Growing up in the States I played American football in my youth but in the 70’s in 9th grade I attended a school that didn’t have an American football team but did have a soccer team - a sport new to me as well as the school and all of our players. I found myself drawn to the defensive side of the pitch and played fullback for the remainder of high school. Years later I when became a Chelsea fan I was immediately drawn to the style and ability of Branislav Ivanović. In a team loaded with stars he was a solid defender who anchored Chelsea’s back line for many years. His #2 jersey was my first Chelsea jersey and will always have a place of honor in my Chelsea collection.
For me it is Joey Jones. Unquestionably and without doubt!
I saw all of his appearances at home in the 82-83 season in the old Second Division and just some away games in London, but virtually every game home and away he played in during the 83-84 season when my cousins, some friends and I were finally allowed to travel up and down the country. He made 78 appearances in all for us from the moment he joined us in that relegation battle, making his debut in October 1982 in the defeat at Carlisle Utd up (and even getting sent off!) to that moment Chelsea eventually almost secured survival winning at Bolton then assuring survival at home the following weekend at home against Boro and followed by next season in our second division title winning season till he was sold in August of 1985 to Huddersfield Town.
How did I remember him? I always remembered that prior to every kick off, he would run to all corners of the ground raising his clenched fist to get the crowd motivated. How we loved that. And he would turn to us when we sang his name and again raise that pumped fist and acknowledged us. A favourite was when he took a throw in, especially the benches at home games, would be raucous in their support of Jones, or if he was near a set of Chelsea fans in away games, a huge cheer would go up and Jones would turn and crack a smile or raised that famous pumped fist.
He and Micky Thomas had probably the best connection to our fans of any Chelsea player, especially as these guys understood the passion from gate 13 to the Shed to the West to the North Stand boys. Also if it wasn’t for Jones, David Speedie and Clive Walker, Chelsea would probably have gone down in 1983. He even won our player of the year that season as well! So just in that short period for us is what for me made him arguably our club’s favourite cult hero of all time.
Giroud. Scored a lot of great goals, and I’ll never forget the overhead goal against Atletico in the 2020/21 UCL run. I was the only one watching in my house and my wife had to come check to see if I injured myself celebrating.
David Speedie - always gave 110% and worked his socks off - very versatile forward and scored some great goals - his partnership with Kerry Dixon was legendary and he was loved by Chelsea fans everywhere!
It would have to be Alex for me. An absolute tank of a centre half and scored some unbelievable free kicks which I still don't think get the credit they deserve.
His goal against Liverpool in the QF of Champions League in 2009 is something I'll never forget.
He wasn't as celebrated as Terry or Carvalho in that era but he was a dependable backup and scored some crucial goals.
Marcos Alonso! Because he runs down the wing for me! Seriously though, such a clutch player with his free kicks and always seemed to take particular delight in turning on the style against Spurs!
For me it has to be Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Buttocks and thighs that would make Hazard jealous. The partnership he had with Eidur was lethal and their telepathic linkup was elite during the glorious 2 striker prem era.
He surprisingly won very little at Chels, but his thunder strikes were a huge part of us securing champions league qualification. We all know what happened after that, with Roman opting out of buying spurs and setting his sights on west London.
I remember my dad hating how I always would have his name on the back of my shirt as it was extra money for the numerous letters. I once had to do a presentation in-front of the whole school assembly about my favourite hobby. I remember proudly walking out in my Hasselbaink shirt and telling my school full of southerner United and Liverpool fans about how a man born in Suriname was my hero.
He still speaks passionately as a Chelsea fan today and represents us well. Proper Chels as they say. Ohhh Jimmy Jimmy…
Great shout. I moved to London (from AUS) in 2001. First of all, it was a revelation being able to watch games during reasonable hours. But watching him and Eidur go to work the 2001-02 season really got me hooked on Chelsea.
Met him and the whole squad when I was a mascot at 8 years old (We beat Liverpool 1-0 thanks to Joe Cole!)
Carlo was the first player I met whilst he was with his physio and had a great chat together with the few minutes he had spare. Was great to see him involved so much in football and paved there way for the great Petr Cech fantastically.
Michael Essien is undoubtedly one of the most underrated players of his generation. His versatility, work rate, and physical dominance were unmatched, and his ability to play across multiple positions made him invaluable. When he was at his peak with Chelsea, he was arguably one of the most complete midfielders in the world.
That performance against Valencia in the Champions League, where he slotted in as a full-back and still dominated, speaks volumes about his adaptability. And those wonder goals? The rocket against Arsenal and that insane strike against Barcelona in the Champions League are still etched in memory. He had this mix of finesse and power that very few players could replicate.
