Imports report for a brief encounter

Harry Pratt looks on as Chelsea's new stars watch their team-mates perform

Those in the West Country still deciding whether to go and catch a glimpse of Ruud Gullit and his cosmopolitan Chelsea circus over the next few days should beware. A glimpse is all it may be, if you are lucky.

Capacity gates are expected at Exeter, Plymouth and Swindon this week as the Dutch player-manager takes to the road with his new-look squad. So it proved on Friday evening at Kingstonian's neat little ground on the outskirts of south-west London, where 4,000 Chelsea fans packed in to welcome the Italian international Gianluca Vialli, his compatriot Roberto di Matteo and the French international sweeper Frank Leboeuf, bought from Strasbourg.

There was, however, one slight problem. None of them played. Out they came before kick-off, dressed in jeans, T-shirts and baseball caps to acknowledge their new army of admirers. Under the circumstances, the reception was generous and warm.

The absence of Vialli, who celebrated his 32nd birthday 10 days ago, was explained by a "slight calf strain" - although Chelsea's assistant manager, Graham Rix, indicated that he could be fit to play half an hour tomorrow at Exeter. Leboeuf, Di Matteo, John Spencer, Dennis Wise, Craig Burley and Dmitri Kharin were excused duty as they appeared in Euro 96, while Gullit preferred to accustom himself to the surroundings of the dug-out.

There was not a murmur of discontent from the paying Chelsea public, who produced welcomed receipts of pounds 20,000 for their non-league hosts. A 7-0 scoreline certainly helped, but the real reason for the calm was summed up by the Chelsea director Matthew Harding, who conceded: "We're all mad - that's why we keep coming."

There is, though, a new wave of optimism to fuel the supporters' dreams. Harding's financial input, allied to the attraction of playing under a renowned, respected individual such as Gullit, and Glenn Hoddle before him, has transformed Chelsea into a talented force.

And more money will be available if required. "The spending is never over. If a player whom the club want becomes available then we will be interested," Harding, who is estimated to be worth pounds 100m, said. "It's an exciting time - we've made some serious signings and now have the spine of the team in place. It won't be long before we win the Premiership. Hopefully, Ruud can become our greatest manager, somebody has to. He will have our support and I will continue to do everything to help the club fulfil its potential."

After Harding's half-time thoughts, Vialli, di Matteo and Leboeuf took their seats in the press box and were all smiles. As were the press - until Chelsea officials said that the players were there to watch the game and not to give interviews.