'Mourinho has brought conviction, confidence and clarity'

IN 1931 a Chelsea team travelled north on a freezing winter afternoon for a cup tie against Blackpool.

By the time the final whistle blew they had lost 4-0 and five of the side had left the field, unable to carry on because of the Arctic conditions.

"Southern softies", chanted the home crowd and a stereotype was born which has lasted three quarters of a century. Until, that is, the arrival of Jose Mourinho.