Premier League: Abramovich is running out of managers, says Ray Wilkins

Former Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins believes club owner Roman Abramovich is running out of options for the managerial position at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have had no less than nine managers since Russian Abramovich took over in 2003. Interim manager Rafa Benitez has failed to win any of his first three games, while former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has been linked with the role. Roman Abramovich found Claudio Ranieri as manager when he took over the club and he sacked him in May 2004. Jose Mourinho was appointed next, and his reign ended in September 2007, when Avram Grant was appointed. The Israeli manager was then sacked in May 2008 and Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari took over. His spell didn't last long though as he had to pack his bags in February 2009. Then it was Guus Hiddink's turn but his reign was extremely short, from February to May 2009. Carlo Ancelotti was appointed next and he remained at the club until May 2011, when he was replaced by Portuguese wonderboy Andre Villas-Boas. The Portuguese manager didn't get to spend a whole year at Stamford Bridge, being replaced by Roberto Di Matteo, who then got sacked a couple of weeks ago. Ray Wilkins, who worked under Abramovich for two years, said: "He is running out of options. If Guardiola was to come in and got sacked, where do you go?" The 56-year-old former Chelsea midfielder was appointed in 2008 to work as Luiz Felipe Scolari's assistant but was then dismissed by Abramovich in November 2010 while working alongside Carlo Ancelotti, who was then sacked at the end of that campaign. Wilkins believes current Brighton boss and former Chelsea midfielder Gus Poyet would be an ideal manager for the club as options run low."Jose Mourinho may not come back. Gus Poyet would be a good choice, he is cutting his teeth at Brighton and was a legend at Stamford Bridge," Wilkins said. "It is an interesting one, the options are now being closed down rather rapidly." Chelsea's next game is at home against Norwegian champions Nordsjaelland on December 5th, here are the odds from Bet365: Chelsea win - 1/11 Draw - 9/1 Nordsjaelland win - 25/1