05 03 2006 Commemorating Peter Osgood
Now that we have had a little time to reflect since that sad passing of Ossie last week, thoughts turn to how Chelsea
should remember him. In my opinion, Chelsea has done pretty well so far. They spent time to cordon off an area at
Stamford Bridge to leave tributes and a book of condolence, as well as putting great effort on the official site for people
to express their feelings.
When we play Spurs this weekend, I hope that Chelsea do something great. If they could perhaps put out some leaflets
that people could raise which would spell "Ossie" in the MHL might be one idea.
As for longer term plans, some suggestions have been sensible, and a minority rather ridiculous, albeit well intentioned.
Ossie has been one of the most important players in Chelsea's history. Not only did he inspire Chelsea fans to come to
Stamford Bridge, but he also scored many crucial goals for the club. He put much effort into the club after his playing
days ended, always having time to sign autographs, pose for pictures and so on. He genuinely loved the club.
I do not believe that retiring the number 9 shirt would be correct. For me, my hero was Kerry Dixon and I think it would
diminish his contribution to the club during our dark times.
Far more apt would be to name one of our stands after him. The Shed is a little irrelevant nowadays. It is not a shed
anymore, nor the largest area of the ground and now contains away support. I would suggest either calling it the Peter
Osgood End, or the Peter Osgood Shed End for purists. Otherwise we also have the East Stand and the West Stand
which are as of yet unnamed. Peter Osgood was arguably Chelsea's most famous icon and should be remembered in
this way.
We should also commemorate him with a statue. In fact, Chelsea should probably have many statues of famous players
from this club, such as Zola, Dixon, etc. The problem is how far do we go with this idea. Should we then have statues of
players from the 1955 League Championship season?
In any case, Chelsea should consult fans on this issue and have some kind of ballot on the website where only members
and season ticket holders can vote to see what they feel. I hope we have the technology to do this so it's not spoiled by
idiots from other clubs getting involved!
should remember him. In my opinion, Chelsea has done pretty well so far. They spent time to cordon off an area at
Stamford Bridge to leave tributes and a book of condolence, as well as putting great effort on the official site for people
to express their feelings.
When we play Spurs this weekend, I hope that Chelsea do something great. If they could perhaps put out some leaflets
that people could raise which would spell "Ossie" in the MHL might be one idea.
As for longer term plans, some suggestions have been sensible, and a minority rather ridiculous, albeit well intentioned.
Ossie has been one of the most important players in Chelsea's history. Not only did he inspire Chelsea fans to come to
Stamford Bridge, but he also scored many crucial goals for the club. He put much effort into the club after his playing
days ended, always having time to sign autographs, pose for pictures and so on. He genuinely loved the club.
I do not believe that retiring the number 9 shirt would be correct. For me, my hero was Kerry Dixon and I think it would
diminish his contribution to the club during our dark times.
Far more apt would be to name one of our stands after him. The Shed is a little irrelevant nowadays. It is not a shed
anymore, nor the largest area of the ground and now contains away support. I would suggest either calling it the Peter
Osgood End, or the Peter Osgood Shed End for purists. Otherwise we also have the East Stand and the West Stand
which are as of yet unnamed. Peter Osgood was arguably Chelsea's most famous icon and should be remembered in
this way.
We should also commemorate him with a statue. In fact, Chelsea should probably have many statues of famous players
from this club, such as Zola, Dixon, etc. The problem is how far do we go with this idea. Should we then have statues of
players from the 1955 League Championship season?
In any case, Chelsea should consult fans on this issue and have some kind of ballot on the website where only members
and season ticket holders can vote to see what they feel. I hope we have the technology to do this so it's not spoiled by
idiots from other clubs getting involved!
