The Origins Of Chelsea Fc

Told in detail for the first time, the incredible story of the birth of Chelsea Football Club, featuring exclusive research by official club historian Rick Glanvill.

The history of Chelsea features glamour, controversy, hooligans, high and low fashion, huge excitement on the pitch and terrible disappointments. In the Chelsea FC: The Official Biography, Rick Glanvill brought the century of the UK's highest profile club to life in words. In this pictorial history, he has researched never-before-made-public images to show the breadth of the club's 100 years in photographs. Fully integrated and highly designed, with over 200 colour and black and white photographs and fascinating accompanying text on the story of the club, The Official History in Pictures offers all fans, and anyone with an interest in the biggest story in British football, unforgettable images and legendary faces from the past 100 years.

In the blistering high summer of 2003, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich acquired Chelsea Football Club. It was a sensational event that sent shock waves reverberating around the global village that is celebrity football in the twenty-first century. Chelsea, the institution, was transformed overnight into arguably the most powerful club in the world by virtue of the vast fortune bestowed upon them by their benefactor. This was an amazing twist to a story that started almost a century before on a piece of wasteground in west London. The genesis of Chelsea, founded in 1905, was pioneered by the Mears family, who would remain at the helm for more than two-thirds of that century. Brian Mears was a particularly significant figure in his role as chairman throughout the colourful period from the end of the swinging '60s until the early 1980s. In this follow-up to the seminal Chelsea: Football Under the Blue Flag, Mears and Macleay recount the events that have engulfed London's most glamorous club over the years. Its exciting major players, including Hughie Gallacher, Roy Bentley, Jimmy Greaves, Peter Osgood, Alan Hudson, Kerry Dixon, Dennis Wise, Gianfranco Zola and Frank Lampard, have become creatures of myth. Meanwhile, managers such as Tommy Docherty, Dave Sexton, Glenn Hoddle, Ruud Gullit, Gianluca Vialli, Claudio Ranieri and Jos Mourinho have proved to be some of the most flamboyant and controversial in the history of the game. Chelsea: The 100-Year History is peopled with unforgettable characters like the peerless Terry Venables and the late Matthew Harding. It is an embodiment of Mears' own passion for the club as he traces some of the most important matches and crises in its sometimes tragic trajectory from glory to impoverishment and back again to a glorious 100th season.

CHELSEA FC: THE OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY goes to the heart of what gives the club its personality. The author has access to all the key characters, including Mourinho, Abramovich and the star players, plus legendary names of the past. He addresses all the controversies, including: the near suffocation through lack of cash in the 1970s and in 2002; the impact of Abramovich's money; the club and fans' response to racism; how the hooliganism which dogged Chelsea for years has been tackled. On the lighter side, Chelsea is regarded as the country's glamour club, and fashions, good and dreadful, will feature alongside celebrity fans and the worlds of art and music. And then there is the football at the core of it all, creating moments of huge tension and excitement.

Daniel Kensington, a seasoned sports historian and passionate football enthusiast, delves deep into the captivating journey of Chelsea Football Club in his meticulously researched book. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Kensington traces the club's evolution from its modest origins to its current status as a global football powerhouse. Through rich narratives and insightful analysis, he brings to life the iconic moments, legendary players, and transformative events that have defined Chelsea's history. From thrilling victories to moments of resilience, the book paints a vivid portrait of the enduring bond between the club and its dedicated fan base. As Kensington reflects on Chelsea's impact on the world of football, he also speculates on the club's exciting future, offering readers a compelling narrative that captures the essence of a club that has left an indelible mark on the beautiful game.

Chelsea FC Women: Europe's Next Powerhouse? explores the tactical concepts behind Chelsea Women's rise and mission to become a footballing powerhouse. Having won ten domestic titles, the side are now on a quest for European glory. This book examines how coach Emma Hayes has crafted her team to make that dream a reality.

Since its founding in 1905, Chelsea FC has gone through a series of ups and downs on its path to becoming one of Europe's most successful soccer clubs. Through this comprehensive volume, young readers will discover key players, notable wins, and how the team has tackled such problems as hooliganism. Examining major turning points like the team's purchase by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, the successful Jose Mourinho years, and beyond, this book explores Chelsea's rise from a modest London club to a major global brand.