Long-term Blues stay Bridge too far for Hiddink

GUUS HIDDINK has underlined his intention to honour the terms of his initial agreement with Chelsea and leave the club at the end of the season — regardless of any success he might have in the meantime.

The fine start to his temporary stint at Stamford Bridge, encompassing a sequence of victories only ended by the midweek Champions League draw with Juventus — a result good enough to see them into the next round — has led to a clamour for the Blues to extend their partnership with the Dutchman to next term and beyond.

Senior stars Petr Cech and Michael Ballack have this week joined that chorus, insisting they would welcome a permanent deal.