The university of Buea community were taking aback when Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho stunned the world of football by leaving Stamford Bridge by mutual consent.

The decision came after the club held a crisis meeting to discuss the indifferent start to the new season.

Mourinho, 44, joined Chelsea in June 2004 and led them to the Premiership title in each of his first two seasons.

But his relationship with Blues owner Roman Abramovich grew increasingly troubled and he quit despite having three years left on his contract.
Former Israel coach and Chelsea’s director of football Avram Grant will take over from Mourinho, whose compensation package is still being agreed.Many of Chelsea’s staff and players had been enjoying a relaxing evening at a Fulham Broadway cinema last night as they watched a screening of “Blue Revolution” - a new documentary about the Abramovich years.

But senior players such as Terry and Frank Lampard were absent and the remainder, except a reluctant Shaun Wright-Phillips, refused to talk to the media.

Mourinho also attended the evening but ignored the waiting media and looked decidedly glum.

The Portuguese made a massive impact at Chelsea after joining them from Porto, whom he guided to Champions League glory in 2004.

Last season, the Blues finished runners-up to Manchester United but won both the FA Cup and Carling Cup, a trophy they had also collected in 2005.

Mourinho’s achievements also saw him voted as Premiership manager of the year in 2005 and 2006.

He’s a very individual man and he thinks he should be the power at the club

However, the Champions League trophy eluded the club and this season’s campaign started with Tuesday’s shock 1-1 draw at home to Norwegian side Rosenborg in front of a crowd of just 24,973.

It was their third successive game without a win following a 2-0 defeat at Aston Villa and a goalless draw with Blackburn in the Premier League.

Those results have left Chelsea fifth in the table - two points behind leaders Arsenal and with a visit to Manchester United to come on Sunday.