Former Chelsea coach Ray Wilkins is delighted Roberto di Matteo is staying as manager.

Di Matteo has signed a two-year contract with Chelsea.

Wilkins, who left the club shortly before Di Matteo filled the same role, believes the decision to hire the 42-year-old full-time will bring much-needed stability to the Stamford Bridge club.

"I'm delighted for him. It'll be nice to see that interim manager title now taken away," he said.

"I think Mr Abramovich was hanging on to see if Pep Guardiola wanted to come out from his year-long retirement. I think it's no secret he sees him as the man to take Chelsea forward.

"I don't think he has to change too much but I think there will be a few changes - with new players coming in whether it's the summer or in the December/January transfer window.

"Roberto in his wisdom selected older lads towards the latter stages of the season and it was fruitful. You need the senior players - your club is only as good as the senior players in it.

"They were playing with smiles on their faces and they got away with things (against Barcelona and Bayern Munich) through sheer persistence and endeavour.

"Roberto put a smile back in the dressing room. The confidence was pretty evident towards the end of the season."