The Way to Grow

You do not become a big club because you have more money than anyone else. You do not become a big club by buying expensive players, sometimes for no other reason than to ensure they do not sign for your rivals, then parking them on a bench. You do not become a big club simply by winning a Championship, even twice. You do not become a big club by haranguing match officials whenever a decision is given against you. You do not become a big club by diving and feigning injury to gain free kicks and penalties, or to deceive referees into booking or dismissing your opponents. You do not become a big club by playing relentless, boring, mind numbing football by numbers – just to accumulate points. You do not become a big club if you do not entertain the people who pay good money to watch and support you. You do not become a big club by being arrogant, or by cavorting dervish-like about the technical area and the touchline. You do not become a big club by launching unwarranted criticism of referees who do not officiate according to your own requirements. You do not become a big club by insulting or destabilising your opponents. You do not become a big club by demonstrating arrogance, or by sulking, or by turning press conferences into second rate stand-up comedy. You do not become a big club by utter ruthlessness. You do not become a big club by demanding to be respected, or liked. You do not become a big club without a measure of grace and humility. You do not become a big club without history, and tradition and real class.

And if you are Chelsea, and you’re absolutely serious about wanting to be a big club, then you have to change. An awful lot.