Chelsea dismiss Scolari

Luiz Felipe Scolari has been dismissed as manager of Chelsea FC after just 25 Premier League games leading the club, with assistant coach Ray Wilkins put in temporary control as the search for a replacement begins.

'Results deteriorating'
Scolari took charge of last season's UEFA Champions League finalists after stepping down from the Portugal helm last summer, but Chelsea have struggled under the Brazilian and moved quickly to end his reign following a disappointing 0-0 draw with Hull City AFC on Saturday. "Unfortunately the results and performances of the team appeared to be deteriorating at a key time in the season," a club statement read. "In order to maintain a challenge for the trophies we are still competing for, we felt the only option was to make the change now."

Wilkins in charge
Chelsea, in fourth, trail Premier League leaders Manchester United FC by seven points and have a fight on their hands just to claim the fourth UEFA Champions League berth. The London club narrowly missed out on winning Europe's premier club competition last term when they lost a penalty shoot-out against United in the final. Manager Avram Grant was dismissed after that match and Scolari brought in, but the 60-year-old has been unable to bring the anticipated free-flowing football to Stamford Bridge and results have also suffered. The 2005 and 2006 English champions won just 14 of their 25 Premier League games under Scolari and were also beaten to top spot in Group A of the UEFA Champions League by AS Roma. Chelsea face Juventus in the first knockout round on 25 February and 10 March.