Gullit interested in Chelsea job

Ruud Gullit yesterday opened the way for Chelsea to appoint him as Glenn Hoddle's successor at Stamford Bridge.

The move would clearly win the approval of the new England coach, who stressed that "continuity" is all important as he prepared for an emotional farewell at home to Blackburn tomorrow. Chelsea's hierarchy meet before that game to discuss their options.

"I haven't heard anything officially, but because of all the rumours you are thinking about how you would do it," Gullit said yesterday. "I would need to talk to them about how things would be run, what would you like to change. There are so many things to think about, but the job hasn't been offered yet.

"It is wise to consider it now because everyone is talking about it. I was honoured by the way the fans reacted and also the way the players reacted."

Hoddle, back at the club's training ground, spoke at some length about his new job with England. "I don't want to get too involved with what is going to happen with England at the moment," he said. "It's not fair to Terry [Venables]; he's got a massive job on his hands and he doesn't want a side circus.

"I'll be stepping into the background and looking at Moldova, Georgia and Poland. I already have the fixtures and have got something set in my mind about what I'm going to do.

"Whatever anyone says, it's a full-time job. And what I've done here [at Chelsea] from schoolboys right through, I want to underpin that a little bit [with England].

"I'm sure Terry has done that anyway, but I really want to look at the Under-21s and Under-18s. The FA have been good enough to give me a four- year contract and it is worth looking at that and bringing things through.

"The opportunity has come even quicker than I ever thought it would. Some people get them, some don't and I've had the courage to say 'yes' and I'm very positive. But it's very important that Terry gets on with having a successful summer and that will make my job easier."

n Jean-Marc Bosman, whose legal fight against Uefa changed the face of European football, is to sue the sport's world governing body, Fifa, for not sanctioning a benefit match for him. Eric Cantona and Diego Maradona are believed to have agreed to play in the match, due to take place in Paris on 14 May.