Why Romans next appointment is in for a career rather than a shift

With Chelsea looking for their 11th boss since the turn of the century, many will be sceptical of a role than seems to be the death of managers, rather than the start of an illustrious career.

With the obvious exception of the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’, many high profile names have been booted from the chair after little more than a season, including the latest casualty Andre Villas-Boas, who took charge for no more than 38 games before being given the boot.

Household names such as Luiz Felipe Scolari, and Guus Hiddick, managed less than 60 games between them, whilst fellow table topping managers manage that in a solitary season.

Despite Roman Abramovichs dreaded trigger finger, I believe the next manager to grace the Stamford Bridge turf will have a much longer shelf-life, as well as a sizeable bank balance to dip into.

Mourinho himself has been linked with the job, along with several others, including former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, Pep Guardiola, and the recently departed England boss Fabio Capello.

The Blues fans were quick to voice their views over Benitez being offered the job, with several banners voicing their displeasure at the recent away game to Birmingham City, along with chants for former boss Mourinho throughout the match.

Former boss Villas-Boas was hardly out of the media, rumours of dressing room unrest, senior players disrespecting him, as well as lack of board backing were bombarded in the papers, and every chance the media had a chance to question him.

However, I believe Mr.Abramovich will have to take a lot of blame for the recent on goings, as despite a very credible CV, and obvious leadership skills from his time at Porto, his appointment in the first place was very poorly thought out.

Coming off the back of a runners-up campaign in the league, many expected Chelsea to compete on more than one front domestically, and to have a successful European campaign, which Villas-Boas has failed to deliver, despite outlasting both Manchester clubs in the Champions League, and surviving a tough 5th round FA Cup tie versus Birmingham, the Russian owner was less than impressed with performances, as were the fans, which prompted his sacking after the defeat to West Brom in early March.

Roman will now likely leave Roberto Di Matteo in charge until at least the end of the season, leaving no shortage of time to look for a new boss, and with an ageing ‘Mourinho’ squad, the Special One could indeed be brought back, especially if he wins the La Liga and Champions League this time around with Real Madrid.

Whoever steps up to the podium should have no problems with recent outgoings in terms of management, as I fully believe the board will step back, and realise that a lot of money has to be spent on rebuilding the core of the team, with Lampard, Terry, Cole, and Drogba, all nearer the ending of careers rather than the peak, as was the case when Mourinho had them in his grasp.

One big loss this season was Michael Essien, who has just started to come back into the fold, and despite being 30 this year, if he returns to his best, can be an integral part of the midfield, along with Ramires, and Juan Mata.

A shaky defence will also need to be addressed, the signing of Cahill is a very good start, but I fully expect the new boss to be given the whole summer to rework and build a squad, one that can challenge for silverware yet again.

Give a man money, and time, and he could work wonders at Stamford Bridge, but Roman must put his hands up, his pistol away, and let a man do the job he has employed him to do.

By Bradley Smith

Follow @BrummieBrad