Chelsea

Chelsea
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho feels beating Manchester United 3-1 at Old Trafford to break their points record has capped an impressive season. The Blues are now on 94 points, passing United's total of 92 in 1993/94. "It is perfect," Mourinho said. "The record was our motivation. We wanted to beat it and this is a special moment. "It is the perfect way to do it - at a great stadium against a team who in Sir Alex Ferguson have a manager who leads by example in success and fair play." The Chelsea manager added that he felt his team's 20-point lead over United provided a distorted view of the way the season unfolded. "Twenty points does not show the difference between both teams because Manchester United also have great players," added Mourinho. "They had a very bad start to the season and a very bad end, but in the middle they put pressure on us." Mourinho dedicated the victory to Blues captain John Terry, whose season has been ended by a toe injury. "We don't want to forget John as he would love to be here with us - and the other players with injuries," he added. "This victory is for him as our captain. As a Chelsea boy as a child he must be the most proud about the record." The Chelsea boss is already planning for next season and hopes to build upon the success of this campaign. "I will look forward to seeing the first pre-season training session on July 6 - I'll be coaching and watching and seeing what we want for the future," he added. "In such an important league you don't fail if you don't win the league but in my five years if I don't win the championship once or twice more I'd say we don't have a really great team." Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen said he is also looking forward to next season. He said: "The season could have been even better if we had got to the Champions League final but you've got to start somewhere and we've got two trophies this season, which is a great achievement. "We'll enjoy the last game (at Newcastle), the summer break and will come refreshed into the new season. "We are the champions and it is a great feeling."

Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea
Champions Chelsea set the record for the fewest number of top-flight goals conceded in a season in an entertaining and open draw at St James' Park. The draw means the 15 the Blues let in beats Liverpool's post-war tally of 16 and equals Preston's record of 1888/89. Newcastle took the lead against the run of play when Geremi put through his own net under pressure from Titus Bramble. Frank Lampard blasted in the equaliser from the spot after Celestine Babayaro bundled over Eidur Gudjohnsen. The champions made sure their season ended in fine style despite failing to record a 10th consecutive away League victory. Their draw meant the Blues were only once beaten throughout their league campaign and also saw them extend the most points in a Premiership season record to 95. Chelsea dominated possession in the first half with Lampard, Joe Cole, Tiago and Jiri Jarosik all finding plenty of time and space in the final third. Jarosik, who replaced William Gallas in Chelsea's only change from the side that comfortably saw off Manchester United, had the first chance. The Czech midfielder cut inside onto his right foot and curled a shot a couple of feet past Shay Given's post. And the visitors continued to look the more likely to score. Lampard's lovely floated ball over the top put Gudjohnsen away but Jean-Alain Boumsong recovered brilliantly to block the shot. The lively Cole then blazed over and Jarosik had another shot easily saved by Given. But a sun-soaked home crowd were soon celebrating as James Milner's wickedly inswinging corner was tipped over by Carlo Cudicini and from the next corner Geremi could only bundle the ball into his own net under pressure from Bramble. However, Chelsea's reply was instant as Gudjohnsen raced onto a Jarosik flick from Ricardo Carvalho's long punt downfield and was tugged down in the box by former Blues full-back Babayaro. Lampard blasted the penalty home despite losing his footing as he struck the ball. Alan Shearer, recalled to the starting line-up after sitting out the last two matches, had the final chance of the first period but his 25-yard free-kick never seriously troubled Cudicini. Newcastle's lacklustre first-half showing seemed to rile boss Graeme Souness and the home side came out with a real sense of purpose on the resumption. The Magpies were suddenly depriving Chelsea time with some biting challenges and they started to win the midfield battle. Babayaro fizzed a shot just wide and following a sustained period of pressure, Patrick Kluivert had a fine downward header tipped around the post by Cudicini. Chelsea still threatened on the break and Gudjohnsen's elusive run saw Given forced to scramble low to his left to turn the shot away. In a frantic end-to-end finale there was still time for Geremi to clear off the line and Jarosik to be denied by a superb reaction save from Given. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Newcastle: Given, Carr (Taylor 45), Boumsong, Bramble, Babayaro, Jenas, Ambrose, N'Zogbia, Milner, Shearer, Kluivert (Chopra 76). Subs Not Used: Andrew O'Brien, Harper, Robert. Booked: Babayaro, N'Zogbia, Kluivert, Jenas. Goals: Geremi 33 og. Chelsea: Cudicini, Geremi, Ricardo Carvalho, Huth, Johnson, Makelele, Jarosik (Watt 90), Tiago, Lampard, Cole (Nuno Morais 89), Gudjohnsen (Oliveira 84). Subs Not Used: Cech, Grant. Booked: Cole, Ricardo Carvalho, Tiago, Geremi. Goals: Lampard 35 pen. Att: 52,326 Ref: H Webb (S Yorkshire).

