It might take some time, and there are probably still many things that some fans are not happy with yet, or some things that they still disagree with, but it’s clear that Chelsea’s new owners are trying to be in touch and connected to the Blues fanbase on the whole.
What has been made clear to me today and also recently, is that the new owners are very much listening to us as fans and trying to action some of the things we have been saying and asking for since they took charge in the summer.
As I say, not everything will be perfect yet, and things will certainly take time and not happen over night, but our new owners are trying to be fully aligned with the fans, and that’s a great thing.
Chelsea’s official forum has seemingly been joined from voices from the current new ownership team. One of the leaders at the official club forum, Zak Fortag, has been collecting quotes from our owners from a discussion session on the forum this week.
First of all, the new owners are contemplating setting up a fan shadow board for the club.
“As well as the Forum, we are looking at having a shadow board as a formal aspect of communication. However, the Club also welcomes informal feedback directly from fans in order to gauge a wide range of views.”
Extra exclusive quotes via @Zack_fortag
— Si & Dan Talk Chelsea (@SiandDanTalkCFC) December 6, 2022
This is great, and I know that the idea of a shadow board is often greeted with mixed opinions. But for me, interacting with the fans and listening to our views, is only a major plus point.
More quotes on valuing the academy and providing a pathway for young players.
The owners: “There is a clear path to the first team from our academy as shown by the number of former juniors in the first team squad. Playing for feeder clubs gives them good experience too. Reece James’ contract was renegotiated early as we want to ensure our best players are here for the long term. It was made clear to Armando Broja that he would get opportunities.”
This is all part of the multi-club model idea as well, providing feeder clubs that will actually be playing our young players whilst out on loan. Again, only a major positive.
Also, from Fortag’s notes – the owners were asked what the vision is for the club in light of the sacking of Thomas Tuchel. The said: “A major aspect is to recruit the best young players in the world to help ensure the success of the team.
We are also looking at the multi-club model to circumvent issues arising from Brexit. We want the club’s departments to be working together better. It’s fully acknowledged Thomas is a very good manager but the owner’s wanted alignment regarding the workings of the Club.”
Quotes can be found here in Fortag’s tweets:
Quotes from the owners team at the latest forum meeting-
The Club was asked what the vision is for the Club in light of the sacking of Thomas Tuchel. It responded that a major aspect is to recruit the best young players in the world to help ensure the success of the team.
— Zack Fortag (@Zack_fortag) December 6, 2022
I think it’s great to hear from the owners and the fact they took some time to join the official club forum chat is excellent. The plans sound great and we are in very safe hands, I’ve never had any doubts about that.