By 40 Years A Blue
December 2 2005
One wonders what type of reception Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink will get tomorrow when he returns to Stamford Bridge (assuming he is selected for the Middlesbrough squad),
considering the recent press speculation about his just published autobiography and his allegations that Mr A sanctioned 'double' payments after the Champions League Quarter-Final win over Arsenal. The allegations are that Chelsea players were on £50,000 per man to beat Arsenal and when Mr A went into the dressing room after the match at Highbury he was asked by a certain ex-player who had trouble with the white powder to double the payment to £100,000. According to JFH, Mr A agreed and the money was paid. Chelsea deny the allegations and have responded to the Premier League, who are going to investigate the matter further, by saying 'We Will Co-operate' and on Monday last JFH was interviewed in a national broadsheet and denies that his autobiography says the bonuses were paid illegally and details how he believes they were made. Subsequently the Premier League has announced that this matter is not a priority for them. What the fans think? Well lets hear their reaction when JFH takes to the pitch. Super Frank has said this week that he wants to set a record of consecutive appearances that no-one will beat and he reckons 200 will do it. Frank is the bookies favourite at 5/2 to score against the 'Boro. And why should you bet against the Premier League's top scorer. Another man in goalscoring form is Hernan Crespo. Although he came off injured at Portsmoouth, expect him fit and retain his starting place. So - here we go with the team prediction: Cech, Gallas, Terry, Carvalho, Del Horno, Essien, Lampard, Gudjohnsen, J Cole, Crespo, Duff Chelsea v Middlesbrough at Stamford Bridge Of 51 matches, Chelsea have won 33, Middlesbrough have won 5 and there have been 13 draws. Chelsea have scored 97 goals and Middlesbrough 39. In the last meeting at The Bridge Chelsea ran out 2-0 winners. 40 YEARS A BLUE!