Mourinho proud of battling finish
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was delighted to see his side end their title-winning season with a battling display in the 1-1 draw at Newcastle. He said: "The team deserved to finish well. The players were tired with many miles in their legs but we were committed and kept compact. "My experience about being champions before the end was always defeat as it can be difficult to be motivated. "But we ended by beating Charlton and Man Utd and drawing with Newcastle." Mourinho also saw his team equal the record for the fewest number of top-flight goals conceded in a season. The draw means the 15 the Blues let in beats Liverpool's post-war tally of 16 and equals Preston's record of 1888/89. And Preston's record was set when only 22 matches were played. Chelsea also recorded the highest ever points tally in a Premier League season with 95 - three more than Manchester United's total of 92. Mourinho said: "We beat the points record and one defeat and 95 points is fantastic. The players have been magnificent. "It was good to fight for the points record and goals conceded record as we had something to motivate the players having already won the title." And Mourinho says they are already thinking about next season: "We started thinking about the next campaign a few months ago. It's easy to prepare for next season as we have a group of champions and want to keep them. "We want to make two or three adjustments but we have the base."

Chelsea link to Del Horno denied
Athletic Bilbao president Fernando Lamikiz has played down reports linking left-back Asier del Horno with a move to Chelsea. The 24-year-old Spanish international is reported to be a target for both Chelsea and Real Madrid. But Lamikiz insisted neither club had been in contact. "Absolutely nobody has offered anything for Asier. If they do so, the first thing we will do is sit down and talk to the player," he said.

Man quizzed over Lampard burglary
A man has been arrested after burglars raided the home of Chelsea and England midfielder Frank Lampard. Lampard and his pregnant fiancee Elen Rives, 28, were sleeping upstairs when thieves broke into the three-story house in Chelsea, south west London. Police said raiders forced the door of the £4m house in the early hours of Wednesday and stole two cars, a TV and a computer. All were found later. A man was arrested in Battersea on suspicion of burglary. Scotland Yard said police were called at 0403 BST to reports of a break in at the footballer's home. Photographs published The police said Lampard's Mercedes 4x4 and Aston Martin were driven away laden with a computer and TV, also taken from the footballer's home. A spokesman said: "One of the vehicles was later found in Chelsea and the other, containing property, was discovered in Battersea." The player's management company said Lampard and his fiancee had only moved into the house a few days ago. "Unfortunately, photographs of the house have been published in various newspapers which has not helped with maintaining his privacy and security", a spokeswoman said. "Frank was disturbed by the sounds of the cars leaving his property and we immediately contacted the police and activated his Trakker system. "Neither Frank nor Elen were harmed in any way and neither was his house ransacked nor damaged." Lampard, 26, won the Football Writers' Footballer of the Year award last week after Chelsea celebrated their first championship title in 50 years. He and his partner also own a £4m mansion in Blackhills, Surrey, but have lived in central London for more than a year.

