Got Sent This Through The E Mail.....

[GazzaBTFC]

We could do a study of Squatters v everyone else.......

 

Chelsea - a club with fair-weather fans?

11th September 2004

During the mid-1990's, the owners and directors of Chelsea consistently voiced claims that their club was potentially the 'No.1 club in London'. Yes, ambition is a virtue, nonetheless are Chelsea close to being London's 'No.1 club'?

Support

Most people cite support as a principle criterion of a big club. This table denotes that since 2001-2002 season, Chelsea has had the highest average attendance of any London club. But in the earlier years of the Premiership, Arsenal generally had the highest London average attendance. Of course, Stamford Bridge wasn't as large as now since 1992, so let us examine the years prior to the Premiership.

In the 1980's, Arsenal and Tottenham had the largest London average attendances. Chelsea's average was always lower than the North London clubs in this period! Where were the consistent 40,000+ gates in this era? Yes, Chelsea was a mediocre team in this era. Nonetheless, Arsenal failed to win a trophy between 1953-1970, yet their average attendances were amongst the highest in the old First Division at that time.

'Being a decent side'

Some cite being a top team as a criterion of being a big club. However, there has never been a decade since the beginning of English football in which Chelsea has been predominantly the most successful team. In the pre WWII years, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur were the most successful teams from London (being the first London teams to win the League and FA Cup respectively). In the 1950's, it was Arsenal. In the 60's, it was Spurs. In the 70's it was Arsenal and in the 1980's Tottenham were the most successful London club. In the 1990's and the current decade, the most successful London team have been Arsenal by some margin.

Tradition

Arsenal has won a total of 26 trophies. Spurs have won 16 trophies. Chelsea has won only 11 in their history. Few people would label Chelsea as a club 'steeped' in tradition

I believe Chelsea is a big club, but the size and quantity of their fan base does not equate with that of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. Can Chelsea be 'bigger' in the future? Perhaps. Albeit Arsenal will be a stronger club once their new stadium will be completed. Tottenham are more optimistic with the appointment of Santini as manager. I feel that traditionally Arsenal and Spurs are the biggest clubs in London and are so at the present time.

[Dillinger]

1980's Tottenham were the most successful London club.

 

<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/afro.gif" alt="" /> Remind me how many titles did the bagel munchers win in the 80's

[Eastside Urchin]

45 years and counting since the scum won a league title

i hate both spurs and chelsea with a passion but chelsea have always been a bigger club in my eyes,upto last year a lot of arsenal fans didn't even bother with spurs as they just weren't a big enough club to rival with,instead man utd and chelsea were the new hate figures

i hate all of them!!

[Nitetime Neil]

Who cares ? I support Ricay, don't give a toss about London clubs...