Straight Outta Cobham: The Athletic FC's Chelsea show

Chelsea’s favourite opponents come to Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening, as the Blues look to make it SEVEN straight wins against Tottenham in the Premier League. Matt Davies-Adams has got Sam Parkin and Luke Bosher alongside him for a look ahead to the visit of Spurs. How will Chelsea handle being overwhelming favourites coming into the game? Will Mike Penders show he’s ready to be No. 1? And how are Spurs feeling heading into this match after their first win of the season against Coventry on Monday? We speak to The View From The Lane’s Dan Kilpatrick to find out. Plus - Chelsea Women look to continue their excellent form when they head to Crystal Palace in the WSL. 00:00 - Intro 02:09 - Get Shirty 05:00 - Chelsea v Tottenham preview 05:29 - Is Mike Penders ready? 07:31 - Defensive set-up - Palestra’s role 16:12 - Are we getting too carried away? 19:09 - How much can we read into the table? 21:02 - Calm or chaos on Saturday? 23:18 - Pre-match predictions 26:38 - Tottenham perspective with Dan Kilpatrick…

A win at Everton! And a clean sheet! What’s going on?! Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic’s Chelsea experts Liam Twomey and Simon Johnson for a look back on the 2-0 win at the Hill Dickinson. We’ve got a full debrief of the victory - including Neto’s transformation under Xabi Alonso, Caicedo’s seamless return to action and more love for Jordan Henderson. Plus, the latest on the injuries to Emi Martinez and Reece James. Elsewhere - Chelsea Women romped to a 6-2 victory over Tottenham at Stamford Bridge to keep the pressure on Manchester City at the top of the table. 00:00 - Intro 01:59 - Everton 0-2 Chelsea 05:08 - Reece James’ injury 00:00 - Captain Caicedo 10:27 - Jorrel Hato impresses 13:20 - Formational intrigue 18:31 - Neto’s transformation 23:13 - Jordan Henderson appreciation section 27:59 - Martinez’s injury, Penders’ opportunity 36:35 - Elsewhere in Chelsea news 37:19 - CFCW flying 39:10 - Reggie Watson’s star is growing 🚨 WE'RE NOW ON TIKTOK! www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham 🚨 AND JOIN OUR FPL…

After just one win in their last nine matches away at Everton, can Xabi Alonso’s side come away with from the Hill Dickinson with a victory on Saturday? Matt Davies-Adams has got Sam Parkin and Luke Bosher for company to preview the trip to take on the Toffees. Plus, Chelsea Women get back to WSL action when they face Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. And - which current outfield player is most likely to have a turn as an emergency keeper? 00:00 - Intro 01:15 - Get Shirty 02:45 - Everton v Chelsea preview 03:55 - Do players think about the curse? 06:15 - Any changes in team selection? 10:45 - Reece James’ injury 13:30 - Colwill’s captaincy credentials 17:45 - Henderson’s role 21:15 - Another fast start? 24:30 - Kiernan-Dewsbury Hall/ Tyrique George revenge game 31:30 - Get Shirty reveal 34:15 - Chelsea v Tottenham in the WSL 🚨 WE'RE NOW ON TIKTOK! www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham 🚨 AND JOIN OUR FPL LEAGUE! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/en/leagues/auto-join/p4nqo2 Get in touch: Email: soc@theathletic.com…

Chelsea’s fast starts continue - and this time they manage to hold onto their lead! Matt Davies-Adams has The Athletic’s Chelsea correspondents Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey for company to look back on the 5-1 win over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. We talk Caicedo’s return, Henderson rolling back the years, Palmer’s new contract - and Joao Pedro’s Golden Boot credentials. We’ll be back on Thursday for a look ahead to Saturday’s trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium to face Everton. 00:00 - Intro 02:30 - Chelsea 5-1 Bournemouth 03:15 - Welcome back, Moi! 05:25 - Jordan Henderson rolls back the years 10:35 - Reece James injury worries 12:45 - Chelsea’s fast starts 16:15 - Joao Pedro for Golden Boot? 23:15 - Palmer’s contract extension 29:00 - Estevao sidelined again 35:50 - Elsewhere in Chelsea news 36:45 - Shakhtar at Stamford Bridge 🚨 WE'RE NOW ON TIKTOK! www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham 🚨 AND JOIN OUR FPL LEAGUE! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/en/leagues/auto-join/p4nqo2 Get in touch: Email:…

