Chelsea launches electronic programme for fans

The online publication, a first for a football club or sporting association, will offer Chelsea fans around the world the same editorial and imagery as the printed versions as well as interactive elements including video links.

Fans will be able to sign up for the e-programme on a match-by-match basis, available one hour before kick off, while the e-magazine will be available monthly. Both publications will also be available on a yearly subscription.

International members will receive the e-magazine as part of their membership package from September. The e-publications can be accessed from anywhere in the world once a subscription has been set up.

Casimir Knight, managing director of Chelsea Digital Media, said: "The launch of the e-magazine and e-programme is exciting, and the latest in a succession of cutting edge and innovative ways the club is using digital media to communicate with our fans."

The programme will be priced at £2 per e-programme and £2.50 per e-magazine, with reductions in price dependent on territory. Access will be via a unique secure password.

The Premiership club has worked closely with its publishing partner ProgrammeMaster in putting together the online publishing package. It follows the recent revamp of the official club website and the launch last year of Chelsea Plus, the club's subscription video offering.