Chelsea's players were happy to see Ray Wilkins leave the club last week, it has been revealed.

The Guardian says Wilkins lost his job as Chelsea's assistant manager after some first-team players said they were unconvinced by his ability, according to a highly placed source at the club.

Since Wilkins's removal the manager, Carlo Ancelotti, has distanced himself from the decision, and from the appointment of Michael Emenalo, the club's former opposition scout, in Wilkins's place.

It is understood, though, that Ancelotti was aware of some of his players' concerns about Wilkins, and did not stand in the way of the dismissal.