The Premier League returns and Chelsea look to get their season back on track when winless Bournemouth visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon. Matt Davies-Adams has got Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin for company - on the day it was announced that co-sporting director Laurence Stewart is set to leave the club. We discuss the significance of that departure - before a closer look at the weekend ahead and some of the key selection and system dilemmas facing Xabi Alonso. 🚨 WE'RE NOW ON YOUTUBE! www.youtube.com/@StraightOuttaCobham 🚨 AND TIKTOK! www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham 🚨 AND JOIN OUR FPL LEAGUE! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/en/leagues/auto-join/p4nqo2 HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should Chelsea count themselves lucky to not be in Manchester City’s position? Matt Davies-Adams, Sam Parkin and Luke Bosher assemble in a week which has shaken football. We discuss the City scandal , before taking a closer look at the season so far and some of the issues that have plagued Xabi Alonso’s side in the early stages of this campaign. Plus, CFCW get the better of bitter rivals Arsenal - and who’s done what in the international break so far? HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Luke Bosher and Sam Parkin PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea were well beaten by Brentford on Saturday as the Blues collapsed to a 3-0 defeat in west London. Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic’s Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey to look back on a miserable afternoon, including another set-piece goal conceded, Chelsea’s problems defending corners, a poor performance from Morgan Rogers and the growing reliance on Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto and Rogers for goals. We also discuss the absence of Reece James, the surprise midfield pairing of Andrey Santos and Filip Jorgensen, Xabi Alonso’s late substitutions and whether Chelsea’s defensive problems are down to personnel, tactics or both. Plus, we hear your correspondence and round up the latest from Chelsea’s women’s, Under-21s and Under-18s sides. Get in touch: Email: socpodcast@theathletic.com Straight Outta Cobham is The Athletic's dedicated Chelsea show bringing you the very best coverage from behind the scenes at Chelsea. Twice a week, host Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Liam Twomey, Simon Johnson, Luke Bosher…

Todd Boehly’s four-year association with the club has come to an end, with Clearlake Capital taking full control of Chelsea FC. So what does the change mean for the club going forward? Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic’s Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin to discuss the ownership change before turning their attention to Friday night’s trip to Brentford. We look at the likely formation and team news, whether Moises Caicedo will be rested, the latest on Chelsea’s defensive options, Liam’s piece on Malo Gusto and the midfield problem created by injuries. We also have the latest on Chelsea’s Carabao Cup draw, the women’s return to Stamford Bridge and the academy sides. Get in touch: Email: soc@theathletic.com X: @SOCobhamPod Straight Outta Cobham is The Athletic's dedicated Chelsea show bringing you the very best coverage from behind the scenes at Chelsea. Twice a week, host Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Liam Twomey, Simon Johnson, Luke Bosher and Sam Parkin to bring you expert analysis, news and insights.…

Chelsea throw away another lead as Hull City fight back to earn a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge. Is Xabi Alonso’s side becoming too reliant on outscoring opponents, and how big a problem is the defence? Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic’s Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin to look back on a frustrating afternoon for Chelsea, including more questions over Malo Gusto, Morgan Rogers’ brilliant start, and the decision-making from Xabi Alonso. We also discuss whether Penders should get a chance in goal, Chavarria’s case for a start, the latest from the Chelsea ownership group, and how the women’s and academy sides got on at the weekend. Get in touch: Email: soc@theathletic.com X: @SOCobhamPod Straight Outta Cobham is The Athletic's dedicated Chelsea show bringing you the very best coverage from behind the scenes at Chelsea. Twice a week, host Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Liam Twomey, Simon Johnson, Luke Bosher and Sam Parkin to bring you expert analysis, news and insights. Subscribe now. #chelseafc #cfc…

Chelsea 6 - 3 Leeds United. Did you think that was going to be the final score when Brendan Aaronsen put Leeds 2-0 up just after the restart? Chelsea did end up thrilling in Leeds comeback, but are they too reliant on Xabi Alonso’s A team? Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic’s Sam Parkin and Simon Johnson for company to look back an incredibly entertaining night in the Carabao Cup - and look ahead to Hull City on the weekend! Get in touch: Email: soc@theathletic.com X: @SOCobhamPod Straight Outta Cobham is The Athletic's dedicated Chelsea show bringing you the very best coverage from behind the scenes at Chelsea. Twice a week, host Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Liam Twomey, Simon Johnson, Luke Bosher and Sam Parkin to bring you expert analysis, news and insights. Subscribe now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s another defeat for Chelsea at the Emirates, but did Xabi Alonso’s side show they’re closer to Arsenal’s level than they have been in quite a while? Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic’s Liam Twomey and Luke Bosher for company to look back on the 2-1 defeat by the reigning Premier League champions - and look ahead to the visit of Leeds in the third round of the League Cup on Wednesday evening. Plus, Chelsea Women got their WSL off to a frustrating start, held to a 1-1 draw by Aston Villa. And - can you name a player who’s donned the shirt of Chelsea, Leeds - and Everton? HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Luke Bosher and Liam Twomey PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There was late deadline day drama as Enzo Fernandez’s move to Manchester City was finally confirmed - but the arrival of Lamine Camara collapsed in spectacular fashion at the last moment. Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Sam Parkin and Liam Twomey for a look back on the closing of the transfer window - and a look ahead to Sunday’s first huge test of the season as Chelsea make the trip across London to face champions Arsenal. Plus, Mudryk trying not to be Spursy, a fresh start for Rob Sanchez in Como - and the start of the WSL season! HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea made it back-to-back wins to start the Premier League season in front of a raucous Stamford Bridge - courtesy of a chaotic 4-3 victory over Brighton. Matt Davies-Adams has Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin for company to look back on the incredibly entertaining win for Xabi Alonso’s side - which showed off the Blues’ attacking prowess, but reiterated the need for more solidity at the back. We’ve got a full breakdown on Sunday’s game, plus the latest on the futures of Enzo Fernandez and Robert Sanchez with the transfer window closing in less than 36 hours. *An apology for the shoddy quality of audio since we have made the swap over to YouTube - this is hopefully sounding a lot better for you! 🚨 WE'RE NOW ON YOUTUBE! www.youtube.com/@StraightOuttaCobham Watch every show via our YouTube channel. Plus, plenty of other content/ trivia/ quizzes/ ways for you to have your say. 🚨 AND TIKTOK! www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham 🚨 AND JOIN OUR FPL LEAGUE! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/en/leagues/auto-join/p4nqo2 Hosted…

