Ray Wilkins lost his job as Chelsea's assistant manager after some first-team players said they were unconvinced by his ability, according to a highly placed source at the club.
Wilkins, who said he had a "fantastic relationship" with the squad, was sacked 10 days ago, and stated yesterday that his removal represented an unfair dismissal. He is now taking legal advice.
Wilkins said: "I am very disappointed that the board decided that I had no further contribution to make ... The League Managers Association's legal advisers are assisting me in obtaining answers to a number of questions arising from my undoubtedly unfair dismissal."
Since Wilkins's removal the manager, Carlo Ancelotti, has distanced himself from the decision, and from the appointment of Michael Emenalo, the club's former opposition scout, in Wilkins's place. It is understood, though, that Ancelotti was aware of some of his players' concerns about Wilkins, and did not stand in the way of the dismissal.
Responding to Wilkins's statement, Chelsea insisted they hoped for an "amicable" deal on compensation. "Although the matter is confidential, we can say that we have told Ray and his advisers that we will honour the termination provisions in Ray's contract."