Straight Outta Cobham: The Athletic FC's Chelsea show
Published by The Athletic
Sports
The Athletic's Chelsea experts - Simon Johnson, Liam Twomey, Luke Bosher, Sam Parkin and Dom Fifield - are alongside host Matt Davies-Adams to bring you behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge. Expect unrivalled insight, honest opinion and stimulating debate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A ban resolved, three players in and a £10m fine… so a pretty quiet week from a Chelsea point of view. Plenty to discuss for Matt Davies-Adams, Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin as Mikhailo Mudryk is officially back and eligible to play for the Blues again. The 25-year-old’s ban has ended with immediate effect after his doping case was resolved on Friday. Will there still be a place for him in the team? Do we think Cole Palmer will give him his Number 10 shirt back? There are three new incomings with Danny Welbeck, Valentin Barco and Maxence Lacroix all joining the club, but are the Blues now under pressure to make sales to get the squad size down? Meanwhile, Chelsea have been fined £10m for breaching rules relating to payments to agents, but have avoided a six point deduction. AND there’s still even time to chat about matters on the pitch, with Xabi Alonso’s side losing 2-1 to Tottenham in Sydney over the weekend. Produced by Lucy Oliva and Xavi Bird. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Pre-season is officially underway and the Straight Outta Cobham team are here to talk about it. Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Cerys Jones and Simon Hughes from Down Under as the Blues start the Xabi Alonso era with a 6-4 win over Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia. A nine minute hattrick from Joao Pedro with lots of strong performances from youngsters. So what did the panel make of it all? And what are Simon’s first impressions of the new boss? Dom Fifield joins to give a little more insight into the benefits of signing Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace. And Chelsea are close to signing both Jordan Henderson AND Danny Welbeck. Where has this interest in players over 34 come from? And does it signal a change in strategy at the club? Produced by Lucy Oliva and Xavi Bird Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Morgan Rogers is going to Chelsea instead of Arsenal and the Straight Outta Cobham team are here to lap it all up. Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey as the Blues set a new British transfer record of £117m to sign the England attacking midfielder from Aston Villa. How have they managed to pull this one off? And just how will Rogers fit into Xabi Alonso’s new look squad? The new boss has spoken to the media for the first time. What does the panel make of what he had to say? And, now the World Cup is over, we assess who the winners and losers are from a Blues perspective… Enzo Fernandez being the biggest loser of course. Plus, the team reflect on the life of legendary former owner Ken Bates, who passed away at the age of 94. Produced by Xavi Bird Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It’s three years since a Chelsea great passed away which means it’s only right for a Straight Outta Cobham special. Gianluca Vialli joined Chelsea as a player in 1996 and went on to become one of the club’s most significant figures of the pre-Abramovich era. He helped the Blues win the FA Cup in 1997, before taking over as manager the following season and winning both the League Cup and Cup Winners’ Cup. In this special episode, Matt Davies-Adams, Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin are joined by Luca Dal Monte, a close childhood friend of Vialli’s and author of the new book “The Gentleman: Gianluca Vialli and How He Changed English Football Forever”. Produced by Xavi Bird. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Xabi Alonso has made his first official signing as Chelsea manager and Real Madrid have got the Straight Outta Cobham team scratching their heads again. Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Liam Twomey and Cerys Jones to discuss Marco Palestra’s arrival from Atalanta. What might it mean for both Reece James and Malo Gusto? Will Enzo Fernandez still be Palestra’s teammate at the start of the season? Real Madrid make an official statement saying they have "no intention" of trying to sign the Blues midfielder this summer, but is there still more to come? Plus, the team go through the final element of our summer squad audit: wingers and number 10s. Will not going to the World Cup be a good thing for Cole Palmer? And is Garnacho potentially on his way out? Produced by Xavi Bird Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Enzo Maresca is officially the new Manchester City manager and, while the rest of the football community pretends to be shocked, Chelsea release a blistering statement about how disappointed they are in their “former head coach”. Matt Davies-Adams, Cerys Jones and Sam Parkin react to another tumultuous couple of days at Stamford Bridge, and discuss where this all leaves the club now everything is fully in the open. Meanwhile, there’s plenty of transfer news with the Blues closing in on Atalanta full back Marco Palestra, whilst also having bid for Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka rejected. All this plus the conclusion to our squad audit where the team discuss who, apart from Joao Pedro, should be playing up front for Chelsea next season. Produced by Lucy Oliva and Xavi Bird. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It’s part three of the Straight Outta Cobham team’s summer squad review and it’s time to sort out who on earth’s going to be playing in midfield for the Blues next season. Enzo Fernandez is the main name on the lips of Matt Davies-Adams, Simon Johnson and Cerys Jones. Is he off to Real Madrid? And if so, is it going to take all summer to happen? Might a disappointing World Cup for Ecuador be a good thing for Moises Caicedo? What does the future hold for Andrey Santos and will Romeo Lavia ever complete 90 minutes in a Chelsea shirt? The team also look into the fixture schedule for next season and discuss the compensation situation that’s complicated Enzo Maresca’s inevitable switch to become Manchester City manager. Produced by Lucy Oliva & Xavi Bird. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Marc Cucurella is on his way to Real Madrid and he’s timed it perfectly just ahead of the Straight Outta Cobham team’s review of Chelsea’s defensive unit. Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin to discuss what the Spaniard's exit might mean for the rest of the squad. Is Jorrel Hato the main benefiter at left back? How might Xabi Alonso get the best out of captain Reece James next season? Will it be with a back three? And might that be good news for Malo Gusto? The team also look into the many options at centre back, who they think should stay and go, and also who they might like to see arrive in the transfer window. Produced by Lucy Oliva and Xavi Bird Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The summer is here and it’s squad review time for the Straight Outta Cobham team. Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Liam Twomey and Cerys Jones to discuss all things goalkeepers. Has it been the weakest position during the BlueCo era? And how might they go about fixing it? Will Robert Sanchez still be between the sticks next season or is Mike Penders the answer? It’s not going to be either Filip Jorgensen or Gaga Slonina… they’re both on their way out. Might there be incomings in their place? The team are also joined by special guest Rupert Cane, author of “Behind the Bench: The untold stories of Chelsea’s third-choice goalkeepers”, who tells us about the unique perspective of one of football’s strangest roles. You can buy a copy and donate to Rupert’s Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/behindthebench/behind-the-bench/description All this, plus the latest on Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez. Produced by Xavi Bird and Lucy Oliva. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
World Cup pending... Matt Davies-Adams has got Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin alongside him for our first podcast of the summer break. And we're taking a deep-dive into the Chelsea FC representation at the 2026 World Cup - with the first game of the tournament kicking off in just a week and a half. Plus, what about some of the high-profile Blues who won't be out in Mexico, Canada or the USA this summer? We discuss what a break will mean for the likes of Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro, back at Cobham and working with new boss Xabi Alonso. We've also got the latest transfer chat - as it's emerged that Marc Cucurella could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge - but could there be a glorious return to the fold for Nicolas Jackson? And what about an approach for Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers?! HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Signing off on a sorry season... Matt Davies-Adams has got the whole SOC squad alongside him for a round up of the 2025-26 season for Chelsea Football Club. What are the main takeaways and reflections on this crazy campaign? What does not being in Europe mean from a financial perspective? Who have been the big winners and losers in the squad? And what's top of Xabi Alonso's to-do list heading into the summer?! We'll be with you throughout the summer with squad audits, mailbags, academy check-ins, CFC at the World Cup - and assessing the rather large job the new boss has got on his hands! Thanks for all your continued support and for joining us throughout the season. Take part in our survey and let us know what you want from SOC going forward! forms.gle/S7Qdv1iPPnaemtps7 HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Luke Bosher, Simon Johnson, Cerys Jones, Liam Twomey & Sam Parkin PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A dire end to a dire season... Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin for a look back on the 2-1 defeat Sunderland - which condemns Chelsea to a 10th-placed finish in the Premier League. The Blues were outplayed and outfought by their hosts - and that added to Wesley Fofana's red card sums up what a poor season it's been. Thankfully all was not lost this weekend - with the U18's crowned winners of the Under-18 Premier League National Final after a 5-1 win over Manchester City. We'll be back on Thursday with our full review of the 2025-26 season - and a look ahead to a defining summer for Chelsea and new manager Xabi Alonso. Take part in our survey and tell us what you want from SOC! forms.gle/S7Qdv1iPPnaemtps7 HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Sam Parkin and Simon Johnson PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's Tottenham, lads... Matt Davies-Adams has got two of The Athletic's finest - Cerys Jones and Luke Bosher - alongside him for a look back on the absolutely inevitable but pretty unconvincing 2-1 victory over Tottenham at the Bridge on Tuesday night. Then - the end is (finally) here! The Blues make the trip to Sunderland on Sunday - with a place in either the Europa League, Conference League or nothing! - at stake. We'll be back on Monday with a look back on the final game of another crazy season for Chelsea Football Club. HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Luke Bosher and Cerys Jones PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey for company after a rather busy days for Chelsea Football Club... A seventh straight defeat in a final at Wembley? Bad. Xabi Alonso announced as the new Blues manager? Now, that's more like it! We've got all the latest on Alonso's appointment, plus a look back on the narrow 1-0 defeat by Manchester City in the FA Cup final AND a look ahead to the visit of Tottenham in the Premier League on Tuesday night. Can they sign off at Stamford Bridge on a high by taking Spurs' relegation battle to the last day of the season? Plus - an emotional goodbye for Millie Bright and Sam Kerr - who scored on her final CFCW appearance to beat Manchester United and equal Fran Kirby's goalscoring record as Sonia Bompastor's side wrap up a third-placed finish in the WSL. We'll be back with you on Wednesday - hot off the back of events at the Bridge - to bring you reaction to the Tottenham game and look ahead to the final day of the season at Sunderland. HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Liam Twomey and Simon Johnson PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Surely the Wembley curse has to come to an end eventually?! Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic's Liam Twomey and Luke Bosher for a mega look ahead to Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley. Do the Blues have any hope of beating Pep's men given their 13-game winless streak against them? What are the key selection issues heading into the final? And just what an incredible achievement would it be for Calum McFarlane to lead this side to an unlikely moment of glory in an otherwise chaotic season? Off the pitch, there's protests planned at Wembley ahead of the match - and on Tuesday night against Tottenham at the Bridge. Liam speaks to organisers David and Jacob from NotAProjectCFC to find out more about this latest action - and whether there's any way back for BlueCo in the eyes of the supporters. Plus - we've got word from David Ornstein on the news he broke earlier this week that Xabi Alonso is at the forefront of Chelsea's thinking as they seek a new head coach. We'll be back on Monday with all the reaction and fallout from events at the national stadium on Saturday afternoon... can they do it!? HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Luke Bosher and Liam Twomey PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Seven straight defeats? Not in these parts... Matt Davies-Adams calls up Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin for a look back on the 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday lunchtime. We take the positives from a far better showing that the sorry Forest defeat, laud the return of Levi Colwill - starting his first game of the season - and ponder whether this will be the boost they need to go into a Wembley final with at least an improved chance of beating Pep's side... Plus, Cerys Jones pops by for the madness of the Women's FA Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge, which saw Chelsea squander a two-goal lead to be knocked out 3-2 in extra-time by Manchester City. And - any update on the managerial hunt?! And the U18's finish off their title-winning regular season campaign in style... We'll be back on Thursday with a more comprehensive look ahead to Saturday's Wembley showdown with Manchester City in the FA Cup final. HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Simon Johnson, Sam Parkin & Cerys Jones PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
News just in... unfortunately we can't forfeit this game... Matt Davies-Adams is once again joined by two of The Athletic's finest - Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey - for a look ahead to the weekend trip to Merseyside to take on Liverpool. Will the players actually bother to try and put in some kind of performance on Saturday? What players are even available? And do they need to string a couple of results together to have any hope going into the FA Cup final? Plus - we discuss the announcement of changes to the club's ticketing policy next season - and what the ramifications could be. Oh, and Super Frank! He's been speaking to The Athletic's Tom Burrows after guiding Coventry City back to the Premier League. We'll be back on Monday with a look back on events at Anfield - and see whether Chelsea Women have managed to book their place in an FA Cup final. HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Liam Twomey Simon Johnson PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Can the season just end now? Matt Davies-Adams enlists The Athletic's Chelsea experts Liam Twomey and Simon Johnson for our latest doomcast after the horror show against an unrecognisable Nottingham Forest. What can you even say after that performance?! The lack of effort, the shortcomings all over the field, the terrible end to what should have been a special day for Jesse Derry, the magnificent Joao Pedro goal which will sadly be nothing more than an after-thought in an afternoon to forget. Elsewhere - CFCW seal UWCL football! But the U21's season is over after PL2 play-off quarter-final defeat. Plus, legendary goalkeeper Petr Cech shares his reflections on the current state of the club. We'll be back on Thursday for the look ahead to Saturday's trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool... they haven't won their since March 2021 - what could possibly go wrong? HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Join our FPL league! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/7lntvq League Code: 7lntvq Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MDA Derby pending... Matt Davies-Adams has got Sam Parkin and Liam Twomey for company - and a smorgasbord of Chelsea-related chatter to get stuck into ahead of a busy weekend of action. We look ahead to the visit of Nottingham Forest. We discuss any managerial developments and hear from Italian football expert James Horncastle on why it may be difficult to tempt Cesc Fabregas away from Como. We chat Mudryk's CAS appeal and what comes next. We're joined by women's football writer of the year Charlotte Harpur to discuss legend Millie Bright's retirement! And we try and name a bunch of 17-year-olds who made their Premier League debuts. We'll be back on Tuesday with a look back on the Bank Holiday festivities at Stamford Bridge as the Blues look to keep their hopes of European football alive! HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Liam Twomey, Sam Parkin and Charlotte Harpur PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Join our FPL league! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/7lntvq League Code: 7lntvq Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
So, that's what effort looks like!? Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Simon Johnson and Luke Bosher alongside him for a look back on Sunday's trip to Wembley - where Chelsea set a date with Manchester City in the final after a 1-0 win over Leeds. We discuss the much-improved performance from the end of the Rosenior reign (although that's not saying much!), discuss the captain Enzo's goal, the crucial role that Joao Pedro plays - and give praise to Calum McFarlane for how he's conducted himself having been thrust back into the spotlight. Then - we touch base with the runners and riders to become the next man in the dugout. Is Iraola the favourite? Could Cesc be tempted away from Como? Is Xabi Alonso an ideal fit?! Plus - Levi Colwill was back playing with aplomb for the U21's and CFCW kept up their hunt for a Champions League spot with a big win at Everton. We'll be back on Thursday for a look ahead to the MDA Derby - with the visit of Nottingham Forest to Stamford Bridge on Bank Holiday Monday. HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Join our Fantasy Football League! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/7lntvq League Code: 7lntvq Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
