7 May 2005 Abramovich Reveals Master-plan Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich broke his silence - in an article in the clubs program for their match against Charlton : "I view this championship as just the beginning of a new era for Chelsea and would like to reiterate my long-term commitment to the club. Much has been said about the financial outlay over the past two years. However, this must be seen in the context of placing Chelsea on a level playing field with the other top clubs in England and Europe for a sustained period. We have made solid investments on the field in players, management, training facilities and an academy that will nurture the next generation of home-grown talent. Off the field, a team of executives and senior managers has been put together to grow the business and capitalise on the playing success. All of this is a deliberate, long-term strategy with the aim of building the most successful football club in the world in the next 10 years and beyond. Under chairman Bruce Buck, chief executive Peter Kenyon and Jose Mourinho, we have a strong leadership team that shares my vision." Abramovich congratulated the fans : "Winning the league this year is especially moving as it comes on the 50th anniversary of Chelsea's last title and at the beginning of the club's centenary year celebrations. I would especially like to congratulate the fans. You have waited patiently and this victory has only been possible thanks to your support. I am very honoured to share in your joy. My heart also goes out to the long-term supporters who did not live to see Chelsea reach the pinnacle of English football once again, and I would like to dedicate this trophy to them. Fifty years is much too long to wait - and I am confident that we will not have to wait that long again." 6 May 2005 Chelsea Want Crespo Back "There is a big chance he (Crespo) will come back. He is having a good season and I want him to stay. AC Milan will have to pay a lot of money if they want to buy him." - Jose Mourinho Lampard Wins Football Writers Award Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has been named the Football Writers' Association player of the year. Team-mate John Terry finished second and Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher finished third. Another French Coach Bites the Dust Relegation threatened Caen has sacked Patrick Remy. Sporting director Franck Dumas takes over. Remy is the tenth first division coach to be sacked this season. UEFA Annoyed with Mourinho Stupidity The vice-chairman of UEFA's referee committee has warned Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho over his comments over Luis Garcia's winning goal in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final. Mourinho said : "They scored, if you can say that they scored, because maybe you should say the linesman scored." Lars-Ake Bjorck said : "It's unbelievable he hasn't got the brain to learn from his mistake last time. It's incredible, especially when you put in mind he recently was punished hard with both suspension and payment charges. If UEFA get a report we will treat it rapidly. This kind of statement damages football and everything around football." 5 May 2005 Mourinho Plans Reinforcements "I think it's normal that one or two players, they will want to leave and it is normal we are looking for three players who can improve our squad. I want to bring in a left back, bring in a midfielder, bring in an attacker and then we will improve in every department of the squad and our group will be even better next season." Jose Mourinho Eto'o Critical of Example Set by Parents Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o, who has been the victim of racial abuse several times this season, has criticised parents for the terrible example they set to children : "The kids don't know if these monkey chants are good or bad. They just listen to their parents who are gods to them and this is what is worrying." Robinson Out for Season Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson has been ruled out for the rest of the season after tearing knee ligaments in the clubs 5-1 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday. Robinson will also miss England's end of season tour to the US. FA Blow for Liverpool The FA have stated that Liverpool would only be able to defend the European Cup IF they finished 4th in the Premiership. A statement read : "The decision follows a recommendation from this afternoon's Professional Game Board meeting, which has been endorsed by The FA Main Board. This will not be changed whatever the outcome of Liverpool's Champions League Final in Istanbul on 25 May." "The FA also believes that if Liverpool win in Istanbul and do not finish in the top four in the Premiership an extra place should be allocated to them in the Champions League next season. This is ultimately a matter for UEFA, but The FA will continue to make representations on this issue at the highest level." UEFA spokesman William Gaillard was quick to dismiss any suggestion that England could have five representatives in next year's competition : "You cannot change the rule at this late stage of the season. For future seasons, say from 2006-2007, the executive committee may look to change the rule but for next season the rule stays at it is. The English Premiership has four places and it would be unfair to tell another national association that they have lost one of theirs." 2 May 2005 PSG Sack President Canal Plus have sacked PSG president Francis Graille. The former chief executive of white goods manufacturers Moulinex will be his replacement. In a statement PSG, who own 98.5% of the clubs shares, said : "Canal Plus put an end to Francis Graille's spell as head of PSG. The company did not agree with the plans laid out by Francis Graille, who wanted to become a shareholder in PSG. The company would like to thank Francis Graille for all his work while at the helm of PSG. Canal Plus are to propose on Monday to the board of PSG a new team of directors with Pierre Blayau as president, whose priorities will be preparing for next season. Canal Plus also intends to continue to assume its responsibilities with regards to the club and to give it a new freshness." Schools Association Drop Rooney Manchester United's Wayne Rooney has been dropped from coaching at an under 13 event next week because the organisers consider him to be a bad role model. Rooney has launched libel action after reports that he slapped his girlfriend Coleen McLoughlin in a night club. In February he was ordered to attend anger management counselling after swearing at a referee over 100 times during Manchester United's match with Arsenal. Last year he admitted to visiting prostitutes. English Schools Football Association chief executive John Read told the Daily Mail "We felt, under the circumstances, over what was being reported, that we could find a better role model." 1 May 2005 Wenger Confirms Beckham Interest "We will have some money to spend in the summer and if there was a chance to sign David Beckham, we would look at it. If the situation arises that it is possible, why not?" - Arsene Wenger