If I had somehow travelled back in time and told my seven-year-old self, decked out in the 2004/05 Chelsea home kit, that I would one day write about the club we followed, my younger version would have nodded and said: "sounds about right".
This has been a dream job, something that has taught me much about journalism, football, tactics, supporters, players, and transfers – oh lots about transfers.
Of course, when covering Chelsea you expect the unexpected. But my time from August 2021 until December 2022 when you are reading this piece saw arguably the barmiest period in the club's entire history. The sale of the club from Roman Abramovich, sanctions from the UK Government, an intense takeover process, two cup final defeats on penalties, becoming World Champions, the shock sacking of Thomas Tuchel and a winter World Cup.
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Even as someone who has grown up used to the consistent chaos that befalls west London multiple times a year, 2022 was just ridiculous. It was hard to think straight at times. How do you cover it all in detail? Reflecting on an era ending that was wildly successful and altered the standing of Chelsea, but also square the very real impact of sanctions.
Honesty. That is how I've always approached covering Chelsea from an obviously biased place, but still without the fear to criticise or go against what people want to hear about the club at any one point.
Social media has radically altered football conversation for better and worse. The good has been connected with fans, writers and creators related to football all over the world, making new connections and getting your voice out there. The negatives are obvious, loud and toxic. It can be easy to be swept up and distracted by negativity.
With accusations of agendas, doubling down and deranged takes, thinking objectively and critically can get you into trouble. But you cannot let that distract you from your job, which is honestly giving your informed opinion on the issues at hand. Even if people do not always agree, writing with honesty and integrity is always the path.
In picking out some of my favourite memories from the role, there are a few. From getting to ask Ashley Cole and Joe Cole questions, two players who I adored in my childhood, to sitting in the press box to witness Sam Kerr's ridiculous volley against Manchester United as Chelsea won a third WSL title in a row. Then being in the press conference a relaxed Kerr strolled into the room, phone in hand, laughing as a winners medal hung around her neck.
I got to ask a proud Emma Hayes about the special moment shared with the departing Ji So-yun after the third goal in a 4-2 win and what that meant for a beloved member of her successful squad. That day was one of the most notable in the role.
And of course, my probably unacceptable amount of Diego Costa propaganda crammed in at any opportunity, leading to his return to Stamford Bridge in October with Wolves, an amazing moment to witness live and write about.
Learning from colleagues along the way and the team at football.london who I'm sure will carry on producing brilliant and dedicated Chelsea coverage into an uncertain 2023. The current team Adam Newson, Scott Trotter and Bobby Vincent, but a massive shout out to the brilliant editors I've worked with Scott Clayton, Joe Doyle, Hush Kerai, Matthew Treadwell, Ross Jackson and our head of football Lee Wilmot, all of whom work so hard and probably do not get the appreciation from readers they deserve in the consistent content you enjoy.
To get the chance to write about Chelsea for this site was a dream come true and I hope those who followed my work enjoyed it. Wishing to you and yours a wonderful Christmas and hopefully a less barmy year at Stamford Bridge, but I am sure that wish will fall on deaf ears.
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