Chelsea assistant manager Steve Clarke is set to quit Stamford Bridge.
The Scot is the last link to Jose Mourinho and his departure will be a huge blow to a club reeling from the shockwaves surrounding the controversial exit.
In his two spells at the Bridge, Clarke has built a reputation for loyalty to the Chelsea cause.
Yet he was shocked at the way Mourinho was ousted and concerned the arrival of a new backroom staff would leave him side-lined. One source said: "Steve loves Chelsea but he feels he has just reached the end of the line at the club.
"He thinks the time is right to try his hand as a manager."
