Chelsea Azzurri - Softcover

Always one of football’s glamour clubs, and now with their first major trophy for 26 years proudly on display, Chelsea are back among the game’s elite.

'Chelsea Azzurri' is a celebration of how the Ruud Gullit revolution has turned Stamford Bridge into the hottest ticket in town. With the arrival of a host of big-name stars from Europe such as Zola, Di Matteo, Vialli and Leboeuf, the boys in blue are playing to packed houses week in, week out, home and away. And the high standards of professionalism demanded by the new manager, together with his tactical know-how, have transformed the aspirations of players and supporters alike.

This book goes behind the scenes to discover all the different personalities at this most cosmopolitan club, from the high-profile foreign imports to the backroom staff. It follows Chelsea’s 1997 FA cup campaign, with stunning photographs from the big day out at Wembley and the victory parade the following day. It looks at developments off the pitch as the new-look Bridge takes shape under the eagle eye of chairman Ken Bates; and it pays tribute to the late Matthew Harding who tragically never lived to see Chelsea’s epic triumph at Wembley on 17 May.

As a special bonus, the great Chelsea teams of the past are featured: the 1965 Championship winning side and the double Cup winners of the early 1970s. Chelsea greats Peter Osgood and Alan Hudson talk about those days and give their thoughts on the Chelsea of today.

CHELSEA ARE BACK – AND HOW!

Brian Scovell has watched Chelsea’s ups and downs since joining 'The Daily Sketch' in 1960, moving up to the 'Daily Mail' in 1971 when the two papers merged. A former chairman of the Football Writer’s Association, he has written sixteen books. He is married to Audrey, an artist, and lives in Bromley, Kent.

David Shopland is one of the country’s most respected sports photographers. Now a freelance, he joined the Press Association in 1970 and has worked for the 'Sunday Telegraph', the 'Daily Telegraph' and latterly the 'Daily Mail'. A Chelsea supporter for over 35 years, he was present at Old Trafford when they first won the FA Cup in 1970, and his wedding reception was held at Stamford Bridge. He collaborated on this book with his 'Daily Mail' colleague Andy Hooper, who was the Picture Editors’ Sports Photographer of the Year in 1996.