'Two uniting characteristics in Chelsea fans - relentless and demanding'
- Published
There are many sides and characteristics to the Chelsea fanbase.
However, getting to know these people over 10 years covering the club, it would be fair to describe two uniting characteristics: relentless and demanding.
They sell out nearly every week for both men's and women's matches, and supporters turn out even at academy level.
Chelsea supporters are also very influential at the club. The fans uniquely own the pitch at Stamford Bridge - through the organisation Chelsea Pitch Owners - giving them some leverage when criticising the club, arguing for cheaper ticket prices and, most directly, an ability to control what happens with the stadium itself.
There is pride that protests at the stadium a few years ago led to the so-called big six making a U-turn on joining the Super League.
While the fanbase is among ones to put the most pressure on certain players or managers, that is out of a demand to win matches and trophies. It must be said, the atmosphere isn't always great at Stamford Bridge, which again is influenced by expectation and simply being a big club.
That is not to say there is any disloyalty. Blues fans travel in great numbers, with some supporters showing up even to follow the team in Kazakhstan during last season's Conference League campaign.
It will be louder next season as fans are increasingly convinced by Enzo Maresca and, to an extent, this project under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital's ownership. They will also be back in the Champions League - and that's where the fanbase has always been at its best.
Some of the supporters I could highlight include Cathy, who has not missed an away match for 47 years, Terry Komatsu, who relocated from Japan to London purely to be close to the club, and Basil Goode, described as a Chelsea Women superfan on the club's own website and one you can hear chanting loudly at Kingsmeadow matches.
It is these people that make a matchday and enrich my role covering the club on a daily basis.
