Jose Mourinho leaves Chelsea by mutual consent

The personal conduct of the self-styled “Special One” was also proving damaging to Chelsea, with Mourinho engaging in public spats with referees, a television rights holder and even the club’s doctor over the a year ago.

And Wilkins, whose most recent stint with the Blues’ backroom team ended in 2010, reckons Hiddink – who led the club to 2009 FA Cup glory – is the ideal man for the role.

“I want to gather as much information as possible. They did in style and they did it by showing commitment and by sweating tears and blood for the club when needed”, Emenalo said in a Chelsea website interview. “Then I’ll decide if I should stay in London longer to discuss the matter further”.

The Russian billionaire dispensed of Mourinho for a second time yesterday following a disastrous start to the Premier League season which has seen Chelsea lose nine of 16 games.

Hiddink pledged to hear Chelsea’s offer in full before deciding whether to accept the challenge, suggesting first team coach Steve Holland could take charge of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea parted company with Mourinho by “mutual consent” on Thursday after a “palpable discord with the players”.

John Terry was with the rest of the Chelsea squad at the club’s Cobham training ground when they were informed of the board’s decision to sack Jose Mourinho.

The full back said: “Today is a sad day”.

Bournemouth boss Howe encapsulated the collective shock among Mourinho’s peers, with rival managers all admitting sadness at the colourful Portuguese’s exit from English football. “I have a very good relationship with him and it is a hard moment for him”, said Pochettino.

Speculation soon gathered pace that Chelsea would turn to Hiddink at least until the end of the season. We will have competent people come up and help with preparation for the game.

Chelsea released a glowing statement on Mourinho’s departure, only for technical director Emenalo to temper that sentiment. “We feel it was time to act”.