THE ROMAN ERA

A 14th major trophy under the Russian puts Blues out in front

CHELSEA’S Premier League title win is their 14th major trophy under the ownership of Roman Abramovich, who bought the club in the summer of 2003 when they were on the brink of administration.

It guarantees they will end this season as the most successful English club in the period since then, having overtaken Manchester United. United’s 12 major trophies during that time (see panel) could become 13 if they win the Europa League. Chelsea’s 14th means they will be ahead whatever happens and could add a 15th if they win the FA Cup. The success has come at a cost, with Chelsea spending £806m net on transfers in Abramovich’s reign, and almost £2.4 billion on wages. Chelsea have also spent a whopping £71m alone in compensation to axed managers down the years. Russian oligarch Abramovich (left) has had to fund much of the glory from his own pockets rather than Chelsea’s income: Chelsea’s parent company Fordstam owes Abramovich £1.053bn in loans according to the latest accounts, and rising.

In the Abramovich era, United have spent less on transfers (486m net) and wages (£2.1bn) and at the same time have suffered as more than £1bn has been taken out of the club as a result of their ownership by the Glazer family since 2005.