Chelsea progressed to the third round of the League Cup courtesy of a 2-0 win over Luton Town. Next up, old friends Brighton in the Premier League! Matt Davies-Adams has got Sam Parkin and Luke Bosher for company following the big news that the Blues have agreed a £7.5m deal to sign Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa. So, is Martinez the player to turn Chelsea into serious contenders? How positive are the early signs under Xabi Alonso? And with the Enzo Fernandez saga seemingly coming to a head following his absence from the squad on Thursday night - do the club have enough midfield cover to cope without him?! 🚨 WE'RE NOW ON YOUTUBE! www.youtube.com/@StraightOuttaCobham Watch every show via our YouTube channel. Plus, plenty of other content/ trivia/ quizzes/ ways for you to have your say. 🚨 AND TIKTOK! www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham 🚨 AND JOIN OUR FPL LEAGUE! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/en/leagues/auto-join/p4nqo2 HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Luke Bosher and Sam Parkin PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on…

Chelsea kicked off their Premier League campaign in style (mostly thanks to a 3-2 victory over Fulham, with Cole Palmer back to his dazzling best but alarm bells ringing again after Robert Sanchez’s errors in goal. Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic’s Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey for all the fallout from Craven Cottage - plus a look ahead to Thursday’s visit of Luton Town in the second round of the League Cup. Plus - memories of Chelsea’s last cup meeting with the Hatters, the potential transfers of Liam Delap and Mykhailo Mudryk - and another shirt with a connection hanging on the back of Matt’s door… *An apology for the shoddy quality of audio since we have made the swap over to YouTube - this is hopefully sounding a lot better for you! 🚨 WE'RE NOW ON YOUTUBE! www.youtube.com/@StraightOuttaCobham Watch every show via our YouTube channel. Plus, plenty of other content/ trivia/ quizzes/ ways for you to have your say. 🚨 AND TIKTOK! www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham 🚨 AND JOIN OUR FPL LEAGUE!…

Do Chelsea head into the 2026-27 Premier League season as serious contenders for titles again? Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Liam Twomey and Luke Bosher alongside him for a look ahead to Monday's trip to Fulham as Xabi Alonso's reign in charge officially begins. Plus - a closer look at the players the Blues are still hoping to shift in the closing stages of the transfer window, some broader predictions about the season as a whole - and big news off the pitch with Todd Boehly and Mark Walter in talks to sell their shares in the club to Clearlake Capital. HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Luke Bosher and Liam Twomey PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The new Premier League season begins in a week - and there's a sense of belief back at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea's 3-1 win over Real Sociedad in their final pre-season game. Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic's Simon Johnson and Luke Bosher for a look back on Xabi Alonso's victorious first game in front of the home fans in SW6. How well equipped are the Blues heading into Monday's game with Fulham? Did Morgan Rogers live up to the hype? How did the new-look defence perform? What next for Enzo Fernandez? And how genuine is the interest in Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly?! We'll be back on Thursday for our official build-up to the short trip to Craven Cottage as the season begins under the lights on Monday evening. 🚨 WE'RE NOW ON YOUTUBE! www.youtube.com/@StraightOuttaCobham Watch every show via our YouTube channel. Plus, plenty of other content/ trivia/ quizzes/ ways for you to have your say. 🚨 AND TIKTOK! www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham 🚨 AND JOIN OUR FPL LEAGUE!…

