Blue Army

United in blue since 1905 at Stamford Bridge.

The Blue Army refers to the supporters of Chelsea Football Club, a professional association football club founded on 10 March 1905 at The Rising Sun pub. Based in Fulham, West London, the club plays its home games at Stamford Bridge. Throughout more than a century of history, this fanbase has witnessed the team's rise from early promotions and relegations to becoming one of the most successful clubs in English football. The supporters have stood by the side through turbulent financial crises in the 1980s, the Roman Abramovich era starting in 2003, and historic European triumphs including two UEFA Champions League titles.

Quick Facts

Affiliation: Chelsea Football Club
Home ground: Stamford Bridge
Club founded: 1905
Nickname: The Blues
Primary colour: Blue
Status: Active

Lore & Background

The club's identity was shaped early on when Gus Mears founded Chelsea to use the stadium he acquired in 1904, choosing the name of the adjacent borough over options like Kensington FC. Early supporters filled the stands, securing the highest average attendance in English football during ten separate seasons between 1907 and 1920. The fanbase endured hard times in the late 1970s and 1980s, when the team came close to relegation to the Third Division and Chelsea supporters were associated with football hooliganism. Despite these challenges, the support remained loyal as Ken Bates acquired the club in 1982 for just £1. The atmosphere became legendary at the Shed End, particularly during the modernisation under Ted Drake which led to the first League championship in 1954–55.

Reader's Guide

Supporters gather at Stamford Bridge in Fulham, where the club has played since its founding. The fanbase is known for rivalries with fellow London teams Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as Leeds United. Historically centered around local West London residents, the community expanded globally following the appointment of Ruud Gullit as player-manager in 1996 and subsequent European successes. Fans have celebrated six top-flight league titles, eight FA Cups, and two FIFA Club World Cups (2021 and 2025). The 2025 UEFA Conference League victory marked a unique achievement, making Chelsea the first club to win all four main UEFA competitions.

Did You Know?

Chelsea was founded on 10 March 1905 at The Rising Sun pub, which is now known as The Butcher's Hook.
Ken Bates acquired the club in 1982 for a nominal sum of £1 and sold it to Roman Abramovich in 2003 for £60 million.
Chelsea won their first European trophy, the Cup Winners' Cup, in 1971 with a replayed win over Real Madrid.