Ray Wilkins leaves with immediate effect

[CHD 30]

Very annoying, better not be cuts bollocks from Gourlay.

Wilkins has played a big part in recent success.

Unless Zola or Clarke get the job I won't be happy. Maldini wouldn't be bad. It will be some nobody though.

[Steve 10,227]

Shocked. Do not even know what to say.

[DavidEU 2,023]

Rumours of an 'incident' last night. More in the papers tomorrow I suspect.

Zola or Maldini to replace?

[toddandrewblue 19]

A very strange situation. Really sorry to hear this news - not what we need mid-season while at the top of the table. Distractions like this can lead to dropped points. Best to you Ray - thanks for everything!

[Madmax 9,219]

This is so sudden. How does a contrct run out in the middle of a season? Such a shame this, Butch is Chelsea through and through.

Thanks for everything, Butch, wish you all the best in everything you do.

[Randall 315]

So sad about this, absolutely love ray ray. All the best for him in the future, maybe a managers role in the offing. Probably be replaced by Maldini or someone. Can't help but feel this was always Ancelotti's intention once his English had reached a sufficient level. Very unfortunate and sad.

[*History* 8]

Please, please bring back Clark.

[diskoviolente 425]

Steve Clark would be the only real improvement after letting WIlkins go....

That is really sad, Ray is a humble and down to earth typ of guy, just what we needed !

He stepped in when things were going crumble, and he helped Carlo setteling in to achieve what we recently achieved.

Sad day, really.

[caesarblues 51]

Sad n shocked

goodluck n tx Råy

Maldini,Clark or Zola pls..

[Aesthetic Relic 301]

Been out all day and heard it in the car on the way home. I'm very surprised to say the least. There's bound to be more to it than a contract dispute. David has mentioned that there was an apparent "incident" last night and more will be revealed in the press tomorrow. That would make more sense.

Its a shame tbh, as behind every successful club there is a successful backroom staff and Wilkins was one of the resons we've changed our image to other supporters. We're no longer as hated as we once were imo and he's been a massive part of that. He always talked sense and was very likeable when interviewed.

All the best Ray, I wish you all the best in what ever you do in the future

[Chelsea_Fan 227]

I shocked.Probably the problem not only in new contract... Thanks for everything Ray!

[Rubber bullets 1,183]

I hope it isn't something nasty that was the reason, that would quite sad.

I have a feeling Maldini will replace him.

[T.T. 1,534]

I wouldn't mind seeing wee Pat given the job.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

..Is this a joke?

[LDN Blue 7,903]

There must've been a bust up.. Wilkins-Abramovich most likely. Not to renew his contract is one thing, but to send him off 'effective immediately' indicates, something has happened. Hopefully Carlo comes out and explains.

Still shocked. I wonder if Paul Clement is in line for a promotion now.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

According to ESPN..

Wilkins told ESPNsoccernet that he is not prepared to comment but said that he has no idea why the club kicked him out of the door with such haste.

The mild-mannered Wilkins was in no mood to discuss an issue that has left him completely in the dark, although rumours are spreading like wildfire about the reasons behind his surprise departure.

One of the biggest rumours is that the club believe they acted in their best interests by sacking Wilkins, and had good cause to do so.

According to Chelsea insiders, Wilkins was sat with Ancelotti in the Cobham stand by the touchline watching the reserves, and took a call from chief executive Ron Gourlay at half-time.

It is suggested that Carlo Ancelotti was powerless to intervene to prevent the axing of his assistant manager, for whom he had such deep admiration and to whom he gave due credit following Chelsea's Double success last season

[Madmax 9,219]

Not only is this a footballing disaster for us, it's also a PR disaster. Expect headlines along the lines of 'Trouble at Chelsea'

[Kez 2,727]

SHOCKED to say the least, seems this has come out of nowhere hope this doesn't lead to further problems. All the best to Ray and thanks to him for the fantastic job he did.

Zola or Clarke to replace please!