Two weeks to go... Matt Davies Adams is joined by The Athletic's Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey for a look back on Chelsea's pre-season tour exploits following a final two matches in the Far East over the weekend. We dissect the 3-0 win over Milan and the feisty 3-3 draw with Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta'zim - before a wider look at the main learnings for Xabi Alonso in their time on the road. Could 'unicorn' Marco Palestra prove to be the signing of the season? Will Mike Penders be content to play back-up to Rob Sanchez? And should we be worried about the feelings of a clear A and B team amongst the squad? Plus, we bid farewell to Cobham kid Trevoh Chalobah - who's signed for Cesc Fabregas' Como, ending a near 20-year association with the club. And - why Pep Chavarría could prove to be one of the Blues' most influential acquisitions. We'll be back on Monday as we reflect on the visit of Real Sociedad AND gear up for the official return of the Premier League season! 🚨 WE'RE NOW ON YOUTUBE!…

A ban resolved, three players in and a £10m fine… so a pretty quiet week from a Chelsea point of view. Plenty to discuss for Matt Davies-Adams, Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin as Mikhailo Mudryk is officially back and eligible to play for the Blues again. The 25-year-old’s ban has ended with immediate effect after his doping case was resolved on Friday. Will there still be a place for him in the team? Do we think Cole Palmer will give him his Number 10 shirt back? There are three new incomings with Danny Welbeck, Valentin Barco and Maxence Lacroix all joining the club, but are the Blues now under pressure to make sales to get the squad size down? Meanwhile, Chelsea have been fined £10m for breaching rules relating to payments to agents, but have avoided a six point deduction. AND there’s still even time to chat about matters on the pitch, with Xabi Alonso’s side losing 2-1 to Tottenham in Sydney over the weekend. Produced by Lucy Oliva and Xavi Bird. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre-season is officially underway and the Straight Outta Cobham team are here to talk about it. Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Cerys Jones and Simon Johnson from Down Under as the Blues start the Xabi Alonso era with a 6-4 win over Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia. A nine minute hattrick from Joao Pedro with lots of strong performances from youngsters. So what did the panel make of it all? And what are Simon’s first impressions of the new boss? Dom Fifield joins to give a little more insight into the benefits of signing Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace. And Chelsea are close to signing both Jordan Henderson AND Danny Welbeck. Where has this interest in players over 34 come from? And does it signal a change in strategy at the club? Produced by Lucy Oliva and Xavi Bird Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Morgan Rogers is going to Chelsea instead of Arsenal and the Straight Outta Cobham team are here to lap it all up. Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey as the Blues set a new British transfer record of £117m to sign the England attacking midfielder from Aston Villa. How have they managed to pull this one off? And just how will Rogers fit into Xabi Alonso’s new look squad? The new boss has spoken to the media for the first time. What does the panel make of what he had to say? And, now the World Cup is over, we assess who the winners and losers are from a Blues perspective… Enzo Fernandez being the biggest loser of course. Plus, the team reflect on the life of legendary former owner Ken Bates, who passed away at the age of 94. Produced by Xavi Bird Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s three years since a Chelsea great passed away which means it’s only right for a Straight Outta Cobham special. Gianluca Vialli joined Chelsea as a player in 1996 and went on to become one of the club’s most significant figures of the pre-Abramovich era. He helped the Blues win the FA Cup in 1997, before taking over as manager the following season and winning both the League Cup and Cup Winners’ Cup. In this special episode, Matt Davies-Adams, Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin are joined by Luca Dal Monte, a close childhood friend of Vialli’s and author of the new book “The Gentleman: Gianluca Vialli and How He Changed English Football Forever”. Produced by Xavi Bird. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Xabi Alonso has made his first official signing as Chelsea manager and Real Madrid have got the Straight Outta Cobham team scratching their heads again. Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Liam Twomey and Cerys Jones to discuss Marco Palestra’s arrival from Atalanta. What might it mean for both Reece James and Malo Gusto? Will Enzo Fernandez still be Palestra’s teammate at the start of the season? Real Madrid make an official statement saying they have "no intention" of trying to sign the Blues midfielder this summer, but is there still more to come? Plus, the team go through the final element of our summer squad audit: wingers and number 10s. Will not going to the World Cup be a good thing for Cole Palmer? And is Garnacho potentially on his way out? Produced by Xavi Bird Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Enzo Maresca is officially the new Manchester City manager and, while the rest of the football community pretends to be shocked, Chelsea release a blistering statement about how disappointed they are in their “former head coach”. Matt Davies-Adams, Cerys Jones and Sam Parkin react to another tumultuous couple of days at Stamford Bridge, and discuss where this all leaves the club now everything is fully in the open. Meanwhile, there’s plenty of transfer news with the Blues closing in on Atalanta full back Marco Palestra, whilst also having bid for Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka rejected. All this plus the conclusion to our squad audit where the team discuss who, apart from Joao Pedro, should be playing up front for Chelsea next season. Produced by Lucy Oliva and Xavi Bird. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s part three of the Straight Outta Cobham team’s summer squad review and it’s time to sort out who on earth’s going to be playing in midfield for the Blues next season. Enzo Fernandez is the main name on the lips of Matt Davies-Adams, Simon Johnson and Cerys Jones. Is he off to Real Madrid? And if so, is it going to take all summer to happen? Might a disappointing World Cup for Ecuador be a good thing for Moises Caicedo? What does the future hold for Andrey Santos and will Romeo Lavia ever complete 90 minutes in a Chelsea shirt? The team also look into the fixture schedule for next season and discuss the compensation situation that’s complicated Enzo Maresca’s inevitable switch to become Manchester City manager. Produced by Lucy Oliva & Xavi Bird. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marc Cucurella is on his way to Real Madrid and he’s timed it perfectly just ahead of the Straight Outta Cobham team’s review of Chelsea’s defensive unit. Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin to discuss what the Spaniard's exit might mean for the rest of the squad. Is Jorrel Hato the main benefiter at left back? How might Xabi Alonso get the best out of captain Reece James next season? Will it be with a back three? And might that be good news for Malo Gusto? The team also look into the many options at centre back, who they think should stay and go, and also who they might like to see arrive in the transfer window. Produced by Lucy Oliva and Xavi Bird Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The summer is here and it’s squad review time for the Straight Outta Cobham team. Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Liam Twomey and Cerys Jones to discuss all things goalkeepers. Has it been the weakest position during the BlueCo era? And how might they go about fixing it? Will Robert Sanchez still be between the sticks next season or is Mike Penders the answer? It’s not going to be either Filip Jorgensen or Gaga Slonina… they’re both on their way out. Might there be incomings in their place? The team are also joined by special guest Rupert Cane, author of “Behind the Bench: The untold stories of Chelsea’s third-choice goalkeepers”, who tells us about the unique perspective of one of football’s strangest roles. You can buy a copy and donate to Rupert’s Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/behindthebench/behind-the-bench/description All this, plus the latest on Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez. Produced by Xavi Bird and Lucy Oliva. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

World Cup pending... Matt Davies-Adams has got Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin alongside him for our first podcast of the summer break. And we're taking a deep-dive into the Chelsea FC representation at the 2026 World Cup - with the first game of the tournament kicking off in just a week and a half. Plus, what about some of the high-profile Blues who won't be out in Mexico, Canada or the USA this summer? We discuss what a break will mean for the likes of Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro, back at Cobham and working with new boss Xabi Alonso. We've also got the latest transfer chat - as it's emerged that Marc Cucurella could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge - but could there be a glorious return to the fold for Nicolas Jackson? And what about an approach for Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers?! HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Signing off on a sorry season... Matt Davies-Adams has got the whole SOC squad alongside him for a round up of the 2025-26 season for Chelsea Football Club. What are the main takeaways and reflections on this crazy campaign? What does not being in Europe mean from a financial perspective? Who have been the big winners and losers in the squad? And what's top of Xabi Alonso's to-do list heading into the summer?! We'll be with you throughout the summer with squad audits, mailbags, academy check-ins, CFC at the World Cup - and assessing the rather large job the new boss has got on his hands! Thanks for all your continued support and for joining us throughout the season. Take part in our survey and let us know what you want from SOC going forward! forms.gle/S7Qdv1iPPnaemtps7 HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Luke Bosher, Simon Johnson, Cerys Jones, Liam Twomey & Sam Parkin PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A dire end to a dire season... Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin for a look back on the 2-1 defeat Sunderland - which condemns Chelsea to a 10th-placed finish in the Premier League. The Blues were outplayed and outfought by their hosts - and that added to Wesley Fofana's red card sums up what a poor season it's been. Thankfully all was not lost this weekend - with the U18's crowned winners of the Under-18 Premier League National Final after a 5-1 win over Manchester City. We'll be back on Thursday with our full review of the 2025-26 season - and a look ahead to a defining summer for Chelsea and new manager Xabi Alonso. Take part in our survey and tell us what you want from SOC! forms.gle/S7Qdv1iPPnaemtps7 HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Sam Parkin and Simon Johnson PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Tottenham, lads... Matt Davies-Adams has got two of The Athletic's finest - Cerys Jones and Luke Bosher - alongside him for a look back on the absolutely inevitable but pretty unconvincing 2-1 victory over Tottenham at the Bridge on Tuesday night. Then - the end is (finally) here! The Blues make the trip to Sunderland on Sunday - with a place in either the Europa League, Conference League or nothing! - at stake. We'll be back on Monday with a look back on the final game of another crazy season for Chelsea Football Club. HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Luke Bosher and Cerys Jones PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey for company after a rather busy days for Chelsea Football Club... A seventh straight defeat in a final at Wembley? Bad. Xabi Alonso announced as the new Blues manager? Now, that's more like it! We've got all the latest on Alonso's appointment, plus a look back on the narrow 1-0 defeat by Manchester City in the FA Cup final AND a look ahead to the visit of Tottenham in the Premier League on Tuesday night. Can they sign off at Stamford Bridge on a high by taking Spurs' relegation battle to the last day of the season? Plus - an emotional goodbye for Millie Bright and Sam Kerr - who scored on her final CFCW appearance to beat Manchester United and equal Fran Kirby's goalscoring record as Sonia Bompastor's side wrap up a third-placed finish in the WSL. We'll be back with you on Wednesday - hot off the back of events at the Bridge - to bring you reaction to the Tottenham game and look ahead to the final day of the season at Sunderland. HOST:…

