Kalouless gets new deal...

Last updated : 13 October 2009 By Paul Lagan
Salomon Kalou has signed a new three-year deal and Alex is poised to join suit shortly.
In the great scheme of things these two players getting new contracts might be viewed as securing a good squad - both players only playing first-team games through injury to others, suspensions forcing them into the side or if it's the Carling Cup.
But the deals have taken on greater significance since the two-year transfer ban that ultimately cost chief executive Peter Kenyon his job.
Kalou, 23, has yet to impress the Chelsea faithful - they still feel he has yet to prove himself, but here he is now becoming integral to Chelsea's short-term future.
Chelsea will appeal the transfer ban imposed on them for their supposed illegal activity concerning the transfer of Gael Kakuta.
But the club, under new chief executive Ron Gourley and director of football Frank Arnesen, have to assume the position of business as usual and prepare for one of three scenarios; a) the appeal is thrown out, b) the appeal sentence is reduced or c) the appeal is upheld.
If option three is the outcome, then come January, Chelsea will enter the transfer market with midfielder Patrick Viera top of their list.
The veteran Frenchman plying his trade with Inter Milan would be the ideal replacement for Michael Essien who will be off to the African Cup of Nations alone with Didier Drogba and Kalou.
Viera was spied at Chelsea's match at the Bridge against Liverpool.
Significantly, his former club Arsenal were also in action that day at home. It's significant he chose to rock up at SW6 rather than the the Emirates.
There is still no official announcement on who if anyone will replace director of communications Simon Greenberg.
The former sports editor of free-rag the Evening Standard handed in his press credentials earlier this month.
He, like Kenyon will be hanging round the corridors of Stamford Bridge for some time.
There are shades of "dead man walking" here. Claudio Ranieri was given this title during his final year as manager when Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2004.
Now Kenyon is swaning round on various committees representing Chelsea. Gourley must be checking the finer details of his job description to work out where he fits into this scenario.
Likewise, Greenberg, who it's believed has no job to go to just yet is also continuing in his role.
There is an obvious notice period that most people have to endure when resigning from a job, but football tends not to operate such systems.
Still, should the club need some advice in how to proceed in the future they need only get in contact with Chelsea-Mad.
We, in our messageboard posters have a wealth of advice and experience to pass on. Roman, you have my email address, drop me a line.