There's no doubt his millions have molded the shape of Chelsea Football Club's recent history, in the shape of Premier League trophies, a Champions League and FA Cups galore, but is it time for Roman's empire to disperse? Life before Roman wasn't a period to really boast about for Chelsea Football Club. Success wasn't as accessible until the Russian business tycoon's millionaires became available, but his investment almost instantly rocketed them from the above average, to the astounding. Abramovich took the reins in June 2003, acquiring control of the club from now Leeds chairman Ken Bates. That year, manager Claudio Ranieri guided them to a second place finish in the 2003/2004 campaign, and to the semi-finals of the Champions League. Deemed a failure, Ranieri was then ditched in favor of the man who oversaw Porto pipping Chelsea to the Champions League that year, Jose Mourinho, and the rest they as they say, is history. In his first season he secured Chelsea their first league title in 50 years, but even he wasn't untouchable, and he left for pastures new. No less than 10 different managers have taken charge of Chelsea since the Russian's takeover, with his reign raking in 12 trophies in all, but has his rash impulse to dismiss the services of the men at the helm of first team duties done more good than bad? There's no doubt that Chelsea have one of the best playing squads in the world, so why are teams slightly edging them somewhat in recent times? Admittedly they captured the Champions League last year in dramatic fashion, all be it slightly fortuitously, or some might say. Under Mourinho, Chelsea were one of the most feared team in Europe within that period, but the incredible financial development of the sport however, has resulted in teams imitating Chelsea's big spending. Teams such as PSG and Manchester City have now leaped onto the same level as the Kings Road boys, and new owners have packed their squads with some of the best talent the world has to offer. Undoubtedly, the likes of Eden Hazard, Oscar and Juan Mata have kept Chelsea's first team as one of the most formidable in Europe, but it plainly still contains traces of a bygone era. John Terry, Frank Lampard, Petr Cech and Ashley Cole have been the key men in Chelsea's successes over the years, but they surely cannot be considered the future? Chelsea Football Club requires a huge restoration, from top to bottom, and a small nine letter word, which can not be produced with mere financial muscle - "stability". In order to properly compete with intent once again on the European stage, they need to wage a revolution against their Russian dictator. Mindlessly ending the reign of manager after manager following a slump in form has taken its toll on Chelsea. A new owner with both the cash and a cool head is what's required, and a manager who can plan for a bright
future at Stamford Bridge. The transition from the old, ageing leaders to the fresh, exciting talent that will secure many more trophies to come needs to be seamless. The Russian Revolution, has come to it's end. Stamford Bridge appears to be falling down, but who will aid in it's restoration? As long as it's not my dearest David Moyes, I hope they find their man. Click next to reveal
Abramovich's biggest mistakes during his time in charge of Chelsea...