Surely the Wembley curse has to come to an end eventually?! Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic's Liam Twomey and Luke Bosher for a mega look ahead to Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley. Do the Blues have any hope of beating Pep's men given their 13-game winless streak against them? What are the key selection issues heading into the final? And just what an incredible achievement would it be for Calum McFarlane to lead this side to an unlikely moment of glory in an otherwise chaotic season? Off the pitch, there's protests planned at Wembley ahead of the match - and on Tuesday night against Tottenham at the Bridge. Liam speaks to organisers David and Jacob from NotAProjectCFC to find out more about this latest action - and whether there's any way back for BlueCo in the eyes of the supporters. Plus - we've got word from David Ornstein on the news he broke earlier this week that Xabi Alonso is at the forefront of Chelsea's thinking as they seek a new head coach. We'll be back on…

Seven straight defeats? Not in these parts... Matt Davies-Adams calls up Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin for a look back on the 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday lunchtime. We take the positives from a far better showing that the sorry Forest defeat, laud the return of Levi Colwill - starting his first game of the season - and ponder whether this will be the boost they need to go into a Wembley final with at least an improved chance of beating Pep's side... Plus, Cerys Jones pops by for the madness of the Women's FA Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge, which saw Chelsea squander a two-goal lead to be knocked out 3-2 in extra-time by Manchester City. And - any update on the managerial hunt?! And the U18's finish off their title-winning regular season campaign in style... We'll be back on Thursday with a more comprehensive look ahead to Saturday's Wembley showdown with Manchester City in the FA Cup final. HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Simon Johnson, Sam Parkin & Cerys Jones PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted…

News just in... unfortunately we can't forfeit this game... Matt Davies-Adams is once again joined by two of The Athletic's finest - Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey - for a look ahead to the weekend trip to Merseyside to take on Liverpool. Will the players actually bother to try and put in some kind of performance on Saturday? What players are even available? And do they need to string a couple of results together to have any hope going into the FA Cup final? Plus - we discuss the announcement of changes to the club's ticketing policy next season - and what the ramifications could be. Oh, and Super Frank! He's been speaking to The Athletic's Tom Burrows after guiding Coventry City back to the Premier League. We'll be back on Monday with a look back on events at Anfield - and see whether Chelsea Women have managed to book their place in an FA Cup final. HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Liam Twomey Simon Johnson PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can the season just end now? Matt Davies-Adams enlists The Athletic's Chelsea experts Liam Twomey and Simon Johnson for our latest doomcast after the horror show against an unrecognisable Nottingham Forest. What can you even say after that performance?! The lack of effort, the shortcomings all over the field, the terrible end to what should have been a special day for Jesse Derry, the magnificent Joao Pedro goal which will sadly be nothing more than an after-thought in an afternoon to forget. Elsewhere - CFCW seal UWCL football! But the U21's season is over after PL2 play-off quarter-final defeat. Plus, legendary goalkeeper Petr Cech shares his reflections on the current state of the club. We'll be back on Thursday for the look ahead to Saturday's trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool... they haven't won their since March 2021 - what could possibly go wrong? HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Join our FPL league!…

MDA Derby pending... Matt Davies-Adams has got Sam Parkin and Liam Twomey for company - and a smorgasbord of Chelsea-related chatter to get stuck into ahead of a busy weekend of action. We look ahead to the visit of Nottingham Forest. We discuss any managerial developments and hear from Italian football expert James Horncastle on why it may be difficult to tempt Cesc Fabregas away from Como. We chat Mudryk's CAS appeal and what comes next. We're joined by women's football writer of the year Charlotte Harpur to discuss legend Millie Bright's retirement! And we try and name a bunch of 17-year-olds who made their Premier League debuts. We'll be back on Tuesday with a look back on the Bank Holiday festivities at Stamford Bridge as the Blues look to keep their hopes of European football alive! HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Liam Twomey, Sam Parkin and Charlotte Harpur PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Join our FPL league! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/7lntvq League Code: 7lntvq Hosted on Acast. See…

So, that's what effort looks like!? Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Simon Johnson and Luke Bosher alongside him for a look back on Sunday's trip to Wembley - where Chelsea set a date with Manchester City in the final after a 1-0 win over Leeds. We discuss the much-improved performance from the end of the Rosenior reign (although that's not saying much!), discuss the captain Enzo's goal, the crucial role that Joao Pedro plays - and give praise to Calum McFarlane for how he's conducted himself having been thrust back into the spotlight. Then - we touch base with the runners and riders to become the next man in the dugout. Is Iraola the favourite? Could Cesc be tempted away from Como? Is Xabi Alonso an ideal fit?! Plus - Levi Colwill was back playing with aplomb for the U21's and CFCW kept up their hunt for a Champions League spot with a big win at Everton. We'll be back on Thursday for a look ahead to the MDA Derby - with the visit of Nottingham Forest to Stamford Bridge on Bank Holiday Monday. HOST:…

