IT’S not every day that you get to cook for and pamper some of the biggest names in the world of football.

Staff at the Westcliff Hotel had a day to remember when Chelsea’s millionaire stars arrived for their pre-match meal yesterday.

The Premiership club were in town preparing for their third round FA Cup clash with Southend, and their choice of venue was a major coup for the hotel.

And as they arrived, England internationals John Terry, Joe Cole and Frank Lampard were only too happy to sign the shirt of lifelong Chelsea fan Rob Avery, from Westcliff.

Rob, a 40-year-old electrician, was the sole fan to greet the team. And he hit the jackpot.

He walked off with a shirt covered in signatures, pumping his fist and jumping for joy. Rob, of Westborough Road, who has two children and three stepchildren, said he worked alongside Shrimpers fans who had been teasing him since Southend secured a last-gasp draw in the first leg.

But his new prized possession made up for the light-hearted ribbing.

He said: “I’m so chuffed.

“I’m cold, but I don’t care. I’ve got virtually all the players to sign – I’m never washing this shirt again. Wait until my son hears about this.”

The millionaire players relaxed before the match and according to hotel manager Roberto Ross, the players were more than happy with the service.

He said: “The staff have enjoyed it and loved meeting the players. It’s been very good indeed. The players all seemed very happy and enjoyed their stay.

“I was told they thought the food was superb.”

The players tucked into lunch, relaxed in their relaxed in their rooms and then enjoyed a pre-match meal in the evening. Mr Ross said they were given a very specific menu to cater for the players’ needs, which involved energy-releasing, protein-rich foods like steaks and sea bass.

Fans were allowed into the hotel, in Westcliff Parade, where players signed autographs, before heading off to Roots Hall at about 6pm ahead of the 8.10pm kick-off.

Under pressure after a series of poor results in the league, the Chelsea players were tight-lipped when quizzed about the game.

In fact, only assistant manager Ray Wilkins stopped briefly to say all the players were looking forward to the game.