On The Ball

In with the new at Newcastle, but not all out with the old

Newcastle fans posing as they celebrate the sale of the club to a Saudi-led consortium, outside St James' Park on Oct 8, 2021. PHOTO: AFP
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LONDON - When Chelsea became champions of England for the first time in half a century, it illustrated the difference Roman Abramovich's millions have made.

They were the dominant team in 2005. Their captain and vice-captain were voted the PFA and FWA Footballer of the Year respectively. Except that John Terry and Frank Lampard predated Abramovich's 2003 takeover and subsequent spending spree.

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