106 days later... The SOC gang assembles under emergency measures after the news dropped late on Monday afternoon that Liam Rosenior has been sacked by Chelsea after less than four months as the club’s head coach. Appointed in January to succeed Enzo Maresca - he began by winning eight of his first 11 matches in charge. But Monday's defeat to Brighton was the seventh time they have lost in their last eight games — the only victory coming against third-tier Port Vale in the FA Cup. Matt's joined by Liam, Cerys, Luke AND Simon for our immediate reaction to the news. Was this always inevitable? What can Calum McFarlane do to lift the spirits going into Sunday's game at Wembley? Where do the club turn next? Could they convince Cesc Fabregas to join the project? Will the club hierarchy be held accountable for the mess that this season has been turned into? Keep across The Athletic for the definitive inside read on Rosenior's departure and all the fallout that follows - and we'll of course back with you on Monday…

What were you doing in 1912? Matt Davies-Adams, Cerys Jones and Liam Twomey jump aboard the pretty downbeat party bus for a look back on the 3-0 defeat at Brighton which condemns Chelsea to their fifth straight Premier League defeat without scoring. We get into Liam Rosenior's pointed post-match comments, the bizarre formation, the totally inept performance across the board - and what this latest low means for Rosenior's future and the fate of the rest of the season. So - what chances of beating a confident, in-form Leeds United at Wembley on Sunday afternoon? Spoiler alert... not very high by our estimations! Then - the good news keeps coming - with The Athletic's Football Finance Writer Chris Weatherspoon with us for a closer look at his comprehensive piece - 'Exploring BlueCo’s finances and its massive bet on Chelsea'. Plus - CFCW have a new official home for the next WSL season... Stamford Bridge! We'll be back on Monday (barring any news in the meantime...) to look back on Sunday's semi-final with Leeds…

Gallows humour at the ready... Matt Davies-Adams has The Athletic's Simon Johnson and Luke Bosher for company to look back on the latest shambolic result for Chelsea Football Club - this time in the form of a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United. We touch upon the pre-match protests, before focusing on another day to forget at the Bridge to condemn the Blues to their fourth straight defeat... without scoring a goal. Then - there's a trip to the seaside to take on a Brighton side who would leapfrog Liam Rosenior's side in the table if they were to win. Plus - Caicedo's new contract - and co‑owner Behdad Eghbali admits mistakes have been made... We'll be back with you on Wednesday for the fallout from the trip to the Amex - as well as all the other Blues news and a look ahead to Leeds in the FA Cup semi-final. https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/7lntvq League Code: 7lntvq HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See…

Four Premier League defeats in a row for just the second time this century? Surely not?! Matt Davies-Adams is in the company of The Athletic's Cerys Jones and Liam Twomey for a look ahead to the visit of Manchester United under the lights at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night. We discuss what kind of team we're expecting to see face up against Michael Carrick's side with Enzo Fernandez in from the cold, how much pressure there is to get a result in front of expectant home fans and whether this is a must win for any hopes of a top five finish - or whether there's still plenty of room for slip ups in the run-in... Plus - would Chelsea make a move for Andoni Iraola? What kind of crowds should we expect at the pre-match protests before Saturday's game? And can you name the last 10 men to play for both sides? We'll be back on Monday with a look back at events at the Bridge on Saturday evening - and a look ahead to Tuesday night's trip to Brighton as the season enters its final stretch.…

All downhill from here? Matt Davies-Adams has got Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin alongside him for a look back on the 3-0 defeat dished out to the Blues by a far superior Manchester City. Why was the second half showing so poor? Would Enzo Fernandez have made any difference if he wasn't on the naughty step? And does it feel like it's now only a matter of time before the club move on from Liam Rosenior's tenure with things seemingly souring quickly - and results and performances continuing to deteriorate? There is at least a bit of positivity to come out of Cobham for the U18's and U21's in their respective leagues. We'll be back on Thursday with a look ahead to the visit of Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday evening. HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Simon Johnson & Sam Parkin PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Davies-Adams has got Luke Bosher and Liam Twomey for company for a look ahead to the visit of Manchester City to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon. Who the heck is going to be in the starting XI?! What chance do Liam Rosenior's side have of frustrating Pep's men like they did at the Etihad back in January? And can they avoid losing 3 successive league games without scoring for the first time since 1998?! Plus - a deep dive on who we think will be wearing the captain's armband this weekend - and whether we're going to have to reopen the never tedious starting goalkeeper debate... Oh - and neither Luke or Liam cover themselves in glory when tasked with naming the last 10 footballers who've made at least one Premier League appearance for both Chelsea and Manchester City. We'll be back on Monday (probably slightly later in the day because Producer Lucy may or may not be on holiday, sorry!) to capture all the fallout from events at the Bridge on Sunday.…

