I HAVE FOLLOWED CHELSEA FOR more than 70 years, but no season remains more firmly in my mind than the 1954-55 league championship campaign. There were hopeful early signs before the visit of Manchester United in mid-October produced one of the most amazing of all Chelsea games. Being a point behind United at the top of the table provided much optimism before kick-off. Ninety minutes later we were deflated, having lost 6-5.

An equally thrilling and, as it turned out, crucial match was that against Wolverhampton Wanderers, the league leaders, at Molineux before Christmas. Having led 2-1 late in the second half, we went 3-2 behind before Roy Bentley and Les Stubbs salvaged victory.

Wolves remained at the head of the table into March, but two games at the end of that month were crucial. A match at The Valley against Charlton Athletic marked the start of the final assault on the title as we edged ahead of Wolves for the first time that year. But there was a vital 1-0 win over Cardiff City on a drab midweek afternoon in Wales when only a few of our fans were able to travel. We tested the alcohol supplies of the train on the way home. Wolves’ visit on Easter Saturday assumed huge importance. Twenty-four hours before, Chelsea would have lost to Sheffield United had Eric Parsons not stolen an equaliser.

That visit of Wolves produced probably the most famous club game played at Stamford Bridge up to that time. After 75 minutes there was no score. And then a penalty to Chelsea, awarded only after the referee changed his original decision of a corner; unsighted as he was as Billy Wright punched Seamus O’Connell’s shot over the bar. An agonising interval occurred, with Chelsea players straining to reach the official, Mr J. W. Malcolm, before he awarded the penalty. Peter Sillett, the regular penalty taker, was a lone figure on the halfway line. He trudged to the area, placed the ball on the spot before blasting it perilously close to Bert Williams, the England goalkeeper, and into the net.

Years later I spoke to Peter about it. How did he feel? “I just hoped he’d keep to his decision and award a corner!” he said.

The title was not wrapped up until a home win over Sheffield Wednesday. The celebrations were memorable and, after speeches from Ted Drake, the manager, and one or two players, the cry went up for John Harris — with the club for ten years but no longer a regular member of the team, who was near to tears. Parsons was sitting at the front of the stand. “We want the Rabbit,” was the cry.

Never did Eric move more quickly as he sought refuge in the dressing-room.