The reaction to the appointment of Jose Mourinho at Chelsea: 'We've lost one great manager in Sir Alex Ferguson, but we've got another one coming back'

Former Chelsea players and pundits react to the news Mourinho is coming back

Jose Mourinho waves goodbye to Real Madrid after his last game (Getty)

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich deserves a “pat on the back” for bringing Jose Mourinho back to the club, according to former Blues favourite Ron Harris.

The long-expected return of Mourinho was finalised today, with the club confirming a four-year contract with the Portuguese.

Mourinho won two Barclays Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two league cups in his first Stamford Bridge stint but his relationship with Abramovich is understood to have soured significantly prior to his departure in 2007.

Harris, who spent almost 20 years at Chelsea as a player and is still involved in a matchday hospitality role, told Sky Sports News: "I think 95 per cent of the Chelsea supporters are pleased Jose is back.

"He has a track record wherever he has been and he has always been successful. I hope he can win a few more things for Chelsea.

"I feel the supporters will be more than happy, so it's a pat on the back for Roman Abramovich for brining him back to Chelsea Football Club."

Harris also believes league success is back on the agenda and expects fans to be enthused after the difficulties of Rafael Benitez's interim tenure.

"I'm quietly confident," he added.

"I would imagine there would be many, many people clamouring to get tickets for the first home game of the season.

"Plenty of Chelsea supporters will be very, very happy tonight."

Tony Cascarino, who played at Chelsea between 1992-94, thinks the return of Mourinho, who famously anointed himself 'the Special One' when he first arrived in England, comes at an apt time.

Next year's Premier League will be the first to take place without Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and Cascarino feels Mourinho's stature will help fill the void.

"We've lost one great manager in Fergie but we've got another one coming back into the Premiership," Cascarino told Sky Sports News.

"It's great for the Chelsea fans who have got who they wanted back in charge. It's going to be a real circus between now and his first game in August.

"You're always fearful: can it be the same, a happy return? But I would be amazed if he doesn't win something. I think that's nearly a 'gimme' and he will come close to winning the Premier League."

Ray Wilkins started his career at the club and worked on Luiz Felipe Scolari's coaching staff before being promoted to assistant manager under Carlo Ancelotti.

He understands the balance of power at Stamford Bridge better than most and believes any differences between Mourinho and Abramovich will have been put to bed long before today's announcement.

"They'll have been in deep discussion as to which way they're going to go," Wilkins said.

"(Last time) Jose wanted it one way, Mr Abramovich wanted it another way. I assume there have been numerous occasions when they have been speaking and they will have come to a very happy ending.

"He wants to be loved, or so we read, and he's going back to the best possible place.

"People at Chelsea adore the guy. I don't see too many problems as far as that's concerned."

Scott Minto, who spent three seasons on Chelsea's books between 1994 and 1997, has watched plenty of Mourinho's Real Madrid side in recent seasons and feels the Bernabeu experience could have been good for the Portuguese.

His time at the Primera Division giants ended in some rancour but Minto believes Chelsea may benefit.

"I would almost equate Chelsea to being an English version of Real Madrid," he said.

"Under Roman Abramovich they've so much money it's not just about winning trophies any more it's about playing a certain way.

"He'll have learned so much on and off the pitch from his time in Madrid.

"He could be even better than he was first time around."

PA