I Was Delighted

Sep 23 2007 John Hillcoat

THE Special One may be gone but Stevie Clarke lives on at Stamford Bridge.

I was delighted to hear my former St Mirren team-mate survived Roman Abramovich's Chelsea dagger in midweek that ripped the heart out of the club and saw Jose Mourinho handed his P45.

Clarke has been a Blues mainstay since he quit Love Street for the bright lights of London in 1987, first as a player then coach and most recently as No.2.

But I'll never forget the day he nailed his colours firmly to the mast.

I was just starting out as a keeper when Stevie played in Paisley and 20 years later he probably wouldn't know me from Adam.

However, my memories of the talented full-back are vivid.

I walked into the dressing-room one day to see Clarke standing with his back to everyone and a Biro pen in hand mischievously scrawling something on the wall.

We couldn't wait until the bold Stevie left to find out what he had written on the wooden panelling next to the drying cupboards that stunk of cat pee due to the amount of sweaty tops hanging in them. (Big Gary Peebles was the worst culprit-his gear was the most foul I've ever smelled).

Anyway, I soon found out where Clarke's allegiances lay when I read the words "Celtic for the Cup ya b*ss" written in blue ink.

Luckily for him, Stevie survived the mother of all slaggings just four months later when there was an ironic twist to his bold prediction.

He had already left for Chelsea by the time Buddies secured one of the most memorable achievements in their history by dumping Dundee United in the final to clinch Scottish Cup glory.

As for his beloved Hoops, they didn't make it past the fourth round.

Football never ceases to amaze me and Thursday's escapades in London proved to me again that the game we all love is bonkers.

Chelsea's billionaire owner Abramovich's decision to give highly popular manager Mourinho the "thanks for coming, have a good career" treatment came as a real shock to everyone.

And it just goes to show money does in fact rule our game.

The Special One has become the first Premiership managerial casualty of the season following a disappointing start to the domestic and European campaigns. After deciding enough was enough Abramovich dusted off his wallet as the two parties thrashed out compensation.

That deal is reportedly for between six and 10 million saucepan lid (my Cockney's great eh?) which will surely save the Portuguese legend the fortnightly trip up the apples and pears to the social security office for his dole cash. Mourinho was seen talking to his wife on his mobile soon after meeting the Chelsea board. But I can exclusively reveal he was actually on the blower to the local skip firm. The wheelbarrow he used to cart his dough out of Stamford Bridge had buckled at the axle due to the amount of £50 notes in it.

I must admit I was gutted when I heard the Chelsea gaffer had been given his marching orders as I think the British game needs more guys like Mourinho.

Sure, his arrogant demeanour infuriated many people but he backed that up by producing the goods for whoever employed him and that can't be disputed.

Who else could raise the profile of what is already one of Europe's biggest clubs while also making routine pre and post - match interviews essential viewing?

Football fans would be glued to their TV after a Chelsea game in the hope the Portuguese prima donna would entertain them with his bizarre Eric Cantona-style interviews and controversial comments.

But that is not all Jose had in his locker as most guys who played under him respected him like a father figure.

Disgusted stars like Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard are apparently already eyeing the exit because Mourinho was the main attraction in staying at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho strikes me as a player's manager and that kind of strategy builds trust and respect between a gaffer and his team.

Those are two fundamental attributes that every boss needs and all the roubles in the world can't buy.

You just had to look at the reaction of Drogba and co when they scored - the first port of call was usually to the dugout to celebrate with their mentor.

That's a sight seldom seen in the modern game.

But guys like Jose are football junkies and he is already waiting for the phone to ring with new job offers.

Let's hope it's Premiership chairmen first on the blower as Match Of The Day won't be the same without him.

'Stevie is write Hoops fanatic'