The Week That Was: SAFC v Chelsea Build-Up, Plus More!

Ey up, it's our round-up of all the happenings on The Roker Report this week, including but not limited to plenty of build-up to this afternoon's game at Chelsea. So we'll start with that...

• Preview: The preview is of course a staple, and a place where you can get yourself ready for the game. In here you'll find some team news, some predictions for the game, some banging tunes to get you ready for the game, and a trip down memory lane in the Classic Encounter. Get yourself ready folks by CLICKING HERE.
• Cult Heroes: Every week David Boyle takes us on a voyage into the past, singing the praises of someone who played for us, and someone who played for them in a section we like to call "Cult Heroes". This week's selection was Bolo Zenden, so feel free to have a read of that, by CLICKING HERE.
• Podcast: If you prefer your build-up and SAFC news and notes to be audible, then The Roker Report Podcast is here for you. On this weeks show were the fine voices of David Boyle and Simon Walsh, as they looked at Peterborough, Chelsea and some blasts from the past. CLICK HERE to find ways of listening.
• Fan Focus: In Fan Focus we like to get the views from the opposition side of things. For this week, we had Graham MacAree from our own SB Nation Chelsea blog "We Ain't Got No History". If you wanted to read his Blue Views, then why not CLICK HERE.

And so that's Chelsea covered from every angle. However we've much more for you as we bring you a week of Roker Reporting goodness...

Starting off with some news about us since we're the most important thing in town (I kid, we only are in our own heads). Whilst SAFC aren't taking advantage of the January transfer window, we are. We've had a little re-jig behind the scenes here and added a great writer to our mix in Karl Jones. So here's his unveiling.

The Introduction Of Karl Jones

Now back to the football, and we started the week with a trip down memory lane in the shape of the "My First Game" feature. So why not come on over and recall a defeat (remember them?) against Tottenham that sparked a love affair with Sunderland AFC...

Click Here For My First Game #5

Swiftly followed the next day with a topical Top Ten. David Boyle back in the hotseat for the Top Ten, and he took on the challenge of naming our Top Ten Irish Players. If you want to praise, complain or even just look blankly at a screen, this is the place.

Click Here To Read The Top Ten Irish Internationals

You may recall a thoroughly professional demolition of Peterborough United in the FA Cup last weekend, and don't worry Talking Tactics fans, it's right here. Chris Weatherspoon breaks down the action from the weekends game.

Click Here To Read Talking Tactics

On Wednesday, following a tip from some experts on the other side of the pond, we told you all about a potential trialist at SAFC this week, Michael Farfan. Farfan's a midfielder for the Philadelphia Union. That's all I know, but luckily Scott Kessler of the Union blog "The Brotherly Game" was here to fill us in...

Click To Read All About Michael Farfan

That same day we also had a great read from our good friend Mark Metcalf. Mark's got a new book out, and he thought he'd share a bit of it with us talking all about Super Kevin Phillips. It seems like a cracking read, so check out this sample, and then head off to buy the book itself.

Click Here To Read The Unforgettable Golden Boot Of Kevin Phillips

With no transfers coming in, some were on the way out. Notably Nyron Nosworthy, and some of the more promising youngsters at the club. We tell you what's what in this little article...

Click Here To Read About Nosworthy, Knott, Noble & More

We also had a bit of a Ramble this week. With the African Cup Of Nations looming, we looked at some of the 'under the radar' players who might be worth watching for at the forthcoming tournament. Before you get all smartarsed, saying you've heard of them because you play FM12. Good for you. Others might not have...

Click Here For AFCON Ones To Watch

And that my friends, will do you for a week on Roker Report. Enjoy it, treasure it, tell your family and friends about it. Thanks for reading.