Chelsea's CFO, Adriel Lares, and the newly appointed CEO of the Chelsea Foundation, Laura Cordingley. They are both very nice and knowledgeable people; it was an honour to meet them.
The next surreal moment was when I met Laurence Stewart! He was very approachable, knowledgeable, and understanding of the fans, and he truly wants the club to return to the top! He was kind enough to chat with me for 10 to 15 minutes, where we discussed Chelsea and football as a whole. For those who listen to The SPTC podcast [out once a week on this site], I also asked him a question we debated: the lack of world-class talent vs. tactics not allowing players to express themselves, which I will reveal in this week’s episode. I wouldn’t have forgiven myself if I didn’t make a couple of requests: I suggested Viktor Gyökeres and a top goalkeeper for the summer, so you can all thank me if we sign them, lol!
I also asked if the club could provide microphones for journalists during press conferences, which they said they would look into once Tom Ruddy [club publicist] returns from holiday. This is something I know has been bothering me and many fans for a while—you're welcome again!
I have often been heavily critical of the sporting directors; however, the work they did this summer in appointing Maresca and building the squad we have today deserves praise. Personally, I see early signs of a manager similar to Thomas Tuchel or Jose Mourinho! His media presence, the way he has the team playing, his ability to be both firm and supportive, and his tactical adaptability to opponents are really impressive, and I fed this back to Laurence.
I think, as a fan base, we can be very loud with our criticism and very quiet in our praise, which we need to improve (especially me)! Can I also say how nice it is to see our team improve in the second half instead of capitulating? Two things I used to get heavily scrutinised for and told was absolute nonsense, was claiming that Mauricio Pochettino’s halftime team talks had nothing to do with the results and that Poch’s training was causing injuries, and now both are gone.
I spoke about it on the SPTC podcast last week, but I believe Chelsea has the best depth in Europe, especially in the forward and midfield areas. I truly believe that Chelsea is just a couple of signings away from being able to compete on all fronts: a top-class goalkeeper and a world-class number 9. Currently, with Sanchez, he is more likely to make a costly mistake than pull off a game-winning save, and that is the problem. With number 9, Jackson is similar; he is more likely to miss a big chance that could cost us the win than score the winner. However, I will say I am far more confident in Jackson’s potential to become the solution than I am in Sanchez.
The next person I met was Bedhad Eghbali, who shook my hand and welcomed me. I didn’t speak to Bedhad personally beyond this, but when someone mentioned that we are playing better and getting results, he said something really interesting: “If you do the right things, admit mistakes when you are wrong, and correct them, the results will always come.” I believe this is a great mindset to have and gives me confidence in him as an owner. It’s clear from my brief interaction with him that this is more than just an investment for him; he truly has a passion for the club.
My new outlook on the ownership situation is that I hope they can resolve their issues and work together because they are both clearly amazing business people with good ideas. If they can combine their strengths, then we are truly onto something great!
I have been lucky enough to attend countless games at Stamford Bridge, but the view from the director's box is by far the best—it has the best view in the house for the only player in Premier League history to score four goals in the first half!
While watching the first half, Daniel said to me after Cole’s free kick, “I think we are close to getting our Chelsea back,” and I truly believe this. The club is clearly on a good path, and long may it continue!
I also met Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink at halftime, who was again very nice and easy to talk to. For what it’s worth, he is a big fan of Nicolas Jackson and praised him, I think after the game he even said that he could be £150 million player!
After the game, I was able to hold two trophies that every Arsenal player, manager, fan, and owner could only dream of!
I then stayed for a couple more drinks and had a very interesting conversation with Tony Bloom about Brighton as a whole. I even joked about which player they might sell to us next for £100million; I told him my guess would be Evan Ferguson!
Summary
Overall, I have to say that after speaking with everyone I met, I feel more confident about the club, and one thing that was very clear was that everyone wants Chelsea to return to the top and win trophies!
It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (even though I hope to do it again) and an experience I will remember for the rest of my life!
As always, keep the blue flag flying high!
Danny Windsor
Sounds like an amazing day! Fantastic! Out of curiosity, what was the response when you requested Gyökeres and a keeper? A tight lipped and pretty guarded facial expression I would imagine 🤣
Well, a great opportunity Danny and superbly reported on. Very interesting reading for all of us with that unique insight that you were able to obtain. I think the clear message that comes from your article is that all of us need to give all of the participants time and let the project work itself out before we start making decisions positively or negatively. Perhaps over the next season/season and a half we will be in a much better position to make concrete decisions on where are views sit, remembering that this was always a 10 year project.
Thank you very much for your time and effort. It’s appreciated.