A West Kensington man who became Chelsea FC's first lion mascot has released a song about his favourite team.

The anthem, written by a life-long Chelsea fan, actor and songwriter Johnathan Kydd of Dewhurst Road, was released on the first day of the season and remembers footballers past and present.

The 44-year-old said: "Chelsea Blue reflects my love of the club and the passion with which I support it. It's a personal tribute, but I hope the sentiment will resonate with others who are passionate about Chelsea."

Mr Kydd also has the honour of being the first man to dress as Stamford, Chelsea's feline mascot, in the early 1980s. Sadly, he was sacked after just four games when the club found a pensioner who did the job for free - unlike the young actor who charged £10.

"I used to be a very athletic lion, running round and shaking everyone's hands, but the new man just used to walk into the middle of the pitch and conduct 'Blue is the Colour' before the match started," he said.

"There was a period in the 80s when they were absolutely terrible. But they played very well in the 70s," he added.

The song is backed by a group called The Amazing Singing Dentists. His CD will be sold for £1 outside Stamford Bridge, Fulham Road, at home matches.


CHELSEA BLUE LYRICS

I was Johnny Bumstead... ah ooh
In the playground... in the park
I was Micky Thomas too... ah ooh
Coats for goalposts... we'd play till after dark
And I'd dream I was Peter Osgood...
Volleying home into the net
I was Rhodes-Brown, Clive Walker, Kerry Dixon
Scoring goals you don't forget

CROWD: Gian Franco Zola
Me I'm a Blue Boy
Always a Blue Boy
Coz I'm completely Chelsea Blue
Chelsea Blue
Chelsea Blue
I'm Chelsea through and through