In the early hours of this morning (unless you are or were in Malaysia) the Academy of Chelsea went down 1-0 to the youth of PSV in the Malaysia Champions Youth Cup and for the Academy to stand a chance of qualifying for the next stage, Chelsea need to beat the hosts on Friday afternoon with a kick off time of 1.30pm UK time (time difference eleswhere well work it out yourself).
I finish work at 2pm and if I can I will bring you updates from about 2.30pm UK time - subject to other commitments.
Looking at the team that Academy manager Paul Clement (who replaced Ruud Kaiser as Academy manager who left the club during the Summer) put out, the team was a very good and strong side. Reports suggest that PSV's young goalkeeper, Jeroen Zoet had an outstanding game and kept the rampant Blues at bay.
Ironically Chelsea has ex-legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink training at Cobham with the reserves whilst he is looking for another club, and it was another Hasselbaink, Nigel who came on as a PSV substitute and gave PSV the lead and what turned out to be the winning goal.
Chelsea Team:
Rhys Taylor, Shaun Cummings, Jack Cork (c), San Hutchinson, Ryan Bertrand, Jacob Mellis (Tom Taiwo 58), Liam Bridcutt, Gael Kakuta, Fabio Ferreira (Patrick Van Aanholt 50), Morten Nielsen, Mirsoslav Stoch.
On Tuesday at Stamford Bridge, the club held an open day to witness the first-team training at the Bridge for the first-time this season. Over 3,000 fans turned out but unfortunately the majoirty of the hereos they came to see were back at Cobham receiving treatment for their injuries sustained during pre-season. Fourteen players were absent and Jose has an injury headache before the first game of the season against Birmingham City on Sunday.
The hierachy at Chelsea 'apologised' for the absence of the majority of the squad and promised that there will be another fan training day in due course to make up for any disappointment - yep making up just like Chelsea do who served coffee and free caps to the throng yesterday, as an instant consolation, as if that is any!!!!!
Finally the 'injured' list:
Cech (Hand)
Ashley Cole (Ankle)
Malouda and Glenn Johnson (Dead Legs)
Terry and Drogba (Knee)
Makelele
Shevchenko
Ballack
Robben
Ferreira
Kalou
Joe Cole
Bridge
TV reports suggest that FINALLY Real Madrid are going to offer £25m for Mr 'Glass Ankles' Arjen Robben and finally teenage reserve defender who is currently on loan to QPR, Michael Mancienne signed a new three year Chelsea contract today.