• Premier League

Chelsea boss appointment imminent - Gourlay

Guus Hiddink is the strong favourite to take control of Chelsea © PA Photos

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Essien to snub Real for Chelsea stay
  
• News: Chelsea await Hiddink update
  
• News: Chelsea's Hilario agrees new deal
  

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay has revealed the club hope to announce their new manager "in the next week or two" as speculation continues that Guus Hiddink will make a return.

It is believed that Chelsea have already come to a financial agreement with the Turkish FA to secure his release from the coaching position with their national side, but Gourlay would not answer questions relating to the man who led Chelsea to FA Cup success in 2009.

"It's a big season for us coming up. Things didn't go as well as we hoped last season and plans are very much in place for next season to be back winning trophies,'' said Gourlay, in Hong Kong to help promote Chelsea's Here to Play, Here to Stay initiative that aims to develop grassroots football in the region.

"As far as the manager is concerned, the process is going well but now is not the time for me to comment on who the next manager is going to be. We will announce things in the usual way but hopefully in the next week or two, we'll be in a position to announce who our new coach will be.

"I don't think it's right to comment at this stage. I don't want to create any speculation, we'll make an announcement when we're ready and we'll see the new coach when we arrive next month.

"As far as players are concerned, the basis of the team will be the same for next season. There may be an introduction of two or three players. We've identified key players that we'd like to bring to the team, players who can strengthen the team but of course we'll probably have to wait until the new coach is in place.''

Reports in Tuesday's British press claim that Hiddink will bring back Ray Wilkins into a backroom role.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.