Andre Villas-Boas has been relieved of his duties as manager of Chelsea with immediate effect.

The Portuguese boss only spent nine months at Stamford Bridge, having joined the club in June 2011 from FC Porto.

His position at the club had come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks as the Blues struggled for form in all competitions.

Following yesterday's 1-0 loss away at West Bromwich Albion, owner Roman Abramovich has decided that the 34-year-old was no longer the man to take the club forward.

Villas-Boas leaves the club fifth in the Premier League table, three points behind Arsenal in fourth.

Roberto Di Matteo will take charge of the team until the end of the season.