Chelsea's senior players want Guus Hiddink to return as manager Andre Villas-Boas' replacement. The London Evening Standard says some of the squad have lost faith with boss Andre Villas-Boas and believe only ­Hiddink can turn their campaign around.

Roman Abramovich hired Hiddink three years ago this month after losing faith in Luiz Felipe Scolari.

As is the case now, the club's place in the top four was at risk but Hiddink guided them to third in the League, as well as the Champions League semi-final and won the FA Cup after beating Everton at Wembley and many of the players wanted him to stay.

However, he was also in charge of Russia's World Cup qualifying ­campaign and went back to that job full-time.

The relationship he forged with the squad has never been forgotten and there are individuals who want ­Abramovich to re-hire him.