12,000 At Open Day

Chelsea held their annual 'Open Day' yesterday when supporters are allowed access to see the first team squad training on the hallowed Stamford Bridge turf. The event was open to anybody, so it was no surprise that a record crowd of approximately 12,000 turned up. In fact the club seemed to be caught by surprise.
Originally, only been the West Stand Lower Tier was to be opened with the Shed lower on standby in case numbers exceeded expectations.
Eventually, with crowds queuing as far back as Fulham Broadway tube station, the East Lower Tier and the Matthew Harding Lower were also opened. Indeed, my son and I sat in the East Lower for the first time since ceased to house the Family Section and made a contrast to our usual seats in the West Stand Lower.
Deco and Luiz Felipe Scolari received a great reception.
Didier Drogba and Michael Essien were both missing through injury and Salomon Kalou is on Olympic Games duty.
Chelsea deserve a round of applause for continuing with this event which allows the local children to catch a glimpse of their heroes.