Portal:London/Showcase article/05 2009

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Chelsea's East Stand

Chelsea F.C. were formed on 14 March 1905 at The Rising Sun public house (now The Butcher's Hook), opposite the present-day main entrance to the ground on Fulham Road, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Unusually, the club were formed for the ground and have remained there ever since. Originally, the club adopted the image of a Chelsea pensioner as their club crest, leading to their nickname "The Pensioners"; in 1953 a blue lion was adopted based on elements of the coat of arms of the Metropolitan Borough of Chelsea. The emblem of the blue lion carrying the staff of the Abbots of Westminster was re-adopted for the club's centenary.

This month sees the club's ninth appearance in the FA Cup Final to be played on 30 May at Wembley Stadium against Everton F.C.. Chelsea play in Royal Blue kit, and Everton in blue shirts and white shorts — both teams therefore enjoy the nickname "The Blues". Chelsea has previously won the FA Cup four times: in 1970, 1997, 2000, and 2007. They were runners up in 1915, 1967, 1994, 2002. Everton has appeared twelve times; winning their last appearance in 1995.