Wilkins decision made "Upstairs".

Carlo Ancelotti spoke briefly about the decision to release Ray Wilkins from his contract today and revealed the decision has come from above him. Carlo confirmed:

"I want to say one thing. Ray was a fantastic assistant coach - I want to say thanks to him because he was a fantastic support last season and this season.

He did a fantastic job and helped me and all the team to win the Double, so the first thing is to say a lot of thanks to him. He is my friend, I have a fantastic relationship with him and I will have a fantastic relationship with him. He knew very well English football and has a lot of experience as assistant. His job he did very well.

The club made this decision, I think it was a difficult decision for everyone but I have respect for this decision. I have trust in all the staff working with me, and now we have to move on. We have to look forward, stay focused on the next game because it is an important season for us and it is important to move on.

I spoke with the players to tell them the club made the decision, but as I said before we have to move on and stay focused. The players are in focus and will continue to stay focused.

Obviously you are interested to ask a lot of questions about this but I don't want to say any more about this."

I think it's fair to say Carlo was informed of the clubs decision and has had to live with it himself. He speaks highly of Wilkins and you get the impression that he feels really sorry for Wilkins and what's happened but he needs, like the players to accept the clubs decision. Another example of Chelsea's board making swift decisions for the good of Chelsea that sometimes are hard to agree with or understand.

More to follow
KTBFFH