Despite Chelsea`s massive spending on players recently, one of their most crucial acquisitions has gone largely unnoticed. Paul Burgess, a world-renowned groundsman, joined the club in 2023 and has quietly revolutionized the playing surfaces at both the training ground and Stamford Bridge.
Burgess, who previously spent over a decade at Real Madrid and also worked at Arsenal and Blackpool, is expected to be a strong contender for the Premier League`s `Grounds Team of the Season` award. Last year, Aston Villa won the award, but Chelsea`s pitch quality has dramatically improved since Burgess`s arrival.
Previously, Chelsea`s pitches suffered from issues like fox infestations and were often criticized by players for being inferior to other clubs` grounds. However, Burgess, nicknamed “the magic gardener” during his time at Real Madrid for transforming the Santiago Bernabeu pitch, has successfully addressed these problems.
At Real Madrid, Burgess was instrumental in creating an underground laboratory as part of the stadium`s renovation. This innovative system allows the pitch to be maintained even when the stadium is used for events like concerts.
In other Chelsea news, men`s team captain Reece James was present at Stamford Bridge to support the women`s team in their Champions League quarter-final victory against Manchester City. The women`s team secured a 3-0 win, advancing 3-2 on aggregate, with James`s sister, Lauren James, delivering an outstanding performance.
Chelsea fans may be required to show ID for the upcoming Europa Conference League quarter-final home game against Legia Warsaw on April 17th. This measure aims to prevent away fans from entering home sections of Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea is also commended for partnering with the Samaritans and Three UK on a mental health initiative. A recent study revealed that a significant percentage of football fans experience mental health challenges, and the campaign utilizes specially trained taxi drivers to offer support and encourage conversations about mental well-being. During a recent game, free taxi rides were offered from West Brompton Tube station to Stamford Bridge for fans willing to discuss mental health.
Finally, former Chelsea manager Ruud Gullit reconciled with Luca Vialli before Vialli`s passing in 2023. However, Gullit still harbors resentment towards Chelsea`s former leadership, Ken Bates and Colin Hutchinson, for his dismissal in 1998, even after leading the team to FA Cup victory. Gullit believes his sacking was due to internal issues at the club, and while he eventually made peace with Vialli, he has not forgiven the former powerbrokers.