Lampard appeals for boot return
Chelsea and England star Frank Lampard has made a plea for the return of his specially-made football boots, stolen when his luxury house was burgled. Lampard and his pregnant fiancée were sleeping upstairs when their house in Chelsea was raided earlier this week. Two pairs of red boots and two pairs of grey and silver boots, made by Adidas, were among items taken in the raid. Each of the 26-year-old's boots had FL embroidered on the tongue and Lampard on the side, and were size 8. Lampard won the Football Writers' Footballer of the Year award last week after Chelsea celebrated their first championship title in 50 years. Police said raiders forced the door of the £4m house in the early hours of Wednesday and stole two cars - Lampard's Mercedes 4x4 and an Aston Martin - driving them away laden with a TV, a computer and other items. The cars and most of the property were found later. The player's management company said Lampard and his fiancée had only moved into the house a few days earlier. "Unfortunately, photographs of the house have been published in various newspapers which has not helped with maintaining privacy and security", a spokeswoman said on Wednesday. He and his partner Elen Rives, 28, also own a £4m mansion in Blackhills, Surrey, but have lived in central London for more than a year.

Del Horno confirms Chelsea offer
Athletic Bilbao left-back Asier del Horno has confirmed that Chelsea want to sign him - and says the offer is too good to turn down. The Blues have been linked with a £12m move for the 24-year-old, and are apparently ready to pay him £2m a year. Del Horno said: "For both Athletic and me it would be difficult to say no to an offer like this. "With a contract like this I would sort out not just my life but my family too, and Athletic could clear their debts." Speaking on Spanish radio, he added: "If you look at the figures that are being talked about then it seems unthinkable that a team would pay that sort of money for me. "It is a unique opportunity for me and for Athletic. "They could renew the contracts of players like Tiko, (Fran) Yeste, (Pablo) Orbaiz and (Andoni) Iraola." Del Horno's agent Jokin Barcena is reported to have been in London this week for talks with Chelsea. The Spanish international, who came up through the club's youth ranks, is under contract to Athletic until 2007. Chelsea have been eager to sign a left-back following Celestine Babayaro's move to Newcastle in January.

Chelsea seeking reality TV star
Chelsea are hoping to find their next superstar through a reality TV show. The Premiership champions are scouring Britain for a teenager to win a professional contract with the club and join their academy. The search will be shown in a new series Football Icon, with manager Jose Mourinho deciding the winner. Mourinho said: "Not every young player is spotted through the normal process. Here is an opportunity for someone who may have been missed." The show is open to players born between 1 September 1987 and 1 January 1989. Trials begin next month with regional heats in Manchester, the West Midlands and London. A shortlist of 12 will be invited to Chelsea's football academy and will spend the summer undergoing tests and trials at the club's training HQ in Cobham, Surrey. Three will make it through to the final where Mourinho and his team will decide the winner.

FA allows Mutu comeback
Former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu has been given the green light to continue his career by the Football Association. Mutu, 26, was banned from playing for seven months last November after testing positive for cocaine. As part of the ban, he had to undergo two weeks of rehab at the Sporting Chance Clinic, psychiatric reports at The Priory and pay a £20,000 fine. He appeared before the FA on Monday and it accepted he had satisfied these requirements. The Romanian could now make his comeback for Juventus against Cagliari in Serie A on 29 May. He has also been named in Romania's squad for next month's World Cup qualifiers against Holland and Armenia.

