It has been just over a month since Carlo Ancelotti was sacked following the defeat on the last game of the season.
There have constantly been rumours flying around who will take over at the Bridge, the early favourites were Guus Hiddink and Marco van Basten with whispers that the Special One could even make a dramatic return or that Porto’s young coach Andre Villas-Boas could be the answer.
Over the last fews there were reports in the Daily Mail, Daily Mirror and Daily Star that Hiddink would want ex-Blues’ coach Ray Wilkins reinstated should he take over – Not something that may appeal to Roman, having sacked him back in October.
On Wednesday, Chelsea’s chief executive Ron Gourlay said that the club will name their new coach within two weeks PLUS they are looking to purchase at least two new players before the new season kicks off.
The latest odds still rate Hiddink as the favourite to take over with odds of 1/3, then the second favourite is ex-player Mark Hughes at 2s – Having left neighbours Fulham after a decent season there was a lot of money put on the former Manchester City boss – whilst he was a favourite at the Bridge a sa player, it is considered by many that he has an eye on taking over at bitter rivals Manchester United in the future which is a turn off.
Harry Redknapp is still ranked third favourite at 6s, with Poto’s Villas-Boas at 10s then early favourite van Basten has dropped to 18s and is not considered to be in the running. Jose has dropped from 10s to 40s, a clear sign that he will not be returning this summer.
Hopefully the appointment will be quick, so that the new man in charge can start re-building and get the team ready for the start of the season.
By Scott Balaam
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