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Ten Cate sacked as Chelsea assistant

29/05/2008

Chelsea have confirmed that Avram Grant's assistant Henk Ten Cate has followed the Israeli out of the exit door at Stamford Bridge.

The Dutchman's contract was terminated on Thursday, five days after Grant was sacked as manager.

"Chelsea Football Club can confirm we have terminated Henk Ten Cate's contract today. This follows a meeting this morning," a statement from Chelsea said.

"As a result of the team management changes at Chelsea FC, and in the light of any forthcoming appointment, it was clear this was the correct decision for all parties."

Former Ajax manager Ten Cate, 53, joined as Grant's assistant shortly after he became boss when Jose Mourinho left the club in September.

The Chelsea statement continued: "Everybody at Chelsea would like to thank Henk for his contribution since coming to the club last year."

Grant's other assistant, Steve Clarke, is widely expected to leave in the coming weeks to pursue a managerial career.

Speculation is rife the Blues, who came second in the Premier League and reached the final of the Champions League, have a shortlist of four to replace Grant.

Roberto Mancini, Mark Hughes, Luiz Felipe Scolari and Didier Deschamps are reportedly the main contenders for the job, with Frank Rijkaard, Guus Hiddink and Sven-Goran Eriksson unlikely to be considered or not interested in the post.