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Last Season - Failure again

Position: Sixth

For a few seasons now, Chelsea have been dubbed title contenders as the season gets underway. That was the case 12 months ago, but again the Blues failed to mount a serious challenge for title. Even the goals of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Eidur Gudjohnsen couldn't keep Chelsea in touch after a good start. Again Claudio Ranieri's side suffered an embarrassing exit from the UEFA Cup, this time at the hands of Israeli minnows Hapoel Tel-Aviv. A 5-1 trouncing at the hands of Tottenham ended their Worthington Cup hopes in the semi-finals. The Stamford Bridge club lost the FA Cup final to Arsenal, but on the whole it has to be a season that again started with promise but ultimately ended in huge disappointment.

Transfers - In and Out

Coming In: Enrique de Lucas (Espanyol) - Free Jean-Yves Anis (Rennes) - Free Mbark Boussoufa (Ajax Amsterdam) - Free Mauro Da Silva (FC Porto) - Free On The Move - All the transfers

Getting Out: Sam Dalla Bona (AC Milan) - £1million Sam Parkin (Swindon) - Undisclosed Warren Cummings (Dundee) Loan Rhys Evans (Leyton Orient) Loan Leon Knight (Sheff Wed) Loan Rati Aleksidze - Released Slavisa Jokanovic - Released

The Gaffer - Claudio Ranieri

It was with much controversy that Claudio Ranieri came to take the helm at Chelsea in September 2000. He replaced Gianluca Vialli, a manager that had presided over the most successful period in the club's history and was a firm crowd favourite. Could not speak English when he arrived in the Premiership, having to conduct his business through an interpretor. The Italian stuck to his guns, learned the lingo and earlier this year earned an improved, extended contract. Made his name with Cagliari, taking them from Serie C to Serie A before moving to Napoli, Fiorentina, Valencia and lastly Atletico Madrid. The Spanish Cup is among his list of honours. A master (?) of tactical changes during the match, Ranieri never hesitiates to alter the shape of his side every five minutes. Hard to gauge supporter confidence in the Italian.

Player to Watch - John Terry

Defender John Terry will be closely watched this term as much off the pitch as on it as he faces a court case for an alleged assault in February this year. Not only did that cost him the chance to skipper the England Under-21s at the European Championships, but also a possible place in Sven Goran Eriksson's squad for the World Cup finals. Should Terry, who has pleaded not guilty, come through his court ordeal, he can again press for further international recognition. There is no doubt that he has the ability to play on the world stage, but he will have to put an end to a series of off-field indiscretions if he is to realise his ambitions with his country. A real rock in the Chelsea defence.

Young Gun - Carlton Cole

Very much the find of the 2001/02 season for Chelsea, Carlton Cole could make a real impact this term. With both Eidur Gudjohnsen and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink reported to be on the market, a gap could appear for the 18-year-old. Made his debut in April and opened his Premiership account in only his second game, at Middlesbrough. Awarded a new five-year contract days later. The England Under-19 striker has been likened to former Chelsea striker Tore Andre Flo in style, and the Stamford Bridge fans will be hoping he continues the energetic and skillful performances he has already displayed.

The view from the terraces

Despite a lack of signings this summer, Chelsea fans have got more to look forward to than they think.

For the first time in years, the club have not splashed the cash in the summer, meaning that we should have a settled side for next season. Expect to see a dramatic improvement from Boudewijn Zenden, who it appears is finally coming to terms with life in the Premiership.

But in order for the club to have a decent season, we will need a number of things to work in our favour. For starters, we cannot afford to lose John Terry for a large period of time - his presence in the side will be vital.

We also must ensure that next season's strike partnership is still Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Eidur Gudjohnsen, as without them our source of goals will dry up.

And, finally, William Gallas must not join Leeds! Not only is he a top class defender but he will also give Leeds a huge boost that we could do without, as we will be competing with them for a Champions League spot.

The Blues will consider a fourth place finish and a good cup run to be a good season. Anything below that level could see Claudio Ranieri's spell as Chelsea boss cut short…

By Rich Godden, Editor of fan site Chelsea-Mad.