Official - RDM and Steve Holland appointed assistant coaches

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Genuinely gutted about Clement.

Our medical department is shit though, good riddance.

[Kostas 1,468]

English's departure may have nothing to do with André Villas-Boas getting appointed.

About 2 and a half months ago L'Equipe reported that we were after Franck Legall, Lille's chief doctor. He helped setting up the French national base at Clairefontain. Thierry Laurent, one of our physios, worked at the Clairefontain for the French national team before joining us in 2005.

We may not hire Legall but at least I'm relieved by the fact that getting rid of our backroom staff*, after scrapping our scouting network, was being planned and ain't part of sacking spree.

*If the reports are even true

[steve5221 91]

Genuinely gutted about Clement.

Our medical department is shit though, good riddance.

Apparently Mick Mcgiven is earmarked for a promotion as AVB likes him. Would make sense to have him as the assistant instead of Clement as the young/old combo would work better....

[EskWeston 696]

Have no problem with AVB bringing in his own staff, i think it is a positive thing he is being allowed to bring his staff in..... Shame for Clem but these things happen.

[We Hate Scouse 10,326]

I'll have a word with my mate tomorrow and see if he has heard anything.

I can confirm they have all been sacked.

[magic weeds 446]

I can confirm they have all been sacked.

thanks for confirming that.

In the meantime, as the axe continue to fall, Christophe Lollichon, the goalkeeper coach set to be the next victim.

Full story here.>>>>> http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/chelsea/8601758/Andre-Villas-Boas-set-to-make-another-change-at-Chelsea.html

[- 25 - 167]

thanks for confirming that.

In the meantime, as the axe continue to fall, Christophe Lollichon, the goalkeeper coach set to be the next victim.

Full story here.>>>>> http://www.telegraph...at-Chelsea.html

Bit of a strange one, wouldn't have thought big Pete would be too happy about that.

[magic weeds 446]

Bit of a strange one, wouldn't have thought big Pete would be too happy about that.

Maybe AVB is looking at the performance of Turnbull and Hilario. :eyebrows:

[strong centreback 157]

Stamping his authority early on maybe, apparently one of the things that scolari and cech feel out over was that lollichon was getting marginalized and his usual routine was changed, maybe it is AVB getting in nice and early that he is in charge as im sure he wants to stamp his imprint on the club as soon as, wouldnt surprise me if he culls a couple of the bigger players amongst the dressing room as well, not that he needs to do this to get the players on side as im sure they respect him and will want to play for him but it wouldnt hurt to make a few big decisions like that just to keep them on their toes, anyway thats what I think it may be or maybe he just thinks we can do better?

[ruggedknot 105]

This story broke on twitter from a Sky Journo from Italy first and carried over quickly , just in time before AVB's first press outing as manager with the club where there will be plenty of talk , for certain .

http://www.guardian.co.uk/p/3v7mv/tw

Roberto Di Matteo set to return to Chelsea as assistant manager

Roberto Di Matteo is set to return to Chelsea as No2 to André Villas-Boas when the Portuguese manager unveils his backroom staff on Wednesday morning. The Italian, who spent six years at Stamford Bridge as a player, is the Portuguese's surprise choice as his assistant.

Di Matteo has been out of work since his sacking as West Bromwich Albion manager in February. The 41-year-old was dismissed despite having led the West Midlands side back into the Premier League from the Championship at the first time of asking. The Italian has been on gardening leave since, but is now expected to return to football as Chelsea's No2 as Villas-Boas reshapes the coaching set-up at Stamford Bridge.

A sign of good things to come ? If the recent reports in the media are to be believed , AVB has sitting through a few interviews , looking fo an able Number 2 . Very very chuffed to see Di-Matteo come back to the Bridge and be involved with the club again . Always has been one of my favourite Chels players and kudos to Villas-Boas to have picked a guy who will be respected by the players and adored by the fans , not to mention bringing some good vibes ( If there weren't enough already ) with the appointment of a former crowd favourite back in . That crop of players in particular : WIse , Poyet , Vialli , Di Matteo , Zola , all tremendous personalities whom one would've expected to have made a foray into the managerial dugouts of football .

Nice touch André ! :blue scalf:

[Guest justin_3d]

Let's hope its' true, cause I would welcome this appointment.

[magic weeds 446]

I think someone had posted it already in the AVB thread, the original story from Italy. I did also post the DAILY MAIL and GUARDIAN reports.

Hope its true anyway.

[ruggedknot 105]

Let's hope its' true, cause I would welcome this appointment.

Indeed . Would be fantastic if Villas-Boas himself announced it in about 7 hours time

I think someone had posted it already in the AVB thread, the original story from Italy. I did also post the DAILY MAIL and GUARDIAN reports.

Hope its true anyway.

Posted the original message a while ago on the twitter rumours thread , a while before it was being discussed in the AVB tactics thread .

Sky Correspondent Bailey : http://twitter.com/SkyGraemeBailey

Roberto Di Matteo is being linked with return to Chelsea as Andre Villas Boas's assistant .

Early stages of even a rumour as it stands right now but would be delighted if it were true . One synonymous with the faithful and its interesting that AVB is doing what Mourinho did at every club he went to - get an ex pro into the backroom who has an endearing history with the club.

Its deserving of its own thread either-way , we'll just rename it if and when Di-Matteo is confirmed as the assistant to the manager

[magic weeds 446]

Exactly.

[Kostas 1,468]

Would it be too wild to presume DiMatteo was chosen/recommended by the Board given previous stories about us looking for an ex-player to be an assistant manager under Hiddink?

Would welcome such an appointment but can't help thinking it's PR-related like Zola would have been.