Chelsea Football Club has been known for its high-profile signings in recent transfer windows.
However, one of the most significant additions to the club has gone largely unnoticed, yet his impact at both the Cobham training facility and Stamford Bridge is undeniable.
This key figure is Paul Burgess, globally recognized as a leading groundsman. He joined Chelsea in 2023 after dedicating over a decade to Real Madrid.
The Premier League`s `Grounds Team of the Season` award is anticipated next month, with Aston Villa being the previous recipient.
Chelsea is expected to be a strong contender for this accolade, owing to the remarkable improvements in pitch quality under Burgess and his team`s expert care.
Previously, issues like fox intrusions on the pitch and player complaints about pitch quality compared to other stadiums were common.
Burgess, whose career includes tenures at his boyhood club Blackpool, Arsenal, and Real Madrid, has revolutionized Chelsea`s groundskeeping.
During his time at Real Madrid, appointed during Jose Mourinho`s management, the Spanish sports publication Marca dubbed him `the magic gardener` for his transformative work on the Santiago Bernabeu`s notoriously poor playing surface.
Burgess also pioneered the construction of an underground laboratory at the Bernabeu as part of its renovation. This innovative system allows the pitch to be maintained even when the stadium is used for events like concerts.
Chelsea may conclude the season with silverware, and their chances in the Europa Conference League also look promising.
Last Thursday, Chelsea men`s team captain Reece James was present at Stamford Bridge to support the women`s team in their Champions League quarter-final match against Manchester City. The women`s team achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory, advancing 3-2 on aggregate.
Lauren James, Reece`s sister, played the entire match and delivered an outstanding performance.
Chelsea fans might be required to show identification for the home Europa Conference League quarter-final against Legia Warsaw on April 17th.
This measure is a practical step to ensure that no away supporters are situated in home fan zones at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea is also commended for their collaboration with Samaritans and Three UK for the recent Premier League home fixture against Spurs.
Recent research indicates that a significant majority of football fans, 64%, experience mental health challenges, with almost half, 42%, seeking support from unexpected sources like taxi drivers.
Mobile network Three UK, with the support of former England striker Peter Crouch, has launched a fleet of specially designated mental health taxis. These taxis are operated by trained cab drivers from Samaritans, aiming to encourage conversations about mental health beyond just football.
On game day, these taxis offered free rides to passengers willing to discuss their mental well-being or simply connect with others.
These taxis were available for rides from West Brompton Tube station to Stamford Bridge before the match.
Former Chelsea manager Ruud Gullit and Luca Vialli reconciled before Vialli`s passing in 2023.
However, Gullit expressed that he will never forgive the Chelsea leadership who dismissed him from the club in 1998.
Vialli, who was signed by Gullit, replaced him as manager after Gullit`s controversial sacking following a League Cup semi-final first leg loss to Arsenal, despite having led Chelsea to FA Cup victory less than a year prior.
This event caused a significant rift between the previously close friends.
Despite Vialli`s untimely death from cancer at 58, Gullit, a Laureus Academy member, stated, “Luca and I were able to resolve our differences.”
“We reconnected a few times over the years, including working together on an Italian football program. We had no unresolved issues.”
Nonetheless, Gullit remains resentful towards former chairman Ken Bates and his associate Colin Hutchinson, adding, “It`s perplexing to be dismissed after achieving success.”
“They eventually realized that my sacking was not due to my performance but rather due to the actions of others within the club.”
“These individuals were later removed, but by then it was almost too late.”
“Fortunately, Abramovich`s arrival brought positive change. But yes, there were indeed dishonest individuals operating behind my back, attempting to engage in deals that I refused to be part of.”
