Ray Wilkins leaves with immediate effect

[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!

[Rambo 1,729]

What's next, Kalou starting over Drogba?

[Milan 17,956]

The only thing I could say was What is the reason? I thought the relationship with Carlo and players was more than just good. This is really really shocking. Best of luck on the future Ray, and sorry

[chrismada9 1,948]

I'm shocked at this!! I really am. The person that Ray Wilkins is, someone who steers everyone... for him to be leaving is a big shock, and one I'm not happy about... for me, argueably one big mistake Gourlay has made.

Good luck Ray

...maybe this paves the way for Zola?? Him and Carlo get along well together so it's a match made in heaven

[Rubber bullets 1,183]

I'm shocked at this!! I really am. The person that Ray Wilkins is, someone who steers everyone... for him to be leaving is a big shock, and one I'm not happy about... for me, argueably one big mistake Gourlay has made.

Good luck Ray

...maybe this paves the way for Zola?? Him and Carlo get along well together so it's a match made in heaven

Are you sure that Zola wants to work with a man who kicked him out of Parma?

[We Hate Scouse 10,326]

Are you sure that Zola wants to work with a man who kicked him out of Parma?

That was 14 years ago...I'm sure they've settled there difference since then.

[wisey11zola25 142]

Ray Wilkins, true legend, good luck to him, can't see why this decision has been made at this time of the season?!

Wisey or Franco in, not interested in Maldini, we need a true Chelsea man through and through, to fill the huge shoes of Ray...

Just gotta hope this doesn't cause troubles within the team, cos Ray was a real firend and role model to all the players

[BLionheart 516]

very shocked !!!!!! but i think that might not be as bad as it looks if steve clark , zola or maldini steps in .......

although i know most probably it will be a nobody as someone has mentioned before

[Rambo 1,729]

I don't see why he couldn't have stayed, I thought he had an excellent relationship with the club along with Carlo.

[BRMC 12]

I remember seeing a while back that Wilkins will join Capello and today that looks to have happened. After the world cup the FA said they wanted to bring another englishman in as coach and rumour had it he was the man for the job i never thought he would leave us though as he was doing well.

Also Dennis Wise turned down a managers job recently and it was said hes waiting for the asistent managers job at Chelsea.