Congratulations, Todd, you did it. You bought Chelsea Football Club. So enjoy the weekend. Celebrate. Have a drink or two. But come Monday morning, it is time to get to work. The takeover? That was the easy bit. What comes next will be far more challenging, far more demanding. But the rewards are worth it.
How you and your partners have conducted business over the last three months has been hugely impressive. There were no fires to put out. No major concerns to allay. Your bid was strong. The process smooth as could be given the circumstances. Maintain that level of assuredness during your ownership and I've no doubt Chelsea will remain competitive at the top level.
That won't be simple. As you almost certainly know – you've been to matches at Stamford Bridge in recent weeks, after all. Work is required on Thomas Tuchel's squad; a rebuild to use the German's own words. Money will need to be spent, just as it was during the Roman Abramovich era.
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However, there is an expectation that things will be done a little more smartly under your watch, Todd. Without Abramovich's unimaginable wealth, they have to be. Millions can't be wasted on hopeful punts; the world's most-expensive goalkeeper can't be the club's second choice.
It may take a little time to get things set up as you wish at Stamford Bridge, both on the pitch and off it. That's ok. You will be given that. Chelsea supporters are – on the whole – an understanding bunch, the majority appreciate the journey as well as the destination. Daniel Finkelstein and Barbara Charone can fill you in I'm sure: they were here long before the club's golden years.
I won't lie to you, the bar has been set high. Incredibly high, actually. Chelsea won 19 trophies in the 19 years with Abramovich as owner; the club was transformed into a European heavyweight; the academy emerged as one of the world's best; the women's side became the dominant force in English football; the Chelsea Foundation has helped and supported so many.
This is what you are taking on – and hopefully building upon.
Across the club, there are influential figures in who to place your trust. Tuchel, obviously. Emma Hayes too. Neil Bath should also be left to continue his fine work with the academy. Yet many of the club staff, those behind the scenes, those whose names we don't know, are equally as important. They've been put through the wringer in recent months, left unsure as to what the club's future would be. Now is the time to offer reassurance.
It's also imperative the strong dialogue you've had with supporters' groups is maintained – that is something the Abramovich era lacked. There have been positive noises during the takeover process about fan representation on the board and a golden share being created. Ensure these become a reality and you will have done a huge amount of good early into your time as the club's custodian.
Then there is the future of Stamford Bridge. From your visits, you will know the stadium isn't quite grandiose as the new builds in the north of London, nor does it generate as much match-day revenue. Yet take a walk around the stadium – which I'm sure you've done – and you can't escape the sense of history. The Peter Osgood statue. The Shed Wall. Even the East Stand, with its concrete facade, is a reminder of Chelsea's past.
Modernisation is needed and no supporter would argue otherwise. A stand-by-stand redevelopment has been mooted which, while not a quick process, would be welcomed by fans – who all the way back to 1905, have only ever watched Chelsea play their home games at Stamford Bridge.
Such a project will be costly, but it guarantees you a legacy, Todd. It makes an indelible mark in the club's history. But please do consult with the Chelsea Pitch Owners, the Chelsea Supporters' Trust, and other fan groups as it is they who will fill the new seats during and after your tenure.
You may have noticed that not once in this letter have I used a certain word: winning. Some may find that strange, especially given the silverware claimed under Abramovich. But I've always believed, and still do, that there is far more to a football club. It shouldn't be the basis of a fan's support.
I know you want to win; it's been a core principle of your revival of the LA Dodgers. And I appreciate success leads to more lucrative commercial opportunities, extra revenue, and more eyes on the brand. But if you are to truly enjoy your time as owner, if you are maximise your financial investment, allow yourself to forge an emotional connection, just as Abramovich did.
Celebrate goals. Feel the anguish of chances missed, something Chelsea did often last season. Become frustrated with VAR, just as you appeared to be during the 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Embrace it all and trophy lifts, when they come, will be just that little bit sweeter.
And I've no doubt they will. With the tactical mind possessed by Tuchel, the talented young players in the squad, and the potential additions you can identify and sign, Chelsea can continue to compete at home and abroad. Sure, it will be different, perhaps achieved on a stricter budget, but that may not be a bad thing. And it all starts on Monday.
Good luck,
Adam Newson
