Chelsea’s past versus Sheffield United under the supporters’ spotlight this Saturday…
Following on from its hugely popular debut at the Legends of Europe match in September, and as we look forward to hosting Sheffield United at the Bridge on Saturday, we can confirm that the Chelsea Heritage Partnership will present its second Those Were the Days matchday event before the game.
The Chelsea Heritage Partnership is a group within the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust which researches, records and shares our history, and previously the life and career of the great Gianluca Vialli was commemorated at the first of these special gatherings, to which all home match ticket holders are invited.
This Saturday, the gathering of fans interested in Chelsea history will look at previous encounters with our opponents from Sheffield and some of the characters involved.
The short yet huge career of William Foulke will be highlighted. The towering figure who played in goal in Chelsea’s very first season had been signed from Sheffield United for the grand transfer fee of £50.
Moving forward 10 years to 1915, Those Were the Days will also mark our first appearance at an FA Cup Final and although we were defeated 3-0 by the Blades, the match had significance beyond the scoreline. Known as the ‘Khaki cup final’ because many in the crowd were in military uniform, the game was the last final to be played before competitive football was abandoned because of the First World War.
This month is also the 75th anniversary of the first magazine-style matchday programme. A Chelsea innovation in 1948, Saturday’s event will delve into the fascinating story of this collector staple with a screened presentation by Rick Glanvill, the club’s official historian.
To add to the atmosphere, there will also be a screening of clips of classic past encounters with Sheffield United, along with plenty of goals from Chelsea heroes from days gone by.
Those Were the Days is a free event and it will take place at the Tea Bar at Stamford Bridge, the entrance to which can be found between the ticket office and Frankie’s Sports Bar and Grill, behind the Shed End of the stadium. It will be open from 1pm to 2.45pm to home match ticket holders.
Please do drop by and chat with the Chelsea Heritage Partnership about your own stories and memories. You are welcome to take photographs and share them using the hashtag #CFCHeritage
