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‘We hoped for more people to turn up’ – Chelsea fan group reflect after protest causes a stir

‘We hoped for more people to turn up’ – Chelsea fan group reflect after their protest prior to their win against Brentford causes a stir.

A small group of Chelsea fans held a peaceful protest outside Stamford Bridge with a number of chants sung in dissatisfaction with the BlueCo ownership (Boehly/Clearlake/Eghbali), the sporting structure, and recruitment strategy.

“We want our Chelsea back”, “Roman Abramovich”, and “BlueCo Out” were sung, criticising the club being run like a “player trading farm” with massive spending but little on-pitch progress, squad instability, failed strategy, and micromanagement.

Meanwhile this was Strasbourg’s protest march…

NotAProjectCFC said reflecting on their protest: “Learnings from today’s protest. Plenty of food for thought. We believe the overwhelming majority of Chelsea fans are unhappy with the direction of the club which stems from the ownership model and sporting leadership. The question now is how best to apply meaningful pressure for a change in approach.

“We appreciate everyone who attended, and know many more wanted to. Although we anticipated more numbers it gives us something to work with moving forward. We’re not perfect but we will certainly persist. We only want what’s best for the club. Success on the pitch, which starts with success off it. This ownership isn’t delivering that.

“The most important thing today was the 3 points. Congratulations to Liam and the team on a huge win.

“Some reflections from yesterday.

We hoped for more people to turn up, but there’s still a lot to take from it. Speaking personally, we learned a lot.

“If anything, yesterday reinforced what we’ve been hearing for months match-going fans and those online are deeply unhappy with the ownership model and the project being implemented through the sporting structure. The recent CST survey was pretty damning, with well over 80% saying they lack confidence. That level of disconnect between fans and club feels as wide as it’s ever been.

“It’s also important to be honest about the split in messaging. There are fans who believe the only answer is BlueCo Out. We understand that frustration. Many of us would prefer Chelsea not to be owned by BlueCo/Clearlake/Boehly either. But we also have to be realistic about what’s achievable right now. Yesterday, the loudest message from those who attended was BlueCo Out, and that’s something we need to reflect on.

“We should also acknowledge the chanting. When songs drifted toward unrelated rivals, it diluted the message and hurt the credibility of what we were trying to do. Whether we like it or not, that kind of thing makes it easier for people to dismiss any action as unserious.

“What really stood out, though, was how different people experience football.

“For some, it’s everything.

“For others, it’s a release at the end of the week.

“Some want the full matchday experience a few times a season.

“Others can’t be there at all but still care just as deeply.

“That matters when we talk about taking action. A lot of fans who are unhappy simply aren’t comfortable standing in a street protesting alongside people they don’t know or can’t relate to and that doesn’t always make them any less invested.

“So we think a more measured approach is needed next, and we’re genuinely open to ideas.

“A few questions we’d like to put to you:

1️⃣ How do we reach the large number of fans who are unhappy but don’t want to protest publicly?
2️⃣ What are better, more meaningful ways of communicating supporter concerns to the club?
3️⃣ What issues should be prioritised and pushed hardest?
4️⃣ Are you happy to accept the current direction the club is heading?

– Ownership model
– Sporting direction and success
– Front-of-shirt sponsor
– Ticketing
– Stadium
– All of the above

“This isn’t about forcing one view or pretending we have all the answers. It’s about listening, learning, and finding a way forward that actually brings supporters together.”

REASONS FOR PROTEST:

ONE CLUB. ONE VOICE. A Chelsea Supporters’ Statement

Chelsea supporters are encouraged to join a peaceful fan-led protest on the afternoon of our home fixture against Brentford which takes place at 15:00 on January 17th.

The protest will take place outside Britannia Gate from 13:00.

This is a moment that demands unity. clarity, and action from a fanbase that has stood together before most notably to stop the Super League. When Chelsea supporters unite, we make a difference. This moment demands that same unity again.

This is a peaceful. fan-led protest by Chelsea supporters who feel increasingly disconnected from the leadership and direction of our club. This is not about Individual players. This is not about online point-scoring. And it is not about scapegoating one manager. This protest is about the ownership model and sporting structure led by Behdad Eghbali now driving Chelsea Football Club.

Since the takeover, Chelsea has been run less like an elite club and more like a player trading farm. focused on chum. speculation. and long-term potential at the expense of present day competitiveness.
Paul Winstanley Laurence Stewart. Joe Shields, Sam Jewell and the rest of the sporting leadership team.

They have been entrusted with football strategy. recruitment and squad building. Simply put, they have FAILED to meet the standards required at a club of Chelsea’s size. history. and ambition.

