Simon Phillips is a leading Chelsea FC journalist with over 15 years of experience breaking exclusive transfer news and providing in-depth analysis. He runs the most popular Chelsea-focused newsletter on Substack with 25,000+ subscribers and hosts weekly podcasts. Phillips has the largest following among Chelsea specialist journalists on social media and is known for his insider access and fan-first approach to coverage.
The Trusted Voice of Blues Fans
You’re scrolling through transfer rumors on deadline day, trying to separate fact from fiction. Every outlet has a different story. Who do you trust?
For hundreds of thousands of Chelsea supporters worldwide, that answer is simple: Simon Phillips. While other journalists chase headlines, Phillips has spent 15 years building something far more valuable—credibility.
He’s not just another football writer throwing rumors at the wall. Phillips has become the go-to source for Blues fans who want the real story behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge. From breaking exclusive transfer news to providing tactical breakdowns, he’s carved out a unique space in football journalism.
Here’s what makes his coverage different and why Chelsea fans have made him their most trusted voice.
Who Is Simon Phillips?
Simon Phillips isn’t your typical sports journalist working for a major media outlet. Based in Bath, England, he’s built an independent platform that gives him complete editorial freedom.
His journey began over 15 years ago when he started covering Chelsea for various publications. Early in his career, Phillips wrote for The Telegraph and International Business Times. But he quickly realized something important: the best Chelsea coverage would come from someone who understood the club’s DNA.
Because Phillips is a fan first. That perspective shapes everything he does.
His platform, “Si Phillips Talks Chelsea,” launched on Substack and has grown into the most popular Chelsea-focused newsletter anywhere. With over 25,000 subscribers, it’s become essential reading for Blues supporters. The newsletter delivers daily content packed with transfer updates, match analysis, and insider information you won’t find elsewhere.
What’s truly impressive? Phillips has more followers on X (formerly Twitter) than any other Chelsea specialist journalist—476,900 at last count. That’s not an accident. It’s the result of consistently delivering what fans actually want: accurate information, honest opinions, and genuine insight.
Breaking News That Actually Breaks
Here’s the thing about football journalism—anyone can report a rumor. Phillips reports news.
His track record with Chelsea transfer stories speaks for itself. In 2025 alone, he’s broken stories about goalkeeper targets like Mike Maignan before major outlets picked them up. He was first to report Chelsea’s interest in specific centre-backs and provided detailed updates during the February transfer deadline day.
But it’s not just about being first. It’s about being right.
Phillips has developed relationships with sources close to the club over his 15 years on the beat. These connections give him access to information that casual reporters simply can’t get. When he publishes a sourced article on his Substack, fans know it’s based on real intel—not speculation dressed up as news.
His recent reporting on Enzo Fernandez’s potential departure and Chelsea’s four-man Premier League midfielder shortlist shows his depth of access. He doesn’t just name targets. He explains the thinking behind them, the price points being discussed, and which deals are furthest along.
That level of detail is rare in an era where most transfer coverage consists of vague “interest” and “monitoring” stories.
The Podcast That Chelsea Fans Wait For
Every Friday, thousands of Blues supporters tune in to the Si Phillips Talks Chelsea podcast. It’s become a weekly ritual for fans who want more than match recaps.
Phillips co-hosts with Dan McCarthy and Jai Mcintosh, creating a dynamic that balances analysis with authentic fan perspective. They don’t talk down to listeners or pretend to be neutral. These are Chelsea fans discussing their club with the knowledge of insiders and the passion of supporters.
The podcast regularly features guest appearances from other journalists, former players, and Chelsea personalities. These conversations go deeper than your typical interview. Phillips uses his credibility to ask questions fans actually care about and push back when answers feel like PR spin.
What makes the podcast work is its honesty. When Chelsea underperforms, Phillips doesn’t sugarcoat it. When the club makes smart moves, he gives credit where it’s due. That balance—criticism when warranted, praise when earned—is why listeners trust his judgment.
Why Chelsea Fans Trust Him
Trust isn’t given in football journalism. It’s earned through years of consistent, accurate reporting.
Phillips has built that trust by never treating his audience like they’re stupid. He doesn’t sensationalize stories for clicks. He doesn’t invent connections to players based on vague social media posts. And he’s transparent about what he knows versus what he’s hearing.
His “fan first” mentality means he understands what Chelsea supporters want to know. They don’t need another tactical buzzword soup or surface-level match report. They want to understand what’s really happening with their club—the good, the bad, and the complicated.
Phillips also benefits from editorial independence. Unlike journalists at major outlets who answer to editors with broader agendas, he controls his own platform. That freedom lets him publish stories that might be too Chelsea-specific for mainstream media or too honest for outlets worried about maintaining club access.
His work appears across multiple platforms beyond his Substack—Chelsea News, Talk Chelsea, and previously GiveMeSport. This multi-platform presence means more fans can access his insights regardless of where they prefer to read.
How to Follow Simon Phillips
Want to stay updated with the most reliable Chelsea coverage available? Here’s where to find Phillips:
His Substack newsletter at siphillipstalkschelsea.substack.com delivers daily content directly to your inbox. The free tier gives you plenty of value, while paid subscribers get access to exclusive sourced articles and live transfer deadline day coverage.
On X, follow him @siphillipssport for quick updates and his take on breaking news. His 476,900 followers make him the most-followed Chelsea specialist journalist on the platform.
The weekly podcast drops every Friday on major podcast platforms. Search for “Si Phillips Talks Chelsea” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.
He also publishes regularly on Chelsea News and Talk Chelsea, giving you multiple ways to access his reporting.
The Voice Chelsea Fans Actually Want
Football coverage has changed dramatically over the past decade. Traditional media outlets have cut specialist reporters. Social media has flooded the space with clickbait and misinformation. Finding reliable information feels harder than ever.
That’s what makes Simon Phillips valuable. In an industry increasingly dominated by aggregation and speculation, he’s built something authentic. His 15 years covering Chelsea haven’t just given him sources and expertise. They’ve taught him what fans actually need from their football journalism.
Not hype. Not clickbait. Just honest, informed coverage from someone who cares about the club as much as they do.
Whether you’re looking for the latest transfer news, tactical analysis, or just want to understand what’s really happening at Stamford Bridge, Simon Phillips has become the trusted voice that Chelsea fans turn to first.