The special one.

No big surprise - to me at least - that Mourinho and Chelsea have parted company, but a big surprise that it has happened now. The timing seems weird, particularly as, by the look of things, there was no Plan A - or even, it would seem, a Plan B. It seems impossible to believe that this bloke Grant was meant to take over. It may, in the event, prove to be an inspired appointment, but he has no CV worthy of the name, and if Abramovich, as reported, is looking for someone who will produce an expansive and entertaining side, then on the basis of his stint as manager of the Israeli national team, this would not seem to be the man. It all has the feel of crisis management, and the danger is that some players who Mourinho has nurtured and who feel they owe him, may now look to leave the club as well.