You Know Where that BLUE Flag Went?
By The Kid
November 14 2005
The Academy were the first team of Chelsea to become victims of the Blue Flag syndrome this season, that is, the West Ham's version of the Blue Flag song. (I believe QPR sing it too). To give you the gist its all about sticking the Blue flag 'up where the sun don't shine.' eh hmm eh hmm.
Anyway LOL! Can't wait for the West Ham 1st Team games. Can't wait to hear their version 'live' again LOL LOL LOL LOL! Back to Saturday. The youngsters from Chelsea lost 2-1 and succumbed to two screamers in the first half from 25 and 35 yards respectively. Coach Brendan Rodgers was none to impressed especially with the Academy's first half performance. He said
Half-time score was 2-0 but it should really have been 2-1. Youngster and hearthrob Scott Sinclair missed a penalty, after Nano Ofori was brought down by the Hammers goalkeeper.
The second-half was a different story. James Simmonds came on, replacing Fernandes, and was the spark to a near Academy revival. Rodgers said that Simmonds provided 'much needed penetration.'
Jack Watkins got a goal back midway through the half, cutting inside from the left and firing under the keeper for his second goal of the season. But the equaliser would not come.
"I was proud of the second-half performance," Rodgers said, "and how they kept themselves in the game. The last three performances have been okay, that’s all, and it’s important now to go back to doing what we do very well. It will be good test of that next week against Arsenal."
Dean Furman suffered Chelsea’s only yellow card. Left-back Ryan Bertrand and striker Shaun Cummings were still both missing with mumps.
Team (4-3-3) Hamann; Hutchinson, Worley, Mancienne, Furman; Fernandes (Simmonds), Bridcutt, Grant; Ofori (Saarelma), Watkins, Sinclair.
The game against Arsenal is at home (Cobham) kick off 11am
40 YEARS A BLUE!
PS: These youngsters must be good because the Football League Appeals Committee has set values on the following three Academy players that joined Chelsea during the Summer.
Left-back Ryan Bertrand from Gillingham will cost £125,000 initially plus £50,000 on his first team debut, a further £100,000 after 10, 20, 30 and 40 appearances, £200,000 in the event of an international appearance, and 15 per cent of any profit.
Central defender Harry Worley from Stockport County will cost £150,000 initially plus £50,000 on his first team debut, a further £100,000 after 10, 20, 30 and 40 appearances, £200,000 in the event of an international appearance, and 15 per cent of any profit.
Forward Scott Sinclair from Bristol Rovers will cost £200,000 initially plus £50,000 on his first team debut, a further £125,000 after 10, 20, 30 and 40 appearances, £200,000 in the event of an international appearance, and 15 per cent of any profit.