ROMAN ABRAMOVICH REMAINS “intimately involved” at Chelsea, says club chairman Bruce Buck, with the Russian set to fend off any investors who believe a “bargain” bid could land control of the Blues.
Questions have been asked of a billionaire owner at Stamford Bridge in recent times.
The elaborate spending which accompanied Abramovich’s arrival in west London back in 2003 has been reined in over recent years, while the 53-year-old attends fewer games.
Part of the problem has been visa issues in Britain, with a man born in Saratov having to take Israeli citizenship in May 2018 in order to remain hands-on in England.
Buck considers that to be another show of commitment from an owner who has seen sale talk rage at regular intervals.
Abramovich has been prepared to listen to offers, but has no desire to part with Chelsea and will remain at the helm for as long as he retains the appetite to keep leading the club forward.
Blues chairman Buck told The Guardian of the takeover rumours: “I have never heard a word from Abramovich: ‘Let’s get this ready for a sale,’ or something.
“Because of the political situation, there are people who think they might want to buy Chelsea at a bargain. We do get inquiries and we really have nothing to say to these people.
“In terms of being involved, in looking at new players, talking about whether to extend players’ contracts… [he] was always intimately involved in that from day one and is just as intimately involved now.”
Abramovich’s hands have been tied at Chelsea of late by a two-window transfer ban imposed by Fifa.
They are hoping to see that embargo lifted on appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas), but have benefitted from being unable to add to their squad.
Buck admits as much, saying of the faith Frank Lampard has placed in promising academy graduates: “The transfer ban has led to more opportunities for the young players.
“I can’t deny that if there wasn’t a transfer ban we might have splurged out on one or two or three players. So, yes, it was some of that; it was Frank Lampard, the players that were ready, a whole collection of things that resulted in where we are now.
It makes Mr Abramovich very happy, because he is very interested in the academy. I would guess he’s one of the very few owners that have been to lots of academy matches.
Buck added on the future at Stamford Bridge, with it suggested that planning has been put on hold as stadium construction work is delayed indefinitely and Abramovich stays away: “I understand what you are saying and it is hard to disprove it, except to say: ‘Let’s see what happens in the next transfer window.’
“The point I am making – it’s a glib one – if we go out in the next window and spend a zillion, it’s pretty hard to argue that things are on hold.”
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Brilliant article. Good man.
Really enjoyed that. Thank you. Watched Pat a lot back in the day and he was a fabulous footballer. Excellent golfer also. Thanks again.
In fairness, these long-read articles on former League of Ireland players tend to be very good, if League of Ireland is your thing. But any chance of the 42/Journal ever doing the same with former GAA and/or rugby players with equally interesting stories to tell?
@Jumperoo: ahhh now one LOI article a fortnight about something very rare (ie successful sides) aint gonna break the GAA monopoly on the 42. The interesting part of European games too might have more a pull then the all ireland aspect of the GAA story
Excellent article. I worked with Pat for over 20 years in John Player and never heard those stories. He is an amazing character and So modest. I’m delighted to say we remain good friends although both now retired and living miles apart
Superb story, what a career, really nice to read about what an impact Eoin Hand had on Irish football too. Keep up the good work.
These articles are outstanding… well done the journal.
Pat is a very modest guy ! I played against pat when he played for Wembley in cals park , he was a great lad and his brother in law was a great Wembley player also , who imo should have played league of Ireland football , but the bookmaker job took over lol , so many old memories of that era . Good luck with the golf pat , a legend .
Another brilliant and interesting write up.Pat Nolan may not be a name that is remembered much outside Limerick but in Limerick city,and county,he’s very fondly remembered as a player who would do everything possible to help Limerick win.He is a thorough gentleman as well and fantastic company to be with.I’m delighted that the 42 also thought that he deserved his own write up as they are probably the only ones who could have persuaded Pat to tell some of these stories.
Great article, brought back some happy memories of heading to the Markets Field as a young teenager to watch that great Limerick United team play.
Superb article. As a limerick man too young to remember these days I really enjoyed this. Thank you!!
Knew Limerick has a good history but nothing like this. Very insightful into the magnificent heights and experiences both Pat and Limerick achieved and it really shows what can happen with sound foundations and quality management anything is possible.
Great article.Pat stayed away from the smokes while Maradonna took the Devils dandruff.
Lovely footballer great career well done Pat!
I’ve had the pleasure of Nolano’s friendship for many years… a truly modest gentleman and a great ambassador for Limerick football. I caddied for Pat when he played in the South of Ireland at Lahinch Golf Club and when you consider that he was a “late starter” he reached a very high standard in a short period of time. Delighted to see his story told by the Journal. Long overdue.
Great story. Pat is a genuine nice man. Showed his talent as a sportsman with Limerick FC and when that was finished gave the Golf his attention and played that game to a very high standard and just as important he honoured and respected the game itself.
That Kevin Fitz story is gas, they were a great outfit.
Superb article, really enjoyed it, well done
Still have my ticket from the Real Madrid game in Lansdowne Rd, great days indeed
Excellent article excellent player
very good storys i remember those days
A great interview Pat.The more I read the prouder I am to have played alongside you with Wembly.You did not play in goals because no one else would you were between the posts because you were GOOD.Now thank God ye were beaten by Real Madrid because if ye had won we would have been beaten in the final by Liverpool.And I do not know where my loyalties would have been in that match.Pat Nolan you are a legend and don’t you forget it.
Another great LOI piece. T
Dead right about the decision to play against Real in Lansdowne – really bugs me when I see Irish clubs taking this option. You never see the opposition doing it.
Lovely interview with a very modest and talented man he left the golf out and he’s very good at that also