Claude Kirby became the first appointed Chairman, then the clan of the Mears' family took over the reigns of the club, before Mr Ken Bates bought the club for £1 (and all the clubs debts) and then finally as we all now know and Mr A became the owner and benefactor of the now Champions elect for the 2004/05 season. Oh what a birthday present. The Mears reign was controversial, no more so than the building of the East Stand which went five times over budget and was built during the many, many three day weeks. The stand was and still is the most imposing stand ever to be built and was thought to be ahead of its time.

Ken Bates took over in 1982 and became the most outspoken Chairman in post war footballing history. Bates' most controversial moment came when he tried to introduce electric fences around the perimeter of Stamford Bridge after years of crowd trouble and ptich invasions. The fences stayed, but the electricity remained shut off.

Almost as controversial as Batesy, but without saying a word and keeping private and to himself, Mr A took over less than two years ago, and because of his money the club has now a target for easy swipes and digs. Jealousy and frustrations arise from all quarters especially from the press who really cannot find anything better to write and fill their column inches. But who cares. Chelsea fans certainly do not. For the first time in fifty years, Chelsea are on the brink of claiming the Premiership title and becoming the best club in the Country and long may it continue. Whatever happens between now and the end of the season, this season will remain in the memory banks for many years to come. Already winners of the Carling Cup, Quarter-Finalists in the Champions League, slip up in the FA Cup (Oh well can't win everything) season 2004/05 will certainly be one to remember.

Managers have come, managers have gone. Ted Drake won us the title in '55, Dave Sexton won us the FA Cup in 1970 and the ECWC in 1971 John Neal got us back on track with promotion back to the 'old' Division One after flirting with relegation to the Old Division Three. Glenn Hoddle set the benchmark for the club before he left to take the England job, and although Hoddle didn't win a trophy he did get the club to a FA Cup Final in 1994.

Enter Ruud Guillit and Gianluca Vialli, between them as managers Chelsea had their most successful period in the clubs history (some say we have no history. If Chelsea had no history, why is the club 100 years old today??). Two FA Cup wins in 1997, 2000, ECWC win in 1998, League Cup in 1998, UEFA Super Cup in 1998 and finally a Charity Shield victory in 2000 ( the last domestic match to be played at Wembley).

When 'Luca' was sensationally sacked, Claudio Ranieri took over. Confused everybody with his tactics and became dubbed 'The Tinkerman' Ranieri at the end of his time at Chelsea was much loved and had the fans' gratitude for at least getting Chelsea back into the Premier European Club competition.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHELSEA

HERE IS TO ANOTHER 100 YEARS

GLORIOUS UNPREDICTABILITY