Usually, before the end of every season, clubs know what direction they want to go in preparation for the next. This has always been the way it worked, even for us…until lately.

In the past 3 seasons, we have seen a more hurried and late approach to preparing for new seasons at Chelsea, as against something more relaxed and early. And it has somewhat contributed to poor performances in recent times.

The 2015/16 season saw us do our transfer business late, and that largely contributed to our finishing 10th, and Jose Mourinho got the sack. Last season was similar, and it took weeks after the official opening of the window for us to get our first signing. What that did was it led to the displeasure of the coach, and even when we did make those acquisitions, he still wasn’t happy (you see how well the season ended for us).

I have no idea what might have inspired this slow approach to beginning our season preparations, however, I do know that it hasn’t favored us, and so should be stopped. And it’s very interesting that after the type of torrid season we had in 2017/18, we are yet to make any progress as regards what direction the team takes from here on. Is Conte staying or is he getting replaced? Whichever it is, it should have happened by now.

Other clubs are preparing well as it is, it’d be a shame for us to go through the same problems twice. The board or Roman must act now, and save us the stress of going through another campaign without the league title or Champions League football.

Chelsea always prided itself in being able to get the best players from different parts of the world, but now, it’s hard to see that with our current style of management.