Harris hails Abramovich

03 June 2013 16:17

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich deserves a 'pat on the back' for bringing Jose Mourinho back to the club, according to former Blues favourite Ron Harris.

The long-expected return of Mourinho was finalised on Monday, with the club confirming a four-year contract with the Portuguese.

"I think 95 per cent of the Chelsea supporters are pleased Jose is back. He has a track record wherever he has been and he has always been successful - I hope he can win a few more things for Chelsea," Harris told Sky Sports News. "I feel the supporters will be more than happy, so it's a pat on the back for Roman Abramovich for brining him back to Chelsea Football Club."

Tony Cascarino, who played at Chelsea between 1992-94, thinks the return of Mourinho, who famously anointed himself 'the Special One' when he first arrived in England, comes at an apt time.

Next year's Premier League will be the first to take place without Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, and Cascarino feels Mourinho's stature will help fill the void.

"We've lost one great manager in Fergie but we've got another one coming back into the Premiership," said Cascarino. "It's great for the Chelsea fans who have got who they wanted back in charge. It's going to be a real circus between now and his first game in August.

"You're always fearful: can it be the same, a happy return? But I would be amazed if he doesn't win something. I think that's nearly a 'gimme' and he will come close to winning the Premier League."

Ray Wilkins started his career at the club and worked on Luiz Felipe Scolari's coaching staff before being promoted to assistant manager under Carlo Ancelotti. He understands the balance of power at Stamford Bridge better than most and believes any differences between Mourinho and Abramovich will have been put to bed long before this announcement.

"They'll have been in deep discussion as to which way they're going to go," Wilkins said. "(Last time) Jose wanted it one way, Mr Abramovich wanted it another way. I assume there have been numerous occasions when they have been speaking and they will have come to a very happy ending.

"He wants to be loved, or so we read, and he's going back to the best possible place. People at Chelsea adore the guy. I don't see too many problems as far as that's concerned."

Source: PA