Chelsea FanCast

We delve in to the Chelsea FanCast Archive over the summer break and dig up some classic Chelsea FanCast’s from the past. This week's episode is Chelsea FanCast #192 which features the first guest appearance on the show of Neil 'Spy' Barnett.

The show was originally recorded on 15th February 2012, a day after a miserable 2-0 defeat away to Everton in the dying embers of Andre Villas Boas' ill-feted tenure. Neil 'Spy' Barnett makes his first guest appearance on the Fancast and at the time was still the on-pitch announcer at Stamford Bridge and presenter on Chelsea TV. As well as throwing himself in to the show he discussed his book 'Perfect 10' on his favourite Chelsea players and regaled us with anecdotes of his time as on-pitch announcer, presenter at Chelsea TV and Chelsea supporter since 1959.

Not a very good day at Everton would be an understatement, but hats off to the Chelsea Faithful who made the effort and got behind the team and the manager.

Where do we start? No effort; no desire; no pace; no creativity; no pressing; poor defending and giving the ball away too easily. That’s 2 wins out of the last 10 games; 12 out of a possible 30 points. The worst points total at this stage of the season since 2000/01. It really is going from bad to worse isn’t it? Many Chelsea supporters are asking is AVB the right man for the job? Will Roman wield the axe? What if anything can we change?

Hopefully we answer these tough questions on the show, aided and abetted by Neil ‘Spy’ Barnett, a man close to the Chelsea camp, who can bring some much needed perspective to proceedings having watched Chelsea since 1959. In among the insightful analysis we give out this week’s Match Awards - the ‘Fannies’ - for Man of the Match, Chant of the match, Guinness and Celery moments.

In the second half of the show we talk to Neil about his book ‘Perfect 10’ and his often hilarious anecdotes from writing, editing and broadcasting for Chelsea for over 20 years, working closely with players and managers, and exchanging banter with home and away fans as the on-pitch announcer and presenting for Chelsea TV.

But, we warn you. Neil can talk…a lot…and for a very long time!! For a shorter version read Neil’s book available here.

The Chelsea Football FanCast #192: All Very Bleak!