On this day 20 years ago, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink joined Chelsea Football Club. The forward signed from Atletico Madrid for a club record fee of £15million back in 2000, this price tag is now considered a bargain after the impact of the Dutch number nine had on Chelsea, averaging a goal every two games over the next four years.
The 48-year old was at Stamford Bridge between 2000-2004, he was introduced to the Chelsea fans after scoring in the Community Shield against Manchester United. The Blues won 2-0 at the national stadium, the latter goal coming from new signing, Hasselbaink. Despite winning by a comfortable margin on the day, the sending off of Roy Keane enhanced Chelsea’s chances of achieving the silverware.
In his first season, netting 26 goals was a successful season. This was a sign of things to come for Chelsea fans, who expected big things from their record signing.
During the management era of Gianluca Vialli, the Italian boss also signed Eidur Gudjohnsen from fellow English side, Bolton Wanderers. The Icelandic and Hasselbaink formed a prolific partnership during their time at Chelsea, scoring 125 goals between them.
After the debut season for Hasselbaink, the following campaign would bring more joy for Chelsea fans. The goals helped the club reach an F.A. Cup final to give the fans another chance of witnessing trophy success. It wasn’t all smiles though, as an injury to Hasselbaink in the prior league game meant he was unfit for the occasion, causing him to be substituted during the game. Ultimately, Arsenal would run out 2-0 winners.
The latter two years were not as prolific as the first two, however, he helped his side qualify for the Champions League in 2004. In March of the same year, he netted three goals against Wolverhampton Wanderers, becoming the first player in the club's history to net a hattrick after coming on as a substitute.
The end of the 2003-2004 season would spell the end for Hasselbaink at Chelsea, with the new hierarchy looking to implement their own tactics and players to the club. He went on to play for Middlesbrough, Charlton Athletic and Cardiff City. Ironically, his first Charlton goal came at Stamford Bridge, where the home faithful applauded their once upon a time hero.
The former striker has also had a hand in management since retiring in 2008. Royal Antwerp, Burton Albion, Queens Park Rangers and Northampton Town is where he has taken the hot seat. Achieving most success at Burton, where he guided the club to their first ever promotion to League One.