Chelsea reach Wilkins compensation deal

Chelsea have reached a compensation agreement with Ray Wilkins just a few weeks after the English champions sacked him as their assistant manager.

Wilkins, a former Chelsea captain and ex-England midfielder, was told his contract, due to expire at the end of the season, would not be renewed and would be terminated with immediate effect.

Chelsea sacked Wilkins last month, prompting him to hire lawyers, but have now reached what both sides say is an “amicable” resolution.

Wilkins, who joined Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Chelsea coaching team in September 2008 and helped them win the FA Cup in 2009 and their first ever double last season under Carlo Ancelotti, said in a statement Wednesday on the League Managers Association’s official website, www.leaguemanagers.com: “It has obviously been a big wrench leaving such an illustrious club and one which has played such a huge role in my playing and coaching career.

“I have great affection for the club, the staff, the players and its supporters and wish them all the very best for the remainder of this season and the future.

“I would also like to thank the club and the LMA for ensuring that matters have been brought to a swift and harmonious conclusion.”

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay said on the club’s official website, www.chelseafc.com: “I am pleased to announce that we have come to a swift and amicable agreement with Ray Wilkins and all unresolved matters have now been settled.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ray for his service to the club and wish him all the best for the future.”

Wilkins left Stamford Bridge on November 11 and was replaced a week later by Michael Emenalo, a former Chelsea scout.

Emenalo’s role was called into question when Ancelotti said the Nigerian would not be involved in coaching the first team, although he has been seen sitting on the bench during matches.

Meanwhile Italian boss Ancelotti has denied reports he was considering his own position at Chelsea.