Mourinho willing to sell Parker
Chelsea are willing to sell Scott Parker after it emerged he is a £6m transfer target for Everton. Everton are close to agreeing a deal with Chelsea for the 24-year-old, but Newcastle, Birmingham, Aston Villa and Spurs are also interested. Manager Jose Mourinho said: "It's normal that he wants to play. "If Parker is ready to wait that's fantastic for Chelsea. If he's not ready we have to think about a loan, we have to think about selling." Mourinho admitted: "He wants to be in the national team and he can only be in the national team if he plays regularly. But at this moment (Claude) Makelele looks unbeatable for the place." Everton manager David Moyes hopes that Champions League football will tempt Parker to Goodison Park and chief executive Keith Wyness said: "We have been in discussions." Everton also expect to complete a £4m deal for Tottenham winger Simon Davies, who was undergoing a medical at Goodison Park on Wednesday. Moyes has been chasing Parker for almost two years since he was at Charlton - but he chose to make a £10m move to Chelsea 16 months ago. However, he has only played 28 games since the switch and has been troubled by a foot injury. Parker's reported £55,000-a-week salary may be a stumbling block but Everton are confident that they can beat off competition. If he lands Davies and Parker, Moyes will then turn his attention to buying a striker, with Spurs' Robbie Keane and Newcastle United's Craig Bellamy potential targets.

Brentford buoyed by double deal
Brentford are building for next season and have extended Marcus Gayle's deal and signed Chelsea reserve Sam Tillen. Gayle, 34, has agreed a new one-year contract, with boss Martin Allen highlighting the veteran striker's need for a good pre-season. "Marcus needs that to get back to full fitness. He'll give us versatility and experience," he told the club website. Left-back Tillen, 20, signed a one-year deal with an option for a second year. He has represented England Under-19s.

Everton to bid £4m for Forssell
Everton have made Chelsea's Finnish international striker Mikael Forssell their latest transfer target. Toffees boss David Moyes is preparing a £4m bid to bring the 24-year-old to Goodison Park. Moyes will face a battle for Forssell's signature with Birmingham City, where he spent the last two seasons on loan. Portsmouth and Tottenham have also been linked with the forward, while German side Schalke 04 declared their interest in signing him this week. Everton are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of their Champions League campaign next season. They have already asigned Tottenham winger Simon Davies for £3.5m and are also set to offer £6m for another Chelsea player, midfielder Scott Parker.

Terry worth £50m, says Mourinho
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes that John Terry would be worth at least £50m - if he were to be sold. ( wot rot!!!) Mourinho called the 24-year-old Blues captain the best central defender in the world( ermm.... no I dont think so!!) and the "perfect player". He said: "John would be worth a minimum of £50m in the market, although of course he is not for sale. "If every 10 years we produce a John Terry then the work of the academy is done. It is better to produce quality than numbers." Mourinho is keen for more players to follow Terry through the ranks at Stamford Bridge and sees that approach as the way forward for the Premiership champions. "We will invest a lot in the scouting department," he added. "We want to have the best possible network of scouts around the world and to produce our own players because when we are at this level we can only buy the best players in the world. "Where are the best players? At the best clubs in the world - and they don't want to sell. So you want to improve your team and it is difficult. "Even with money you cannot buy them so you have to produce. "We know it takes time but my contract is for five years and I hope in five years that the Chelsea production line is better than it is now."

Everton close in on Forssell deal
Everton say they are closing in on a deal to sign Chelsea's Finnish international striker Mikael Forssell. Blues chief executive Keith Wyness revealed that the clubs have held talks about the 24-year-old player, who it is believed would cost around £4m. "We haven't reached agreement yet, but we are not far apart now," he told the club's website. The Toffees were thought to be facing competition from Birmingham, where Forssell had a two-year loan spell. Portsmouth and Tottenham have also been linked with the forward, while German side Schalke 04 declared their interest in signing him this week. Everton are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of their Champions League campaign next season. They have already signed Tottenham winger Simon Davies for £3.5m and are also set to offer £6m for another Chelsea player, midfielder Scott Parker.

Mourinho offers young duo deals
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has offered youngsters Lenny Pidgeley and Steven Watt new contracts to stay at the club. Goalkeeper Pidgeley, 21, made his Premiership debut in Chelsea's last game of the season, coming on as a substitute for Carlo Cudicini. Defender Watt, 20, made his first-team debut in the Blues' FA Cup victory at home to Scunthorpe in January, playing the whole match. Chelsea have let Sebastian Kneissl, Ben Hudell, Sam Tillen and Dan Woodards go.

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