Football Food For Thought / Frank Gregan / 01 April 2009 / 1

Frank Gregan tells us how Roman Abramovich has been changing managers at Stamford Bridge like most people change underwear and how the current boss, Hiddink, is in a no-lose situation.

There was a genuine air of expectancy around Stamford Bridge prior to this season. But for the banana skin slip from skipper John Terry, they would have been European champions. And having secured the services of one of the most respected coaches in the world - Luiz Felipe Scolari - their goal of dominance both at home and in Europe looked achievable.

The first sign that the plot might deviate off script came during the last day of the summer transfer window. Man Utd attracted Berbatov whilst Man City pulled a rabbit out of a hat in the shape of Robinho. Suddenly, the big names were heading in a different direction to West London and rumours that Abramovich's roubles were beginning to become a little short stacked started to surface.

The nerves were settled however with a flying start to the season which was enjoyed even more because of Man Utd's slow beginning. The wheels didn't come off with a bang, they slowly worked their way free of the bolts and have been wobbling since the back end of November when they only managed to pick up 6 points from 5 games on the run up to Christmas.

A win on Boxing Day at home to West Brom was followed by mid table form of 8 points from 6 games and included a drubbing at Old Trafford and defeat at Anfield. When this car loses its traction the Russian owner takes it out on the driver and Scolari had the ejector seat button pressed on him after a home draw with Hull in early February.

Going through Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant and Scolari in the space of 17 months is hardly stability but that was further compounded with the appointment of an interim coach. Guus Hiddink took office with a very impressive CV and a respected reputation but with a remit about as clear as a pea souper on the banks of the River Thames. "Hold the fort until Russia play again" is not what the Chelsea faithful expected their new boss's mission to be. Huddink is in a no lose situation, if he produces he will be hailed a genius, if he fails he will have "steadied the ship." Great work if you can get it!

He has obviously realised this and has offered his services on a consultancy basis once the season is over. That's the last thing that Chelsea need, they need a gaffer who is running things his way and is accountable for the performance of the team should results not be up to the standard required of a club with aspirations of being the very best. The club needs a manager 100% committed to the cause, with no distractions and a burning desire to succeed. Just as importantly, they need to let him get on with the job without outside interference, be it from the boardroom or from consultants.

So who is next up for what has to be one of the greatest club management jobs in the world? There is [34.0] available to back on a Mourinho return and even bigger odds on the man that should never have been sacked, Avram Grant. He's available at [280.0] to return to the Bridge with a large piece of humble pie for Mr Abramovich to eat. Neither of them have a cat in hell's chance this time around, the egos of the power men couldn't handle it.

The favourite is Carlo Ancelotti at [2.78] and having been at AC Milan for 8 years now a new challenge may well be on his wish list for next season, although he has stated that he has no desire to leave. Another who has said that he doesn't want the job on a permanent basis is Hiddink, yet he is still the second favourite at [3.75].

An easy way to make money on this market is to lay both Ancelotti and Hiddink given that they are both short prices and their public protestations that they don't want the job. If only it were that simple, everyone knows there are "lies, damn lies and on the record comments by football managers!" I'll be steering clear of both of them and having a little wager on Zola landing the job. [18.0] should be attainable about the fan's favourite Italian, who is doing a decent job at West Ham. It would be great to see one of football's good guys in a top job with a club that is in his blood.

Speaking of which......... it's ironic that Chelsea travel to St James's Park on Saturday to try and spoil the Shearer party. It was Newcastle that started the barren pre Christmas spell for the Blues with a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge.

The Geordies are in a tiny minority - they've gone through more managers than Chelsea lately, in fact they've probably had more than Marks and Spencer's! Shearer's appointment has shaved a point off Newcastle's odds to win the match but [5.7] is still a cracking price for the "sheet metal worker's son" to get off to a winning start.

'.$sign_up['title'].'

'; } } ?>

(1)

1. hampers | 04 June 2009

   I think the essence of having a "steady" manager is to have a constant "friend, a father or mother, brother" and any "title" we can call just to reassure the closeness and eventually achieve whatever goal is there to achieve. Constant changing is never healthy unless there's a reason.

:

:

:

?

: