20 Questions - Chelsea

Last updated : 12 August 2005 By Toby Brown - cfcnet.co.uk

Toby Brown writes for Chelsea site cfcnet.co.uk. You can visit the site by clicking here.

1) Who are you; where are you from and how long have you supported your club?

I'm Toby Brown, originally from the Isle of Wight but now living in London. I work for the Chelsea fansite CFCnet and have supported the Blues for around 15 years.

2) What was your first game?

Unbelievably I can't remember who we played! I think it may have been Wimbledon. All I remember is the thrill of the journey to London and how big the East Stand was as we were right at the top.

3) Describe the most memorable and worst game you've seen and why?

Most memorable for me would have to be the FA Cup game against Liverpool in 1997 when we were 2:0 down at half time, however courtesy of Hughsie, Zola and two from Vialli we ran out 4-2 winners and eventually went on to win the cup. Worst game I've seen was West Brom at home last season, an absolute snoozefest from start to finish.

4) If the Blues were a Celebrity, who would they be and why?

Blimey that's a tough one. Amir Kahn, new kid on the block, has all the tools to be the best, has risen meteorically and hopefully will continue to do so.

5) Who do you consider as your current local rivals, and why?

Arsenal are our main rivals despite Fulham being much closer geographically. The relations between the clubs are at their lowest ebb in years in the wake of Cole-gate and Wenger having a whinge whenever he can. You may play prettier football Arsene, but we're the champions. Get used to it.

6) Who are the best and worst players you have seen?

Best player is without a doubt Gianfranco Zola, I met the bloke a few times and he's such a nice guy as well as a fantastic footballer. Worst player I've seen has to be Frank Sinclair - whenever he got the ball you expected him to bugger it up and he rarely disappointed.

7) Which current or former Latics player impressed you most?

Can't really say I've seen a lot of Wigan players but Paul Jewell strikes me as an honest decent chap.

8) What do you think of The Latics?

I couldn't believe it when Wigan were promoted but am glad they are - it's good for football that the smaller clubs can break into the Premiership rather than the same six or seven yo-yoing up and down each year.

9) How did you fare last season?
Top of the league and having a laugh! (In case you missed it!) :)

10) How do you expect to fair this season?

Many Chelsea supporters have been accused of arrogance lately but for me it's never been so. Some think we've won it already, I think we will win it again but it's going to be hard, back to back titles is never easy as Arsenal have shown.

11) European success or the domestic success?

Domestic each and every time. Liverpool showed last year you don't have to be the best to win in Europe whereas in the Premiership, you do.

12) Didier Drogba - hit or miss?

I think a bit of both really, he played really well in some games but utter crap in others. People forget he suffered many niggly injuries last season and was never really at the peak of his fitness, if he can carry on from his form in the Community shield then he's going to terrorise defences all season.

13) Which Chelsea players should we watch out for?

Where shall we start? Take you're eye off one and another will hurt you. Robben, Duff, Lampard, Drogba. If they aren't effective then we have Cole, Crespo and SWP to come on in their place. Lampard is the key man though, he makes us tick.

14) Is your manager barking mad?

I think he's a genius personally and has brightened up the game in the country no end.

15) Are you happy with your Chairman/Backroom staff?

On the whole yes, some don't like Kenyon but he knows his job and is doing it well, the rest of the staff are all very experienced and very professional. It's a far cry from Ken Bates at least!

16) Which team do you want to beat the most this season and why?

Arsenal, mainly because I hate them and also because we're due to beat them in the league, no doubt Wenger will list 50 reasons why it as underserved even if it's a 10-0 thrashing.

17) What sort of line-up can we expect from you?

4-3-3/4-5-1 hybrid that Jose likes to play - swift in the attack, tight when defending. I expect Duff and Robben to start wide with Drogba to start alone up front, however if it's not working expect Jose to change it mid match.

18) Predicted score and scorers?

2-0 Chelsea, Drogba and Robben.

19) Who'll win the league?

Chelsea (hopefully)

20) Who's going down?

Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool (hopefully). West Brom, West Ham and Sunderland down. (Probably) Fingers crossed for Wigan.