My hot take- I will pick Essien over Kante.
Comparing Essien to Kante is interesting. While Kante is a master of interceptions, positioning, and stamina, Essien had a broader skill set. He could dictate the tempo, contribute to attack, defend solidly, and even score crucial goals. Prime Essien was a more rounded player, so my hot take of picking him over Kante is valid, especially if you’re looking for an all-around midfield engine.
It’s just a shame injuries robbed us of seeing Essien dominate longer. At his best, he was simply sensational.
For me it’s Jody Morris. Debuting in 1996 at just 16, he played a vital but often unsung role in midfield, helping secure Champions League football in 2003 before getting sold to Leeds. He was perhaps overshadowed by bigger stars like Zola and Wise, but Morris’s grit and loyalty was clear to the fans. And he returned to Cobham in 2013 to mentor the next generation. Because I’m so desperate to win over the judges I’ve written a poem (to the tune of Don’t Look back In Anger by some other 90s legends):
Ivanovic - Wasn't as talented as some of the other players we have had, but he was absolutely colossal mentally. What he may have lacked in raw talent he made up in fight, determination and desire to win. A real winner who had a lot of special moments for the club
Has to be Micky Droy - giant of a defender and as an 18 year old I was able to get my photo taken with him in the summer of 1981 when Chelsea had a summer training camp in North Wales and we were on holiday over there at the same time. Maybe not the most competitive team we've had but still a few iconic players and Micky was definitely one of them.
Oscar was one hell a player! His CL debut with the ridiculous turn and STUNNER (on Pirlo and Gigi Buffon!!!) made him an instant cult hero. Yes he was with us for 5 years, but he always worked hard and always played for the badge, that made him easy to root for.
There was measurable deflation in the fan base when he left for China, I think that speaks for itself!
Growing up in the States I played American football in my youth but in the 70’s in 9th grade I attended a school that didn’t have an American football team but did have a soccer team - a sport new to me as well as the school and all of our players. I found myself drawn to the defensive side of the pitch and played fullback for the remainder of high school. Years later I when became a Chelsea fan I was immediately drawn to the style and ability of Branislav Ivanović. In a team loaded with stars he was a solid defender who anchored Chelsea’s back line for many years. His #2 jersey was my first Chelsea jersey and will always have a place of honor in my Chelsea collection.
For me it is Joey Jones. Unquestionably and without doubt!
I saw all of his appearances at home in the 82-83 season in the old Second Division and just some away games in London, but virtually every game home and away he played in during the 83-84 season when my cousins, some friends and I were finally allowed to travel up and down the country. He made 78 appearances in all for us from the moment he joined us in that relegation battle, making his debut in October 1982 in the defeat at Carlisle Utd up (and even getting sent off!) to that moment Chelsea eventually almost secured survival winning at Bolton then assuring survival at home the following weekend at home against Boro and followed by next season in our second division title winning season till he was sold in August of 1985 to Huddersfield Town.
How did I remember him? I always remembered that prior to every kick off, he would run to all corners of the ground raising his clenched fist to get the crowd motivated. How we loved that. And he would turn to us when we sang his name and again raise that pumped fist and acknowledged us. A favourite was when he took a throw in, especially the benches at home games, would be raucous in their support of Jones, or if he was near a set of Chelsea fans in away games, a huge cheer would go up and Jones would turn and crack a smile or raised that famous pumped fist.
He and Micky Thomas had probably the best connection to our fans of any Chelsea player, especially as these guys understood the passion from gate 13 to the Shed to the West to the North Stand boys. Also if it wasn’t for Jones, David Speedie and Clive Walker, Chelsea would probably have gone down in 1983. He even won our player of the year that season as well! So just in that short period for us is what for me made him arguably our club’s favourite cult hero of all time.
Giroud. Scored a lot of great goals, and I’ll never forget the overhead goal against Atletico in the 2020/21 UCL run. I was the only one watching in my house and my wife had to come check to see if I injured myself celebrating.
David Speedie - always gave 110% and worked his socks off - very versatile forward and scored some great goals - his partnership with Kerry Dixon was legendary and he was loved by Chelsea fans everywhere!
It would have to be Alex for me. An absolute tank of a centre half and scored some unbelievable free kicks which I still don't think get the credit they deserve.
His goal against Liverpool in the QF of Champions League in 2009 is something I'll never forget.
He wasn't as celebrated as Terry or Carvalho in that era but he was a dependable backup and scored some crucial goals.
