Chelsea have launched into a charm-offensive in their attempts to leave Stamford Bridge by offer key decision-makers a meeting with captain John Terry.?
The Blues are trying to repurchase the freehold to the 134-year-old stadium, the club's first steps towards relocating to a new ground.
However, Roman Abramovich's plans depend on whether Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO) can be persuaded to sell their shares to the club.
Ownership of the land on which Stamford Bridge sits has belonged to CPO since the 1990s and acquiring the freehold would clear a key stumbling block towards moving to a new stadium.
The prospect of relocating has divided supporters and the leaders of opposition group 'Say No CPO' plan to vote no to the club's proposals atan extraordinary general meeting of CPO on October 27.
And Chelsea are pulling out the big names in their efforts to persuade CPO shareholders that it is in the club's interest to leave Stamford Bridge.
Major CPO shareholders have been invited to a meeting regarding the club's plans on Monday - an event which will also be attended by?Terry and chairman Bruce Buck.
Terry has already put his weight behind the club's plans to move with a lengthy statement on the club's website on Wednesday night.
Moving on? Stamford Bridge has been Chelsea's home since 1905
The England and Chelsea captain is unlikely to be the only big name the club utilise to convince CPO members before October 27 - with other star names set to follow Terry's lead by publicly backing the plans.
In response to Monday's meeting, a statement from the Say No CPO group read: 'We are saddened, but not shocked, to learn Chelsea have had to resort to trying to influence the largest shareholders by offering private meetings with players.'
Ashley Cole and Daniel Sturridge have become the second and third current players to speak publicly about a potential move at the club's latest 'An Audience With...' event at Stamford Bridge.
Is that the way to a new ground? Ashley Cole supports the decision
Cole said: 'We have to trust Roman. He has put something like ?800million in and if you see the training ground and what he has done there - if you look at the bigger picture - you have to trust him.'
He added: 'Of course people are going to miss Stamford Bridge but, if we want to evolve, I think it is a good move.'
Sturridge said: 'We do maybe need a bigger stadium because if you look at the biggest clubs in the Premier League and around the world, their stadiums are a bit bigger than Stamford Bridge.
'There is a lot of history at this stadium and fans have been coming here since before I was born, and I am not the person to say I think you should move away. The fans have a right to their opinion.'
?Say yes to new stadium! Villas-Boas backs Blues move from Stamford BridgeTerry sees Chelsea's future away from Stamford Bridge, telling fans to back Abramovich
Source: Daily Mail
Source: Daily Mail