I recently had a discussion with a few of my followers on Twitter about the changing fortunes of Chelsea football club over the years.
Many (including myself) agree that Glenn Hoddle’s signing of Ruud Gullit represented the beginnings of change in west London. This reminded me of an article that I had previously written on the subject, so I thought I would repost it on here.
Gullit, formerly of AC Milan, arrived at Stamford Bridge alongside Mark Hughes and Dan Petrescu. Although things didn’t begin to bear fruit until Gullit eventually succeeded Hoddle, who left Chelsea to manage England, it was Hoddle who helped get the ball rolling.
The duo helped to lay the foundations which led to a marked improvement under the tenure of Gullit, Gianluca Vialli until Claudio Ranieri earned a Champions League spot during the 2002/2003 season. This became a big factor in Roman Abramovich’s decision to buy the Stamford Bridge outfit, and we have enjoyed many good times since.
