Chelsea have made the surprise announcement that assistant manager Ray Wilkins has left the club.

Wilkins' contract was up for renewal but having not been offered fresh terms he has left the Barclays Premier League champions with immediate effect.

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay said: "On behalf of everyone at the club I would like to thank Ray for everything he has done for Chelsea Football Club.

"We all wish him well for the future."

Wilkins was on the bench for Wednesday night's 1-0 win over Fulham but will now be seeing new employers.

The former England midfielder rejoined Chelsea's coaching staff for a second time in 2008 to work under Luiz Felipe Scolari and was asked to take over as boss on a caretaker basis when the Brazilian was sacked in February 2009.

He stayed at the club when Guus Hiddink came in until the end of the season and also remained when Carlo Ancelotti was named boss ahead of the 2009/10 season.

Wilkins, 54, also enjoyed a distinguished playing career with spells at Chelsea, Manchester United, AC Milan and QPR amongst others.

sportinglife.com

Nooo,non mi dite che han cacciato il barilotto...

era un uomo fondamentale, adesso Ancelotti come farà a capire quando deve applaudire il pubblico che lo chiama

Per la sua successione si fanno i nomi di Galli, Maldini e Zola. Inutile dire che l'ultimo sarebbe il più idoneo, ma non credo sia disposto ad accettare un posto da allenatore in seconda.

Se il Chelsea mette in panchina l'attore Ross Kemp non s'accorge nessuno che Wilkins se n'è andato: