Wilkins would give Poyet Chelsea job
Chelsea legend Ray Wilkins believes the club should consider Gus Poyet for the role of manager when Rafa Benitez's contract expires in the summer.
By FOX Sports Staff
Poyet scored 49 goals in 145 appearances for the Blues from 1997-2001 before moving on to Tottenham.
The Uruguayan's enthusiasm and wild celebrations as well as his habit for scoring crucial goals means the 45-year-old is still considered a favourite amongst the Stamford Bridge faithful.
He's also remembered for scoring the goal which qualified Chelsea for its first UEFA Champions League campaign.
Poyet is currently manager of Brighton & Hove Albion who sit seventh in the npower Championship standings and Wilkins thinks he would be the perfect man to take over from interim Chelsea boss Benitez.
"I'd give Gus Poyet the job," Wilkins told talkSPORT.
"He loves the club to pieces, plays the right way and would be a good choice. He's doing a wonderful job at Brighton, having served his apprenticeship at Swindon and Leeds. He's got them playing some wonderful football."
Benitez has been not been a popular choice as interim manager and his tenure has been blighted by reports of dressing room unrest and abuse from fans. The Spaniard recently said he would not look to stay beyond his current contract which ends at the end of the season.
As a result a host of high profile names including Jose Mourinho, Manuel Pellegrini, David Moyes and fan favourite Gianfranco Zola have all been linked.
"I know for a fact Chelsea love Gianfranco Zola," Wilkins said.
"He's doing a wonderful job at Watford and it looks like they are going to get promoted, but they might think it's a bit too early for him."
Zola is currently manager of Watford - they sit third in the npower Championship.