New York Blues

This page was not something we planned, it's just something we wanted to do to remember some close friends of the New York Blues who left us way before their time.

It was during the end of the Claudio Ranieri era, when he was a dead man walking, that the New York Blues first met Priya Ashoka, along with the now to many familiar, Jayne and Jim at their usual haunt, La Rueda on the Kings Road. Close ties were quickly established after they insisted we take in the Villa away game with them. It was during this trip that some of us made our first trip to Birmingham. During the many long drunken hours and several sober ones that made up this lovely trip, I was able to get to know Priya and I suspect that many other New York Blues who have met him over the years will agree with me, that getting to know fans (people) like him is one of the greatest benefits of following Chelsea. Though we would see less and less of him we were able to celebrate the awe and wonder of Chelsea's first League Championship since 1955. Some of you might have known that Priya had been battling cancer for many months now, he sadly lost the fight this past Saturday, March 24th. My heart goes out to his family and friends and I just want to let my Chelsea family know that we've lost a really good friend.... Alex

Igor, a good friend of many Chelsea fans who go to Nevada's passed away recently. He loved his football, was brought up a Lokomotiv Moscow fan but after watching the English game became a diehard West Ham supporter. He even met up with us on our group trip to London in 2003 and watched a Chelsea game with us before dashing off to watch as many other games as he could in the short time he was in England. Of course, Upton Park was the highlight of his visit ! Above he is pictured with Ukraine fans at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Igor, you will be sorely missed by all football fans who knew you at Nevada's.

Above, as it was announced on the official Chelsea website.

A few of the English expats saw Ossie play, but most New York Blues only ever saw highlights of him. Regardless, all Chelsea fans in New York were saddened and shocked by Ossie's sudden passing on March 1st 2006.

We sent flowers which were placed for us in the Ossie Tribute area at Stamford Bridge. Our message was Ossie, The King of Stamford Bridge, Gone, but never to be forgotten, You're in our hearts forever, signed The New York Blues.