Ray Wilkins won't be returning to SW6 next week or next month, Chelsea-Mad understands.
Wilkins who was controversally sacked by Roman Abramovich, via chief executive Ron Gourlay eight months ago, was remaining tight-lipped today when a Chelsea-Mad watcher spoke to him.
Out on a smashing golf course, taking advantage of the break in poor weather, Wilkins issued a firm but lovely "No comment" when asked about recent press speculation linking him back at Stamford Bridge.
Usually a no comment answer suggest a 'yes it's true but I can't comment just yet'. But in this instance, Wilkins is still feeling pretty raw at the way the club, with whom he has a 30-year association, treated him.
No one is stating the exact reason for Wilkins's departure - the offical comment from the club was that his contract was up and was not going to be renewed.
But darker forces are at work at SW6, paranoia runs rife and people lie in fear of the 'Gourlay tap on the shoulder.' (GTS)
The GTS is in reference to how Carlo Ancelotti was informed of his inglorious exit from Chelsea in May when Gourlay tapped him on his shoulder and told him to pack his bags.
Staff at SW6 and Cobham are relaxed at the moment as Gourlay is out on a Far East tour of Asia where he said that the coach's position would be filled soon.
Chelsea-Mad understands that the club are reluctant to pay compensation to the Turkish FA for Guus Hiddink but hope they can fly the Dutchman over next week for a press conference to announce his arrival at Stamford Bridge.
Hiddink will then take a two-week holiday before returning to SW6 to take charge of pre-season preparations.
Hiddink still wants to bring Marco Van Basten as his key assistant.