Chelsea management are aware that Steve Clarke is crucial to keeping the players happy at Stamford Bridge.

The Sun says the Scot has signed a new £500,000-a-year deal after talks yesterday and a source said: "The hierarchy know Steve is the only senior man at the club who knows the players inside out and who they all trust.

"It's a smart move to make sure he feels wanted and happy. Without him the whole place would be in danger of falling apart."

Clarke has doubled his salary, after signing a new three-year deal only last summer.