Hollins backs Sven to replace Grant
by Tom Kell, 24 May 2008

Former Chelsea manager John Hollins has told Setanta Sports News that Sven Goran Eriksson could be the club’s best bet to succeed Avram Grant if they are to resurrect themselves in time for the start of next season.

A brief statement on The Blues’ website revealed on Saturday that Grant’s contract had been terminated just eight months after he was confirmed as Jose Mourinho’s successor.

Speculation that Roman Abramovich would dispose of Grant has gone hand in hand with the Israeli’s time at Stamford Bridge, and the owner has now seemingly lost patience despite seeing his side go close to winning both The Premier League and Champions League.

Hollins, who was in charge of the club in the 1980s, has been impressed with the job Eriksson has done at Manchester City and thinks the Swede would be a better option than the likes of Roberto Mancini and Frank Rijkaard.

“It is and isn’t a shock,” he told Setanta Sports News. “Would he still have been there if they’d won the Champions League?

“It’s very swift, I think he did a good job overall with the club in the changeover period.

“They now have a problem with who they can bring in, when they can bring them in with pre-season starting in a month. It needs to be a really big guy with big shoulders who can handle it.

“Eriksson did a very good job at Man City at bringing players in within a month and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s in there somewhere.”

no way