The Reality

Record Spending

Massive financial outlay with minimal progress toward competing for major honours

Squad Instability

Constant turnover and ever-changing lineups preventing team cohesion

Failed Strategy

Quantity prioritised over quality to increase resale value: Chelsea is not Brighton or Red Bull

Managerial Chaos

Underwhelming appointments chosen to fit an ‘internal structure” that has failed Potter, Pochettino and Maresca alike

We recognise the ambition shown through record levels of spending. But spending alone Is not progress. Execution is vital. Despite the outlay. Chelsea are no closer to competing for the league title, automatic Champions League qualification Is looking increasingly unlikely, and qualification for next seasons competition has been thrown up In the air by yet another managerial change due to the hierarchy’s own inability not to micromanage the head coach.

This points to a failure of strategy and leadership — not resources.

Across football, It Is widely accepted but most importantly PROVEN that a number of elite. ready-made signings in season. Instead, Chelsea have prioritised long-term potential while sacrificing the present, leading to inconsistent performances. While our rivals strengthen to win now, Chelsea fans continually are being asked to wait. In year one or two we could accept this stance, not in year four of the ‘project..
football club’s value is simple: win major honours consistently.

Chelsea had an opportunity to build on momentum this summer. That opportunity was missed and the club has been set further back.

Instead. Chelsea have prioritised long-term potential while sacrificing the present, leading to inconsistent performances

This is a crucial moment In our club’s history.

What We Demand

Clear Accountability

Football decisions must have clear ownership and consequences for poor outcomes

End Micromanagement Culture

Foster a culture of trust and autonomy not micromanagement from Behdad Eghball. Paul Winstanley, and Laurence Stewart that undermines coaches and the team

Flexibility Over Volume

Reduce youth-heavy recruitment. Add proven experience to rebalance the squad and raise standards amongst our youngster

Board Stability

Consistent leadership at board level with football expertise prioritised

Proper Manager Support

Qualified managers who are backed and not scapegoated

Championship Ambition

A Chelsea that competes seriously in the Premier League and Champions League

Chelsea Is Not A Developrnent We Want Better Project

Chelsea Is not a resale platform. Chelsea Is built to compete at the highest level. This protest is about standards. ambition, and the future of our club.

This is only the beginning. When supporters unite with one voice, change happens. Our club deserves leadership that matches our ambition.

ONE CLUB. ONE VOICE.

This is only the beginning. Chelsea supporters have a proud history of standing up for what matters. We did it with the Super League. We’re doing it again now. Together. we are stronger. Together. we demand better for our club.

Twitter users reacted as Chelsea fan group reflect after their protest causes a stir…

@NiceGuyKenny: Perhaps highlight the main issues people are unhappy with and concentrate on that. If it’s the playing side then fine, but it’s difficult to protest against the ownership having won a CWC and being in the champions league. My main gripe is treatment of supporters.

@alan_hines83: Keep the public message about one thing – wanting BlueCo/Eghbali out. Anything beyond that & the message gets lost & diluted. Speak with the likes of the CPO & CST. It has to be a consistent message. Issues should be discussed as a group & aligned on before going further

@dylscfc: Massive disappointment but not surprised unfortunately. Divs singing about former players, managers and rival clubs when the main focus should be on the board.

@aloadofoldshirt: You’re not going to get more numbers until there is a clear and direct point being made, it’s all a bit messy and the chants, particularly those clamouring for Roman and Maresca are quite comical really, that’s not sending a message to anyone.

@GeorgeMouta: ”Oh Enzo Maresca” chants & ”We hate Tottenham” chants are the perfect examples why the messages are all over the place. Chanting for a guy BlueCo hired is basically enabling their model. They are laughing. Only message should be, and HAS TO be, #BlueCoOut . Most powerful.

@Umair__CFC: Keep it going. But need to cut out the Roman chants. He is not coming back. Focus on Clearlake/Eghbali. Maresca was an extension of their strategy of hiring people with no pedigree at the club. There is no way people should be chanting for him. The protest is against this model!

@10DaveF: What no one seems to be able to answer is what is the end goal, what are they hoping will happen. Do they really expect Eghbali and the rest to just clear off & if they do then what, are we all going to have a whip round to raise 8 billion quid to buy and fun the club

@casscj70: I wish I could be there. It’s a chance to let off steam, collectively have one voice, get things off their chest and make a point. Of course it’s not going to change the current trajectory, but if the optics are good and loads take part – it’s the fans saying it’s their club.

@CFCRics: this “protest” is absolutely pathetic as expected 👍🏾

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