Ray Wilkins leaves with immediate effect

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Chelsea Football Club chief executive Ron Gourlay has announced today that the board has decided not to renew Ray Wilkins' contract. This will take effect immediately.

Gourlay said: 'On behalf of everyone at the club I would like to thank Ray for everything he has done for Chelsea Football Club. We all wish him well for the future.'

From the official site.

[Wilson 358]

Wow. Ray was a good prospect to Chelsea over the years. I remember he was our step-in manager during hard times a couple years ago whilst seeking a new manager and he stepped up to the mark gaining victories which led to trophies. I am shocked. Who will replace him? This better not put a negative on us! We are top of the league 4 points clear! This does not seem a good time to make such a decision. Anyway, Thank you and farewell Ray! You will be missed. Hope he can move on to manage hus own club cause I know he'd make a good manager.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Such a poor, poor time for this sort of decision. Ray is a genuine guy and a great footballing personality. This won't help the image of the club at all.

[5354 204]

IS STEVE CLARK coming back?!?!?!

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Maybe the club want Zola to come in as assistant?

[DYC. 7,542]

Well this sucks...

[Wilson 358]

Maybe Lampard isn't returning and he's stepping in as assistant? lol

[Blue in NY 26]

This is really a big loss for us. Ray was one of the most respected guys at the club, and always knew the right things to say. He played a huge part in Hiddink's success and also was a great friend to Carlo. This is terrible news for Chelsea fans everywhere, I just don't understand why his contract wouldn't be renewed.

[Endrit 39]

Wtf?

[Kostas 1,468]

Surprised...to say the least.

Ray had a great relationship with Carlo and I doubt he has anything to do with Ray being sacked.

Wonder who'll replace him, Zola is a good shout but I doubt he'll like being an assistant manager again. Could be a CA man like Maldini or Demichelis...

[boshman 1,073]

WTF??? Where has this come from? Why have they decided this? Really shocked and confused right now!

First of all thanks to Ray and good luck in the future. As for his replacement, Maybe Paul Clement will step up to number one assistant. What do people think of that?

[ruggedknot 105]

This is really a big loss for us. Ray was one of the most respected guys at the club, and always knew the right things to say. He played a huge part in Hiddink's success and also was a great friend to Carlo. This is terrible news for Chelsea fans everywhere, I just don't understand why his contract wouldn't be renewed.

Looks like a sacking rather than a contract not being renewed to me . No contract runs out in the middle of a season . Massive loss , the media will have a field day and just when you thought there was some semblance of stability in the club this happens . Not jumping to any conclusions yet about the board , but they might've blown this one , bad .

[Krypt 241]

Really shocked at this, came from nothing , there must be more to this that just a contract dispute , thanks for everything Ray.

[ruggedknot 105]

From a Chelsea news writer , updating the situation real-time on twitter :

1. Ray Wilkins told he was being removed this PM: at half time in a reserve match he was watching with Ancelotti. Both shocked. 1 minute ago via Twitter for BlackBerry®
2. Much of the Ray Wilkins speculation seems to revolve around a contract dispute rather than a major falling-out. #chelsea 17 minutes ago via Twitter for BlackBerry®

http://twitter.com/BluesChronicle

[ChelseaChick 430]

I can't believe this. I think Rays great! Wish him all the best

[zolayes 14,489]

words fail me ...not going to speculate until we are told more

[Joe Cool 388]

I'm just fucking shocked.

[Shane 2,275]

Thanks for everything Ray!