I suppose at some point the “Ricketts bid” will be trusted only for their sheer persistence in the face of what appears to be unanimous opposition from Chelsea fans with protests online and at the stadium, and strong counter-statements from the likes of Chelsea supporters.
And yet they are undeterred, perhaps bolstered by insider connections behind the scenes, but perhaps they are just genuinely adamant and determined in their intent to become the next owners of the club. If we can ignore all other issues, sporting or otherwise, these are not bad traits to look for when looking for Roman Abramovich’s successor.
Let’s not kid ourselves: if fans had anything to say in 2003, there’s not a chance in a million we would have agreed to a random billionaire, regardless of the club’s mounting financial woes – in a deal engineered in part by Bruce Buck , it should be noted, who now seems to favor the Ricketts.
That’s not to say the other offerings don’t have similar qualities and a never-dying attitude; They just haven’t been tested that way (and that’s certainly not a bad thing, in fact it’s probably a good thing that they’re all relatively uncontroversial). After all, the opportunity to own what is likely the most expensive sports club or franchise ever sold doesn’t come along every day.
Still, the Ricketts, who remain the “face” of this offer even if the “controlling interest” will be another, as yet unnamed party – likely Ken Griffin? – are making the right moves to try and get fans back on their side. I doubt they will succeed even if they are eventually able to meet with key groups as they have said, although I’m not sure that will be as important as we like to think either.
And that includes the publication of an 8-point plan, which may not be revolutionary, but certainly hits all the right and necessary points.
Again, other offers are likely to propose very similar plans, but the Ricketts come out on top by releasing their plans. Hopefully all the other bidders are watching and taking notes.
“1. Do not make any changes to the club’s name, badge and crest or to Chelsea blue without the consent of the fans.
“2. Never participate in a European Super League and always protect the integrity and heritage of Chelsea FC
“3. Devote the necessary resources at all levels of the club to continue winning trophies, including investment in the first team, experienced football leadership and the academy.
“4. Put diversity and inclusion at the heart of the club and fight against any form of discrimination or inequality.
“5. Create an advisory committee with diverse representatives to ensure our decisions are influenced by a former first-team player of men and women, members of the CST and Chelsea Pitch Owners and influential community leaders.
“6. Explore all the options for redeveloping Stamford Bridge and do everything we can to keep playing at this historic stadium.
“7. Adjust the current commitment to Chelsea FC Women and increase the number of women’s games played at Stamford Bridge.
“8th. Continue the vital charitable work of The Chelsea Foundation and seek to harness the power of football and sport to motivate, enlighten and inspire.”
– Statement by the Ricketts family; Source: The Athletic
Ricketts’ bid has released a statement with eight assurances about their plans #CFC… promise investments in all teams, will not join a European Super League and will set up an advisory committee with former players and fans. More here: https://t.co/6YtZOHwPOI
— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) April 3, 2022