Grant takes the reins at Chelsea
Thursday, 20 September 2007 12:03Chelsea moved swiftly following the shock departure of Jose Mourinho as they announced that director of football Avram Grant and assistant manager Steve Clarke will take charge of the first team.
The London club confirmed in a statement that the pair would take charge 'immediately'.
Mourinho's profile has already been removed from the club website and Chelsea confirmed in a statement: 'The club is delighted that in Avram we have an experienced man who can come in immediately at this difficult time to help deliver our objectives.
'In Steve we have a Chelsea man and he will be a crucial part of the management team going forward. Avram and Steve have our full confidence and support.'
Earlier today, Mourinho ran out of the training ground in Cobham, Surrey, at about 10.45am.
He hid his face in his trademark trenchcoat as he dashed past a crowd of reporters and photographers waiting for him.
He refused to comment on his departure from Chelsea before getting into the back of a black saloon car and being driven off.
Only last night, a glum-looking Mourinho, along with a number of senior players, attended a screening of 'Blue Revolution' - a new documentary about the Abramovich years.
However it is believed Mourinho had earlier contacted five senior players in the afternoon to inform them of his departure and by midnight the entire first team squad had learned he was going.
The club's chief executive Peter Kenyon, chairman Bruce Buck, and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's key aide, Eugene Tenenbaum, were called to an emergency meeting at Stamford Bridge last night to discuss the emerging crisis.
Mourinho's departure was eventually confirmed when they posted a statement on the club's website.
Former players and managers said they feared Chelsea could now struggle after the departure of the self-proclaimed 'Special One'.
'I'm absolutely astounded at what's happened,' former Chelsea captain Ray Wilkins told Sky Sports News.
Another former Chelsea player, Gavin Peacock, told BBC Radio Five Live: 'I think that half the team will have been affected badly and it's going to be hard to get that team spirit that Jose managed to manufacture.'
