CHELSEA - HIDDINK, ANCELOTTI

Much talk around Chelsea FC today that Roman's nervy finger may be hovering above the trigger re Ancelotti. Given funds and time (much as was the case with Big Phil Scolari) I am sure the Italian would turn Chelsea into a force again, but Roman does not have much respect for the virtues of patience. I am told that he misses Guus Hiddink, that he liked the big Dutchman being around the place - and that he would be the No 1 choice (also among the players) if Carlo bites the bullet.

ANCELOTTI ENGLAND

...and that it may not be Harry Redknapp who becomes the next England manager. Insiders at the FA tell me that they are looking seriously at the claims of Carlo Ancelotti to take over from fellow Italian Capello. Unlike Capello, he speaks English fluently and is more of a communicator (ie less distanced). Also, his record at Chelsea and AC Milan speaks for itself...and he would like the job!

ALLARDYCE WEST HAM

Just heard from 'a source' (as they say in the game!) that Sam Allardyce is the man most likely to take over from Avram Grant if, as expected, he goes within the next fortnight...

NEWCASTLE, ALAN PARDEW, MIKE ASHLEY

JUST seen that Newcastle have appointed Alan Pardew as their manager. That in itself not a shock (although I don't see what credentials he has for the job apart from being a mate of Mike Ashley and Derek Llambias).

But the really big shock is this - he has been given a FIVE AND A HALF YEAR CONTRACT!!!

Jeez, the way Ashley runs such a fine, proud club is unbelievable. He gets rid of a man who has done well (Hughton) and brings in a bloke who has proved nothing - and then gives him a deal that is longer than any manager in the game (including Sir Alex, Ancelotti and Wenger).

Pardew will be lucky to be there in FIVE AND A HALF MONTHS, let alone five and a half years! Then, the Toon will have to pay him up for the FIVE YEARS he doesn't work for them - at a time when cash is in short supply. Absolute bloody madness...