Chelsea to appoint Hiddink?

From Russia with love.

So, Guus Hiddink now seems likely to step into the Chelsea breach, after his agent vehemently denied claims that the Russia boss would take the job. But the twist is that he'll take temporary charge until the conclusion of this season, combining his international management with the job at Stamford Bridge. Which leads me to ask; 'What is the point of all this?'

It had been claimed in some quarters that Luiz Felipe Scolari, sacked yesterday, took control of an increasingly aging squad. He wasn't heavily backed in the transfer market, and his agent even suggested today that Roman Abramovich's failure to help him capture Robinho was one of the main factors behind his apparent 'failure'. Whether this was a telling factor or not is unknown, but what can change under Hiddink?

Obviously, Hiddink won't be able to sign players (whilst loan deals seem unlikely) and he'll have no say in future transfer dealings. In effect, Chelsea have sacked one manager in order to replace him with a man who will be severely restricted. Furthermore, at the cost of paying off the remainder of Scolari's contract, one must ask whether it really is a risk worth taking.

There shouldn't be too many problems with Hiddink combining both roles - Azerbaijan (h) and Liechenstein (a) in the space of four days are the only games he'll be required for by Russia. It remains to be seen whether the dismissal of Scolari and subsequent (impending) appointment of Hiddink will launch Chelsea towards an assault on three trophies. Should they claim at least two of these, Roman Abramovich will be declared a genius. If they win nothing, at the end of the season as Hiddink goes off to prepare for Finland (a), we may be asking; 'What was the point of all that?'

The Irish Rovers

As Republic of Ireland prepare to face Georgia at Croke Park tomorrow night, Giovanni Trappatoni has confirmed Blackburn's Keith Andrews will make his first competitive start for his country, with Darron Gibson missing out. Alongside Glenn Whelan in midfield, the Irish still seem to lack a bit of steel in that area. However, with both playing regular football in the Premiership, expectations will be high in D3. Damien Duff appears to be hitting form with Newcastle, and Robbie Keane will welcome a break from his recent tribulations on Merseyside. Following the Irish victory over France on Saturday in the Six Nations, a win tomorrow night will cap a fine week for the boys in green.