20 Questions: Chelsea
We’re taking a trip to Stamford Bridge today, which County haven’t done for nearly 100 years
Thursday 4 July 2024
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Dear County fans, Stopfordians, Chelsea supporters, and anyone else from The Football Family joining us today, a very warm welcome to your Thursday edition of The Scarf My Father Wore.
We’re exactly halfway through our season previews so far, with 12 clubs already featured, and another 12 to come – Wrexham tomorrow! Today, however, sees the next instalment of our ‘20 Questions’ series as Chelsea fan David Johnstone, editor of the cfcuk fanzine, joins us for a chat.
Today’s edition is sponsored by DT Plastering Services and Damp Proofing Specialists. A big thank you to David. If you need a quote for any work that needs doing, give him a call on 07774 325529 or email dtplasteringservices@gmail.com.
Thanks also to Cherry Halo Collectibles, who sponsor our Chelsea content on the website.
Finally, I’m currently walking every street in Stockport to raise money for mental health charity Mentell. If you’d like to make a donation to help me reach my target, please click here.
Total distance so far: 158.42 miles
Total steps so far: 254,782
Total raised so far: £1,909
Total completed streets so far: 347 (Click here for the full list, which includes reports and photos from every day of the walk.)
Further information on the walk can be found by clicking here.
Des Junior
Chelsea currently play in the Premier League, which is the top tier of English football. What’s that like as a division?
The Premier League is like any other English division in as much as there are no guaranteed results. You’re as likely to see your team beaten as watch them win.
Describe a typical matchday for yourself in West London.
I run a stall outside the shopping entrance to Fulham Broadway underground station where the cfcuk fanzine and various Chelsea related books, hats and scarves are sold, so no pub time for me.
That’s the same at away games. I’m always outside the Chelsea entrance selling the fanzine. I go to every game – home, away and Europe.
Who are your club’s biggest rivals?
T*ttenham. We hate them.
What’s your best memory following Chelsea?
There are loads of them, but I suppose I’d go with winning the FA Cup in 1996-97.
What’s your worst memory following Chelsea?
I haven’t really got one. It’s always a pleasure being at a Chelsea game – win, lose or draw.
If Chelsea was a TV show, which one would it be?
A black comedy.
What’s your ground called, and how would you describe it for someone who’s never visited before?
Stamford Bridge. It’s in the best part of London in the best city in the world.
What’s your thoughts on Stockport County?
County were Chelsea’s first ever league opponents in 1905-06. We lost 1-0 at Edgeley Park.
Have you ever visited the town of Stockport before?
I’ve been to Manchester loads of times but never ventured out to Stockport.
What colours do you play in, and what’s the best ever kit Chelsea have had?
Royal blue shirt and shorts with white socks. But I like the 60s kit when Chelsea wore all blue.
If Chelsea were playing in the next FA Cup final, who’d be at Wembley as your celebrity fan?
Paul Cook and Steve Jones from The Sex Pistols. Paul’s a season ticket holder and Steve has just moved back to London from the States so he’ll be at every home game.
What’s the most interesting fact about Chelsea we might not know?
Chelsea were formed in 1905 and in 2012 they won the European Cup on the 19th of the 5th – 19/05.
Who’s your all time Chelsea hero?
Frank Lampard.
What sort of attendances do you get, and how would you describe Chelsea’s fanbase?
40,000 every home game, plus 3,000 away. Our support was better before we won everything and the worldwide bandwagon jumped aboard.
What’s your manager like?
We’ve got a new manager who joined at the end of last season, Enzo Maresca, so no idea as of yet.
What’s your owner like?
The owners are clueless and have no idea about the culture or heritage of the club. Mr Abramovich was not only the best owner Chelsea has ever had, but he was the best owner any club worldwide has had.
What’s it like for a night out in West London?
Unfortunately, the nightlife in London has now reached an all time low. Very expensive, fewer decent venues. A night in a decent pub with a late licence is probably the best you can find.
What’s the best thing about being a Chelsea fan?
Chelsea supporters stand taller than everyone else and, of course, we’re the Pride of London.
What’s the worst thing about being a Chelsea fan?
No disadvantages to being a Chelsea supporter whatsoever.
What are your hopes for this season?
We need to get relegated so the current owners look at how much money they’re losing and decide to sell to cut their losses. Win or lose… Up The Blues!
Time for a spruce up at home?
DT Plastering Services and Damp Proofing Specialists are a reputable company offering specialist plastering and damp proofing services covering Cheshire and Greater Manchester.
With the weather picking up, now’s a good time to think about external render repairs and render painting, with the photos above showing a fine transformation on a recent client’s house.
Visit dtplasteringanddampproofing.com for further details.
Got… need… swap!
Since their humble beginnings on eBay in 2003, Cherry Halo Collectibles have been dedicated to providing their customers with the best selection of Panini/Topps stickers and cards at competitive prices. Their vast collection includes everything from retro classics to modern day favourites, with prices starting as low as 20p per item. They are committed to maintaining the highest standards of customer satisfaction and are always available to answer any questions or provide assistance.
Visit cherryhalo.co.uk for further details.
Photo of the day
Edgeley Park, Stockport
A new sponsorship deal between County and local business Olympic Holidays back in the 80s. Some of the girls headed over to the club from their office on Castle Street for a photo with Malcolm Poskett, Andy Thorpe, Paul Hendrie, Les Chapman and Trevor Matthewson.
Today in SK
👀 Bingo
The Marple Tavern (SK6). 8pm.
🎬 Cinema
One film at The Savoy Cinema (SK4) today. Horizon: An American Saga Chapter 1 (15) at 5pm and 8.15pm. Click here for tickets.
🍺 Food and drink
Treat yourself to lunch at The Dog & Partridge (SK2). One course for £7, two courses for £11. 12pm - 2pm.
Bitter £2.30 a pint all day at The Cross Keys (SK8). Plus, discounts on certain lagers between 12pm and 6pm.
If you’re simply in the mood for a couple of pints today, pop along to one of our featured venues such as AMP (SK1), Bask (SK1), The Petersgate Tap (SK1), Thread (SK1), The Crown (SK2), The Armoury (SK3), Reddish Working Men’s Club (SK5), The Crown Inn (SK6), The Railway (SK6), The Steelworks (SK6), The Shady Oak (SK7), The Three Tunnes (SK7), The Railway (SK9), Flute & Firkin (SK12) or The Friendship (SK13).
🎶 Free jukebox
The Nelson Tavern (SK1). From 6.30pm.
100 random grounds that County have played at
#55 – Stamford Bridge, Chelsea
Last visit: We’ve never won at Chelsea. Two draws, four defeats. The last time we visited Stamford Bridge was during the 1925-26 season, when County were relegated from the Second Division. The Hatters lost 3-2 in London in November. A Bobby Campbell hat-trick put Chelsea 3-0 up by the hour, before County pulled a couple of goals back through Tommy Mitchell and Bobby Blood.
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💪 Male Weight Loss: MAN v FAT
🖌 Painter & Decorator: BGM Decorators
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