Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck has hailed the run of success they've enjoyed under owner Roman Abramovich.

Buck says Chelsea can quite rightly regard themselves among the game's elite.

Comparing the growth Chelsea has made since 2003 with some of our rivals, referencing three league titles, three FA Cups and two Carling Cups, Buck told chelseafc.com: "When Mr Abramovich first bought the club you could say we were not Manchester United, we were not Liverpool.

"You have to be honest, a very significant part of developing a very good brand is success. Over the last six or seven years we've had a lot of success and no matter how hard you try it is very difficult to develop a brand unless you have some success or some other hook.

"I think most fans really adore Roman Abramovich intently because he is a real football fan, he loves football, he loves Chelsea Football Club and the fans recognise that.

"We all think that's something the fans of Chelsea Football Club deserved and they respect Mr Abramovich for having done that for them."