Proof that the Chelsea fan wasn't always as he is now...

[Chris Rabz]

Over the past few days I've been reading a few of my old programmes and I came across this article from the first programme of the 1998-99 season (a cup tie at home to Hartlepool) and I thought I'd share it with you as it reminds me of a time when fans of opposing clubs weren't always so bitchy towards one-another, and Chelsea fans weren't the prawn sandwich munchers most of them are today.

------------

I am a Chelsea supporter, an East Stand season ticket holder. I travel home and away, but let me tell you what happened at Stamford Bridge at the last game of last season. I witnessed a euphoric and amazing atmosphere that afternoon, never seen before in my lifetime and unlikely to experience again.

Like the majority of Chelsea supporters that day I turned up not as usual but somehow with totally mixed feelings for the first time in my life. In glorious Sunday afternoon weather, the Blues are at home, visitors from up north, but stop... We all wanted Bolton Wanderers to stay up and providing we could keep our dignity, we actually all agreed, yes, hoping our visitors would share the spoils to keep you up.

With the whole country watching and waiting for the events of the day to unfold, to take its place in football history, holding its breath with great interest. I tell you, we all joined together that amazing day. We tried, believe me, we tried everything. We cheered you on from the start; we really did want you to achieve ONLY what was absolutely neccessary for your own survival.

Come on Bolton.... Come on Bolton.... was the shout from all sides of a packed Stamford Bridge.

You huffed and puffed but despite the unnatural total of human bonding that took place that day, the dreaded news eventually reached our ears from Goodison Park - Everton had some how managed to hold on for a draw and by the final whistle you were down. I tell you, every supporter at the 'Bridge' that day was struck by an emotion no-one had ever experienced before, a deep feeling for my opposite number. I don't know who felt worse, us or you!

You applauded, yes actually applauded our boys in blue, despite your own position. You showed your respect and we cheered and acknowledged your incredible gesture, but it was just not meant to be. As we all left the ground together, we mingled, we shook hands and there were even hugs. I saw tears in the eyes of both sets of supporters that crazy day.

We saluted your travelling fans as we waved you off, each and every individual coach, as you prepared to depart from the Fulham Road. Bolton, we salute you, your fans are amazing, second to none.

I learnt something that day, and I grew in some small way. A seed was planted in the heart and memory of every Chelsea fan for fondness and highest possible respect for each and every player, member and supporter connected with your club. We wish you well and look forward to your return to Stamford Bridge as a Premiership club, to many of us you have demonstrated this already.

Yours,
K Franklin

PS. Please give my regards to the BWFC supporter dressed that day in a full Bishop's outfit... down but not devine.

[Howfen White]

Bit behind my time but I know all about what happened, and it's surprising and pleasing to read something like that. Can't really see anything like that happening these days.

[Squidgy]

A couple of seasons ago when we played Chelsea the last game of the season was my favourite atmosphere of any game that season (it even surpassed us beating Man U earlier in the season IMO).

I sold a spare ticket for our end to a Chelsea fan. The title race could have been decided between Man U and Chelsea that day depending on their respective results. It was a 'nothing'  game for us as our safety was secured and we were way out of the European spots. Given out well documented utter contempt for Man U it wasn't difficult to see were our allegiances lay. The Chelsea fan, who was in his 50s, said it was the best atmosphere he had ever experienced in all his years at Stamford Bridge.

Odd that clubs at  different sides of London hold different views of us. Admittedly, they are results driven

[Manny]

It was about 40 degrees that day so pretty much every Bolton fan had drank their own body weight in beer too. Up there as one of my favourite away days.

[Diana Prince]

It was about 40 degrees that day so pretty much every Bolton fan had drank their own body weight in beer too. Up there as one of my favourite away days.

Bloody Sky had me on an advert as it appeared I was crying after the game. I wasn't, I was incredibly pissed and wanted a wee & so my face just looked a bit red!
And I still say someone tried to rig that game as when Jody Morris scored, he looked gutted & one of his team mates appeared to actually console him. Odd day was that.

[Manny]

I was referring to the game a couple of years ago that Squidgy mentioned. Thankfully I was too young to give a hoot in 98.

[Diana Prince]

I was referring to the game a couple of years ago that Squidgy mentioned. Thankfully I was too young to give a hoot in 98.

Apologies. I forget you and Squidgy are JCLs.

[Squidgy]

It was about 40 degrees that day so pretty much every Bolton fan had drank their own body weight in beer too. Up there as one of my favourite away days.

I seem to recall a distinctly inebriated member of the Bolton yoof being sick right behind me, much to the amusement of people around him. Wasn't you was it?

[Manny]

Not guilty your honour.

[Natasha Whittam]

Bit behind my time but I know all about what happened, and it's surprising and pleasing to read something like that. Can't really see anything like that happening these days.

Bit before your time? How old are you, 11?

[Diana Prince]

Bit before your time? How old are you, 11?

I do feel quite old quite often on here.

[Howfen White]

Bit before your time? How old are you, 11?

I would have been at the time of the event. Contrary to popular belief, we're not all coffin dodgers on here you know!

[1andonly1derer]

I have always had respect for  the genuine Chelsea fans after that match in 97/98.

And the best away atmosphere I've been to that 1-1 draw, superb day out!

[Squidgy]

I do feel quite old quite often on here.

I think you'll find there's a very good reason for that 

[Diana Prince]

I think you'll find there's a very good reason for that  

You mean because I'm a few months older than you physically & on a whole other level intellectually? I suppose you're right.  

[Squidgy]

You mean because I'm a few months older than you physically & on a whole other level intellectually? I suppose you're right. 

Yes yes, you are very clever. Well done you.

[Big_Sharps]

Good digging Mr Rabz, this is the reason why I have no ill feeling toward Chelsea and out of all the teams that compete for honours they are the team I wish well.