Why Wilkins won’t make a ‘shock return’ to Chelsea

It would seem as though the media are putting two-and-two together and coming up with five again as former Chelsea assistant manager is set for a ‘sensational’ return to Stamford Bridge as part of Guus Hiddink’s coaching staff, as the Dutchman is expected to be announced any day now and enjoyed a good working relationship with Wilkins during his time at the club.

But if there was a problem behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge that led to Wilkins’ dismissal in the first place, why would he return? Nothing has changed at boardroom level, so the problem would still exist. And what good would it do to bring him back anyway?

There was a lot of debate over the ‘Wilkins factor’ last season as the Blues suffered an unprecedented slump in form after his departure, and of course, it was a factor.

However, I think Butch’s dismissal affected Carlo Ancelotti more than it did the squad, who are fairly accustomed to seeing managers and staff come and go, but Ancelotti stood by idly as his right-hand man was axed and I think he lost the respect of the players for it, he looked weak and when you lose that respect it usually ends one way.

There could also have been a problem in communication as although Ancelotti has a fairly good grasp of the English language in such a short time, but with Italian speaking Wilkins present, perhaps it was easier for the former coach to make his point to the players.

Wilkins had also previously said that his time is done with Chelsea:

“My time is done with Chelsea. When you put in as much money as Mr Abramovich, you are entitled to choose what you want to do. He didn’t want me so I am no longer there. Back then I was cheesed off but I am not one of those guys who would keep saying I should be still there. It is part of my life which is done and dusted.”

I have a lot of respect for Wilkins and he has a great respect for Chelsea, but the manner of his dismissal must have hurt him and I do not think he would come back now. However, I do hope for a new assistant as Michael Emenalo is something of a non-entity, but think that someone like assistant first team coach Paul Clement is perfectly capable to do the job.