Marcos Alonso! Because he runs down the wing for me! Seriously though, such a clutch player with his free kicks and always seemed to take particular delight in turning on the style against Spurs!
Tor Andre Flo . Very underrated striker who scored goals for fun .
For me it has to be Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Buttocks and thighs that would make Hazard jealous. The partnership he had with Eidur was lethal and their telepathic linkup was elite during the glorious 2 striker prem era.
He surprisingly won very little at Chels, but his thunder strikes were a huge part of us securing champions league qualification. We all know what happened after that, with Roman opting out of buying spurs and setting his sights on west London.
I remember my dad hating how I always would have his name on the back of my shirt as it was extra money for the numerous letters. I once had to do a presentation in-front of the whole school assembly about my favourite hobby. I remember proudly walking out in my Hasselbaink shirt and telling my school full of southerner United and Liverpool fans about how a man born in Suriname was my hero.
He still speaks passionately as a Chelsea fan today and represents us well. Proper Chels as they say. Ohhh Jimmy Jimmy…
Great shout. I moved to London (from AUS) in 2001. First of all, it was a revelation being able to watch games during reasonable hours. But watching him and Eidur go to work the 2001-02 season really got me hooked on Chelsea.
Carlo Cudicini
Met him and the whole squad when I was a mascot at 8 years old (We beat Liverpool 1-0 thanks to Joe Cole!)
Carlo was the first player I met whilst he was with his physio and had a great chat together with the few minutes he had spare. Was great to see him involved so much in football and paved there way for the great Petr Cech fantastically.
Michael Essien is undoubtedly one of the most underrated players of his generation. His versatility, work rate, and physical dominance were unmatched, and his ability to play across multiple positions made him invaluable. When he was at his peak with Chelsea, he was arguably one of the most complete midfielders in the world.
That performance against Valencia in the Champions League, where he slotted in as a full-back and still dominated, speaks volumes about his adaptability. And those wonder goals? The rocket against Arsenal and that insane strike against Barcelona in the Champions League are still etched in memory. He had this mix of finesse and power that very few players could replicate.
My hot take- I will pick Essien over Kante.
Comparing Essien to Kante is interesting. While Kante is a master of interceptions, positioning, and stamina, Essien had a broader skill set. He could dictate the tempo, contribute to attack, defend solidly, and even score crucial goals. Prime Essien was a more rounded player, so my hot take of picking him over Kante is valid, especially if you’re looking for an all-around midfield engine.
It’s just a shame injuries robbed us of seeing Essien dominate longer. At his best, he was simply sensational.
He should be a legend but surely a cult Hero.
For me it’s Jody Morris. Debuting in 1996 at just 16, he played a vital but often unsung role in midfield, helping secure Champions League football in 2003 before getting sold to Leeds. He was perhaps overshadowed by bigger stars like Zola and Wise, but Morris’s grit and loyalty was clear to the fans. And he returned to Cobham in 2013 to mentor the next generation. Because I’m so desperate to win over the judges I’ve written a poem (to the tune of Don’t Look back In Anger by some other 90s legends):
Slip inside the Stamford Bridge gates,
With your CFC teammates,
Still only sixteen.
Boro lose to our 5-0 victory
And you start your chels history
From the 77th min.
So you start a revolution in that Feb.
The talent you had never went to your head.
stepped on the pitch and found your place
Tackles fierce and passes ace
You ain’t ever gonna burn our hearts out
And so the peacocks can wait
Cos Chelsea’s your fate
And we’re on your side
Our memories will never fade,
With Jody Morris! Our fortunes made!
Ivanovic - Wasn't as talented as some of the other players we have had, but he was absolutely colossal mentally. What he may have lacked in raw talent he made up in fight, determination and desire to win. A real winner who had a lot of special moments for the club
Marcos Alonso.
Attacking threat contributing providing goals and assists. Will never forget his freekicks too!
Has to be Micky Droy - giant of a defender and as an 18 year old I was able to get my photo taken with him in the summer of 1981 when Chelsea had a summer training camp in North Wales and we were on holiday over there at the same time. Maybe not the most competitive team we've had but still a few iconic players and Micky was definitely one of them.
Oscar was one hell a player! His CL debut with the ridiculous turn and STUNNER (on Pirlo and Gigi Buffon!!!) made him an instant cult hero. Yes he was with us for 5 years, but he always worked hard and always played for the badge, that made him easy to root for.
There was measurable deflation in the fan base when he left for China, I think that speaks for itself!
4.5 years*
Has to be Wisey he never got the recognition he deserved for his actual football skills