An open letter to incoming Chelsea owner Todd Boehly with the Roman Abramovich era at an end

Congratulations, Todd, you did it. You bought Chelsea Football Club. So enjoy the weekend. Celebrate. Have a drink or two. But come Monday morning, it is time to get to work. The takeover? That was the easy bit. What comes next will be far more challenging, far more demanding. But the rewards are worth it.

How you and your partners have conducted business over the last three months has been hugely impressive. There were no fires to put out. No major concerns to allay. Your bid was strong. The process smooth as could be given the circumstances. Maintain that level of assuredness during your ownership and I've no doubt Chelsea will remain competitive at the top level.

That won't be simple. As you almost certainly know – you've been to matches at Stamford Bridge in recent weeks, after all. Work is required on Thomas Tuchel's squad; a rebuild to use the German's own words. Money will need to be spent, just as it was during the Roman Abramovich era.

Todd Boehly consortium reaches definitive agreement on Chelsea takeover

However, there is an expectation that things will be done a little more smartly under your watch, Todd. Without Abramovich's unimaginable wealth, they have to be. Millions can't be wasted on hopeful punts; the world's most-expensive goalkeeper can't be the club's second choice.

It may take a little time to get things set up as you wish at Stamford Bridge, both on the pitch and off it. That's ok. You will be given that. Chelsea supporters are – on the whole – an understanding bunch, the majority appreciate the journey as well as the destination. Daniel Finkelstein and Barbara Charone can fill you in I'm sure: they were here long before the club's golden years.

I won't lie to you, the bar has been set high.