The club, whose players had previously had a reputation for silly hair cuts and mid-table positions, was transformed in 2003 when Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich bought the side. The oil billionaire immediately went on a spending spree to bring the world's best players and training staff to Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho was brought in as trainer in June 2004 to replace the Italian Claudio Ranieri, who had failed to bring the club the instant success that its fans expected.

Chelsea's first season under their new trainer saw the club win the Premier League, becoming the champions of England for the first time in 50 years. They repeated the feat the next season, defeating rivals Manchester Utd 3-0 at Stamford Bridge to reclaim the title.

However, Chelsea's failed to win Europe's biggest prize, the Champions League, under Mourinho. This, along with the purchase of Ukrainian striker Andrey Shevchenko in 2006, rumored to have been made against Mourinho's wishes, reportedly caused relations between the trainer and the oligarch to go sour.

Chelsea began the 2007/08 season poorly, losing on Saturday to Aston Villa, and being held 1-1 at home by the Norwegian side Rosenberg in the Champions League on Wednesday. The game, played in a half-empty stadium, turned out to be Mourinho's last in charge.

Chelsea confirmed on their Web site Thursday that they have appointed Avram Grant, 52, who was the club's director of football, to take over from Mourinho. He will be assisted by Steve Clarke.

Guus Hiddink, the current trainer of the Russian national side, has been linked with the Chelsea post, but the Dutchman has expressed a desire to stay in Moscow to develop the Russian team. - RIA Novosti