Ten Cate exits blues

(GETTY IMAGES)

Chelsea have confirmed assistant first-team coach Henk ten Cate has had his contract terminated.

The Blues made the announcement on their website this afternoon, revealing the decision was reached following a meeting this morning.

The former Ajax manager joined the Blues as Avram Grant's right-hand man last season and brought with him a reputation as a disciplinarian from his time as Frank Rijkaard's assistant at Barcelona.

However, after Grant was sacked last week despite reaching the Champions League final, the club have decided to let the Dutchman follow him out of the exit door.

A statement on chelseafc.com said: "Chelsea Football Club can confirm that it terminated Henk Ten Cate's contract today. This follows a meeting this morning.

"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.

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

As speculation over who will replace Grant continues, Ten Cate's exit seems to leave Rijkaard as a firm outsider to get the job.