Chelsea 's celebrations of their 110th anniversary this weekend will include a special commemorative matchday programme , featuring a design based on one from the olden days . The club was formed at a meeting in the Rising Sun pub March 10 1905 before going on to become a super power in both the Premier League and Europe . After their controversial midweek exit to Paris Saint Germain in the Champions , Jose Mourinho 's league leaders face Southampton at Stamford Bridge on Sunday . Chelsea 's matchday programme for Sunday will feature a design to commemorate their 110th anniversary . Diego Costa trains with Chelsea team-mates ahead of Sunday 's Premier League clash with Southampton . Thibaut Couirtois ( centre ) throws the ball out during a training session at Cobham on Friday . Special guests in the Directors ’ Box will be six direct descendants of three founding fathers of the club : Joseph Mears , Edwin Janes and Fred Parker , who also edited the Chelsea Chronicle , as the programme was called back then . It is fitting that Southampton should be the visitors for this landmark game since George Thomas , a former Saints board member and builder and owner of the Dell , was also one of the first directors of Chelsea FC in 1905 . Manager Jose Mourinho has had to answer questions over his side 's bully boy tactics against PSG . The Blues were criticised for crowding the referee during their Champions League exit on away goals . Midfielder John Obi Mikel has paid tribute to the club 's supporters as they celebrate their 110th anniversary . ‘ I have always appreciated the Chelsea fans , they ’ ve been amazing . They ’ re always there to support the team week in , week out , which just shows how brilliant they are , ' Mikel told Chelsea ’ s official website . ‘ It ’ s been an amazing journey . I ’ ve enjoyed every bit of it . I ’ ve worked with some great people , great players from when I came to the ones that are here now . They ’ ve all been brilliant. ’ John Obi Mikel ( top ) has hailed the club 's supporters ahead of their 110th anniversary celebrations .
Chelsea celebrated their first anniversary on March 10 . The Blues will put out a commemorative matchday programme on Sunday . Premier League leaders face Southampton at Stamford Bridge .