Chelsea shocked most of the football world on Thursday when they announced the dismissal of Jose Mourinho, who despite having a torrid season is easily the best coach in the history of the club.

Languishing at the bottom rungs of the table and needing a steadying hand immediately, the club has moved ahead to appoint Dutchman Guus Hiddink, to take charge in the interim until the end of the season.

It’s the same role he occupied in 2009, after the ignominious exit of Rafa Benitez.

The Dutchman was in attendance at Stamford Bridge earlier, as the club beat Sunderland 3-1 to kick off the post Jose Mourinho period in style.

The club made the announcement with a statement on their website on Saturday.

Chelsea Football Club can confirm Guus Hiddink has been appointed first-team manager until the end of the season.

The owner and the Board welcome back a coach with a wealth of top-level experience and success, including his previous spell with the club in 2009 when we lifted the FA Cup.

Mr Abramovich and the Board believe that Guus has what it takes to get the best out of our talented squad.

Guus said: “I am excited to return to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in the world but is not where it should be at the moment. However, I am sure we can all turn this season around.

“I am looking forward to working with the players and staff at this great club and especially renewing my wonderful relationship with the Chelsea fans.”

Guus took temporary charge of Chelsea in February 2009, losing just one league game as we recovered from a poor first half of the season to finish third in the Premier League, guaranteeing Champions League football for the next campaign and signing off in style thanks to a 2-1 FA Cup win over Everton at Wembley.