Blue Days

The fifth and final episode of our podcast documentary series, recounting the story of the dramatic 1996/97 season from the very people who were there, focus on the FA Cup final triumph. It brought to an end many years of frustration and heartache for Chelsea supporters and the whole day, as well as the build-up to it and the fall-out from it, is covered in detail. There are fresh and contemporary words from Ruud Gullit, who recalls 'one of the happiest days of his life', goalscorers Roberto Di Matteo and Eddie Newton, captain Dennis Wise and plenty more, with supporters' excitement at a long sought-after major trophy also captured.

The fourth episode of Blue Days, our documentary podcast series remembering the 1996/97 season 20 years on, recalls in detail the extraordinary FA Cup fourth round tie against Liverpool. With Ruud Gullit’s side struggling for the consistency required to challenge at the very top of the table, it was apparent the only realistic chance of silverware would be the FA Cup. The club’s only previous success in the competition had come 27 long years earlier. At half-time in the glamour fourth round fixture it didn’t look like Chelsea’s hopes of ending that barren run would be realised anytime soon. What followed was arguably the most dramatic 45 minutes Stamford Bridge has ever seen, and in the latest podcast we delve back in time to remember what it took to turn things around against the then league leaders. There are words from 11 players involved as well as the boss, Ruud Gullit, and a those taking it all in from the stands.

In the latest episode of our podcast documentary series retelling the story of Chelsea’s famous 1996/97 season, the focus turns to the signing of Gianfranco Zola. The 96/97 campaign was three months old when the Blues captured Zola from Parma in his native Italy. His impact was instant and we look back on his memorable first year in west London with words from the great man himself, his boss Ruud Gullit, and plenty of those who had the privilege of playing alongside him, such as Mark Hughes, Dan Petrescu and John Terry. There are also contributions from those who watched him from the stands, including club historian Rick Glanvill, commentator Martin Tyler and big Chelsea fan Trevor Nelson, who all explain what made the Italian maestro so special.

Episode two of an official Chelsea Football Club documentary series, remembering the 1996/97 season 20 years on, recounts the life, death and legacy of vice-chairman Matthew Harding. A supporter from a very young age, Harding got involved with the club he loved more directly in the early 1990s. His financial investment helped Chelsea acquire the likes of Ruud Gullit, Mark Hughes and Roberto Di Matteo, but before he could see his beloved Blues win major silverware he was tragically killed in a helicopter crash a few months into the 96/97 campaign. We hear from his children, those who worked closely with him at Stamford Bridge, like Glenn Hoddle and Colin Hutchinson, as well as former players who remember his presence around the club.