Eight managers have been and gone since Roman Abramovich took control of Chelsea back in 2003.
The latest to go was former Chelsea midfielder Roberto Di Matteo, who was relieved of his duties despite guiding the club to the Champions League and FA Cup last season.
With the ninth man potentially installed later today, Sports Mole has profiled the eight that have preceded him.
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Trophies won: None
Lasted: September 2000 - May 2004
Despite winning very little during his time at Stamford Bridge, the Italian was a popular figure. However, Roman Abramovich took over during Ranieri's stint in charge and the Russian made it clear from the start that he wanted trophies - something that in all honesty Ranieri was never going to deliver on a regular basis. As a result, he had to go.
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Trophies won: Two Premier Leagues, One FA Cup, Two League Cups, One Community Shield
Lasted: June 2004 - September 2007
When Mourinho walked into the Bridge he famously declared that he was the "Special One". As cocky as that may have seemed, he proved good to his word domestically by winning two league titles on the trot. However, reports in the summer of 2007 claimed that his relationship with the owner had become strained. From that point on there was only ever going to be one outcome and in September of that year he was sent packing, much to many people's dismay.
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Trophies won: None
Lasted: September 2007 - May 2008
Mourinho's replacement was the little-known Grant. In fairness to the Israeli, he did a good job - guiding the Blues to finals of the Champions League and League Cup, as well as challenging Manchester United for the league title. He didn't win anything though, forcing Abramovich to pull the trigger.
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Trophies won: None
Lasted: July 2008 - February 2009
Scoalri came to England with the reputation as a fantastic international coach from spells with Brazil and Portugal. In hindsight, perhaps he should not have returned to club football. The language barrier appeared to be a problem between manager and player and after a promising start, he was relieved of his duties in February 2009.
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Trophies won: One FA Cup
Lasted: February 2009 - May 2009
The one that got away as far as Chelsea are concerned. Hiddink made it clear when he took over that it was only until the end of the season because of his commitments to the Russian national team. It may have only been a short stint, but the Dutchman became a real favourite with the players and supporters.
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Trophies won: One Premier League, One FA Cup, One Community Shield
Lasted: June 2009 - May 2011
Charged with carrying on the work started by Hiddink, Italian Ancelotti made himself an instant hero at the Bridge by winning a Premier League and FA Cup double for the first time in the club's history. The following season saw Chelsea lose their title to Manchester United and they also lost out in the quarter-finals of the Champions League to the Red Devils. Despite all his success the year before, Abramovich ran out of patient with Ancelotti shortly after the final match of the season.
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Trophies won: None
Lasted: June 2011 - March 2012
AVB was supposed to be the man that was going to produce the type of football that Abramovich craved. His methods at times proved questionable though - particularly when he tried to alienate a number of senior players. With the likes of John Terry, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard all said to be unhappy with Villas-Boas, there was only going to be one winner.
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Trophies won: One Champions League, One FA Cup
Lasted: March 2012 - November 2012
At last someone was able to deliver the Champions League trophy for Russian billionaire, scratching a nine-year itch. Add to that the FA Cup and Di Matteo you would have thought would have been flavour of the month. The Italian was not the big name that Abramovich wanted though, with reports saying that he was eager to land Guardiola. In the end, Di Matteo paid for not being the former Barcelona coach!
Liam Apicella