How can you come away from a 7-0 victory... still kind of unconvinced?! Matt Davies-Adams has got his Easter bunnies Sam Parkin and Liam Twomey alongside him for a look back on the thrashing of Port Vale in the FA Cup. Who were the big winners and losers from the game? Why didn't Josh Acheampong get more minutes? And what does it say about Liam Delap's future that he was left out - and then still didn't manage to score once he'd come on? Plus - a chance to touch upon some of the ongoing drama behind the scenes at the club - with Enzo Fernandez's two-game benching, Cucurella's comments, the race to finish in the top five - and Mudryk training in Uxbridge! We'll be back on Thursday with a comprehensive look ahead to the visit of Manchester City in the Premier League. https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/7lntvq League Code: 7lntvq HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anyone else want to speak out in the press? Matt Davies-Adams has got Cerys Jones and Luke Bosher for company as we return from a short international break of our own to look ahead to the return to action of the men's team. But we begin with disappointment in the UWCL for CFCW - 1-0 winners on the night against Arsenal but knocked out of the competition at the quarter-final stage 3-2 on aggregate... no thanks to some of the officiating on show. Then - we turn our attention to the visit of bottom of League One Port Vale in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. They couldn't do a Bradford - could they?! Plus - more news of a financial variety as the club announce the biggest pre-tax loss in Premier League history... winning something at least, eh?! We'll be back on Monday to look back on the visit of the Valiants - and surely be celebrating safe passage to an FA Cup semi-final?! HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Cerys Jones and Luke Bosher PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more…

Losing isn't exclusive to the men's team at the moment... Matt Davies-Adams has a new-look starting line-up - with The Athletic's Charlotte Harpur and Michael Cox joining forces with SOC's own Cerys Jones for a closer look at all things CFCW hot off the back of Chelsea's 3-1 defeat by Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. We look at the big talking points from the match in rainy north London - before pondering whether the Blues can turn things around in the return leg back at Stamford Bridge next Wednesday. How damaging would it be if Sonia Bompastor's side got knocked out at this stage and then also failed to qualify for the competition next season? Plus, we shine the spotlight on what's going on behind the scenes at the club - with news of big departures on and off the pitch, recruitment uncertainty, questions over the best stadium to play at moving forward - and whether the new model the club is operating under as a whole will have a detrimental impact on CFCW. We're taking a…

We're going to need more than Good Luck, Babe! Matt Davies-Adams has got two Chappell Roan enthusiasts - Cerys Jones and Simon Johnson - alongside him for a look back at another miserable trip to Merseyside. There's the fallout from the abject 3-0 defeat to Everton. Have the players downed tools? Have they lost respect for Liam Rosenior's methods? And are we in danger of seeing the Blues tumble down the table?! With Champions League football next season looking fanciful in this current state... It might be time to regroup for the men's side over the international break - but CFCW have got the small matter of a Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal on Tuesday night to look ahead to. We preview that game - and some big contractual news to come out of the club with a couple of legends looking set to depart. Plus - an unfortunate trip down memory lane to that 2022-23 campaign - surely it can't get that bad?!! We'll be back with a special show on Wednesday shining the spotlight on CFCW and hoping for a…

You 8-2 see it... Matt Davies-Adams enlists Cerys Jones and Liam Twomey for a gory-post mortem of Chelsea's 8-2 aggregate defeat by PSG in the Champions League last 16. Simon Johnson beams in from the Stamford Bridge press box with a pretty damning assessment of what he saw in front of him on a 'horrific night' for everyone associated with the club. Was this result breaking point for Liam Rosenior in the eyes of Chelsea fans? And will this embarrassment on the biggest stage make the club hierarchy reconsider their approach to this 'project'? The mood is very high going into the first ever trip to the Hill Dickinson then (!) - we look ahead to that match. Plus - racking our brains for players who found the net at Goodison... We'll be back on Monday to look back on the trip to Everton - will the Blues be heading into the international break on a much-needed high? HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Respectfully... Matt Davies-Adams is joined by the SOC OG's Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey for a look back at events at Stamford Bridge on Saturday as Chelsea's top five hopes were dealt another blow. But we begin with a double dose of bad breaking news to come out of the club on Monday - with Reece James injured and the club handed a suspended one-year ban from signing first-team players and given a £10million fine from the Premier League relating to breaches of financial rules during Roman Abramovich’s time as owner. If that wasn't fun enough - we get stuchin into the farcical pre-match huddle situation - before finally focusing on the lowlights of the 1-0 defeat by Newcastle. Things don't get much easier - with PSG in town on Tuesday with the unenviable task of trying to overcome a 5-2 deficit. As has so often been the case in the past - thank goodness for CFCW! They picked up their first silverware of the season thanks to the 2-0 League Cup final victory over Manchester United. We'll be back on Wednesday…