Bringing success, glamour and trophies back to the Bridge

The legendary Ruud Gullit joined Glenn Hoddle's Chelsea on a free transfer from Serie A Sampdoria in July 1995 and went on to play 64 times for the Blues, scoring seven goals. At the end of his debut season in the Premiership he was offered the player/manager's job after Hoddle agreed to take charge of England. Chelsea, under new leadership, beat Middlesborough 2-0 in the 1997 FA CUP final becoming the first foreigner to win the title. The Blues then subsequently reached another high of ending the next season in second place and the quarter finals in two cup competitions. According to speculation, Gullit was sacked in February 1998 the following due to a possible contract dispute.