Di Matteo joins Chelsea's sacked managers club

Robert Di Matteo has become the latest in a line of Chelsea managers to part ways with the club. Credit: PA Wire

Roberto Di Matteo has become the latest Chelsea manager to be removed from his post by the Russian owner Roman Abramovich since he bought the club in 2003.

Here is a round-up at his predecessors and what became of them.

Andre Villas-Boas (June 2011 to March 2012)

Life under Abramovich:

Chelsea agreed to pay a £13.3 million compensation fee to secure his services from Porto after he had a successful season with the club, winning four trophies.

However, he could not recreate the same success with the Blues, winning only five out of his last 16 games with the club.

He was heavily criticised for leaving out three of the club's top players from a Champions League first-leg match against Napoli in February, which saw a crashing 3-1 defeat.

He was sacked less than a year after taking the post following Chelsea's 1-0 loss against West Bromwich Albion.

Life after Abramovich:

He joined Tottenham in July as Head Coach on a three year contract.

The club is currently sitting in eighth place on the Premier League table and despite his team being booed off the pitch on several occasions this season, he has urged Spurs supporters to have faith.

Carlo Ancelotti (June 2009 to May 2011)

Life under Abramovich:

Recruited largely because of two Champions League successes at AC Milan, instead delivered Chelsea's first ever double in maiden season.

Nevertheless, damaged by losing in the Champions League last 16, a slump last term resulted in a trophyless campaign saw the Italian axed.

Life after Abramovich: Linked with several jobs in England and abroad, he was appointed manager of big-spending Ligue 1 leaders Paris St Germain last December.

Carlo Ancelotti delivered Chelsea's first ever double in maiden season Credit: Reuters

Guus Hiddink (February 2009 to May 2009)

Life under Abramovich:

Still revered by players and fans for rescuing Chelsea's season while combining Russia job with a caretaker role at Stamford Bridge.

Won the FA Cup and desperately unlucky not to reach the Champions League final, Hiddink lost only one game in charge.

Life after Abramovich:

Continued as Russia boss until June 2010, leaving after failing to lead them to the World Cup.

Became Turkey manager but left in November after losing another play-off, this time for the European Championships.

Persistently linked with a return to Chelsea after Ancelotti was sacked before joining mega-rich Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala in February.

Guus Hiddink lost only one game while he was in charge Credit: Reuters

Luiz Felipe Scolari (July 2008 to February 2009)

Life under Abramovich:

Billed as the man to inspire Chelsea to take final step in Champions League, World Cup-winner Scolari enjoyed a flying start but things soon began to go wrong amid rumours of dressing-room unrest.

The timing of the Brazilian's sacking after just seven months still came as shock.

Life after Abramovich:Made surprise decision to join Uzbekistani champions FC Bunyodkor, although the salary reportedly made him the one of the highest paid managers around.

Left after less than a year and returned to former club Palmeiras, where he has enjoyed mixed fortunes.

Luiz Felipe Scolari was sacked after just seven months in the job Credit: REUTERS/Andrew Parsons

Avram Grant (September 2007 to May 2008)

Life under Abramovich:

Less than two months after arriving as director of football, Grant found himself parachuted into the manager's hotseat.

Speculation was rife he did not have the backing of the dressing room but still managed to get the club to their only Champions League final.

Also reached the Carling Cup final and finished second in the Premier League before sacking.

Life after Abramovich: History repeated itself as Grant joined Portsmouth as director of football in October 2009, once again becoming manager less than two months later.

Boosted reputation by leading side to the FA Cup final despite administration saga that saw them relegated.

Resigned and joined West Ham but was sacked after they were also relegated.

Avram Grant reached the Carling Cup final and finished second in the Premier League before he was sacked Credit: Reuters

Jose Mourinho (June 2004 to September 2007)

Life under Abramovich:

Declared himself a 'Special One' and completely lived up to the moniker, becoming the most successful Chelsea manager ever.

Immediately ended their 50-year wait for a league title with back-to-back Premier League crowns and also won the FA Cup and two Carling Cups.

Champions League glory remained elusive and a power struggle with Abramovich eventually saw him leave.

Life after Abramovich: Heavily linked with the England job before eventually resurfacing at Inter Milan.

One of the most successful bosses in their history, he became only the third manager to win the European Cup with two different clubs.

Now at Real Madrid, he has become the first man to win league titles in England, Italy and Spain.

Jose Mourinho aka the 'Special One' become the most successful Chelsea manager ever Credit: Reuters

Claudio Ranieri (September 2000 to May 2004)

Life under Abramovich:

The first manager to spend Abramovich's billions was under pressure from day one amid rumours Sven-Goran Eriksson was being lined up to replace him.

'Tinkerman' tag did not help the Italian and, despite finishing second in the Barclays Premier League and reaching the Champions League semi-finals, he was sacked.

Life after Abramovich: Returned to former club Valencia, immediately winning the European Super Cup.

But was sacked six months later and has won nothing since, despite landing prestigious jobs at Parma, Juventus, Roma, Inter Milan and now Monaco.

Claudio Ranieri was the first manager to spend Abramovich's billions Credit: REUTERS/Max Rossi