What do Chelsea’s women footballers do at a time of viral crisis? Shop online, keep fit and pose for endless selfies with their pets.
It’s certainly the case with twin strikers Sam Kerr and Beth England. Beth, who returned from the SheBelieves Cup with her ankle in a protective boot, has been posting pictures of her pooch Buddy, while Sam, fresh from long-distance exertions with the Matildas, has been sharing clips of her cosseting her fluffy white cat.
Both the Blues’ men’s and women’s squads are continuing to train, to keep up their fitness levels, but without a match in sight – and the prospect of a resumption of the Premier League and WSL receding with every fresh coronavirus bulletin - it’s hard to maintain the motivation.
With no football to watch or play, they'll surely join fans in turning (with bewilderment and disbelief) to the club’s online megastore; a treasure trove of objects you never realised you needed.
If you're not able to take a real dog for a walk like Beth, why not buy a Chelsea stuffed bulldog toy for £15? It’s cheaper to keep and won’t mess up your carpets.
Less likely to appeal in March - but, bizarrely still on sale - are the Chelsea Christmas stocking for £6, the £10 Chelsea Merry Christmas snowman ornament, which looks a bit like Dennis Wise (it’s the same height) and the 10-pack of Chelsea mini Christmas baubles at £8.
Quite why festive tree decorations are still on sale as Easter nears (Santa hats £6, folks) is hard to fathom.
But if last December’s leftover stock isn’t for you, and you’re feeling down-in-the-dumps with all the grim news swirling around, you’ll be needing a £10 Chelsea Love and Hugs rabbit comfort blanket. Just wrap yourself up in it, and you’ll perk up in no time.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
Want to read more news stories like this? Subscribe to our weekly e-news bulletin.
