Blues eased to 4-6 for title as Wilkins goes

 By Dan Childs 8:27PM 11 NOV 2010 CHELSEA have made a confident start to the season but the impression of dressing-room harmony has been cast into doubt after Thursday’s announcement that assistant manager Ray Wilkins was leaving the club with immediate effect.

Blues chief executive Ron Gourlay confirmed that the club had decided against renewing the 54-year-old’s contract but it seems a sudden development considering the high regard in which Wilkins was held by Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti.

In Ancelotti’s biography, published two months ago, he said of Wilkins: “Without him, we couldn’t have won a thing, and we would not have started the year at supersonic speed.”

Victor Chandler appear to agree because they have eased the Blues’ title odds from 4-7 to 4-6.

Ian Holloway has threatened to quit as Blackpool manager if he is fined by the FA after making ten changes to his team for the 3-2 defeat at Aston Villa on Wednesday and if he sticks to his word, there is a chance that he may soon be clearing his desk.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy received a suspended fine for fielding a weakened team at Manchester United last term and Hills go 8-13 that Holloway will be fined.

Joey Barton has admitted a charge of violent conduct by the Football Association during Newcastle's 2-1 home defeat by Blackburn on Wednesday night and will be banned for three Premier League games (Fulham on Saturday, Bolton and Chelsea).

Barton struck Morten Gamst Pedersen in the ribs during the second-half at St James' Park but, with referee Mike Jones unsighted, initially went unpunished.

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