Ranieri future still unclear after ‘showdown’ talks

CLAUDIO RANIERI and Peter Kenyon emerged from so-called showdown talks last night with the manager’s future remaining exactly as it has been all season — uncertain.

The Chelsea boss and chief executive had a "very pleasant" meeting at Stamford Bridge yesterday afternoon despite the uncertainty surrounding the coach's post. But the discussions, billed as a definitive summit to decide whether or not the Italian would be axed when the season ends in two months, were inconclusive.

The Press Association understands Ranieri is "none the wiser" about his future, which remains up in the air just as it has done since the moment Roman Abramovich swept into power 10 months ago.

A source close to the talks was asked when Ranieri's future would be decided and replied: "I have no idea."

The billionaire Russian said upon seizing control of the club that he was only happy with the manager "for now." And the oil oligarch's opinion on the man who has steered the Blues to the semi-finals of the Champions League and second place in the Barclaycard Premiership appears unchanged.

Abramovich's right-hand man Kenyon who met England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson to discuss taking over from Ranieri failed to give the boss any assurances over his job yesterday.

The manager's advisors will now seek further clarification of their client's position from Kenyon. Chelsea again kept quiet today, continuing their silence over the issue which has completely overshadowed their season. The club described the meeting as "a private matter" and refused to comment despite the hype over the talks.

Ranieri met Kenyon at Stamford Bridge at lunchtime and later returned to the ground to continue preparations for Saturday's home match with Everton and the Champions League semi-final against Monaco. in Monte Carlo on Tuesday. The manager's representatives tonight predicted a huge surge of interest from other clubs in Ranieri is finally disposed of by the Londoners.

Phil Smith, an agent for Ranieri's advisers First Artist Corporation told the Press Association: "There would be interest and it'd be massive interest.

"But it's supposition until there is clarification. We want clarification."

Ranieri, 52, is under contract until 2007 and would land a £6m pay-off if he is sacked.