Israeli Avram Grant and Steve Clarke will take charge of the Chelsea first team from Thursday following Jose Mourinho's departure, the club said in a statement.

The Web site briefing did not say if the jobs were permanent.

"The club is delighted that in Avram we have an experienced man who can come in immediately at this difficult time to help deliver our objectives. In Steve we have a Chelsea man and he will be a crucial part of the management team going forward," it said.

• Mourinho and Chelsea part company

Chelsea announced early on Thursday they and Mourinho, who won two Premier League titles, two League Cups and an FA Cup in his three years in charge, had parted company by mutual consent.

Grant, former coach of his Israel's national side, was appointed director of football in the close season and had been shadowing Mourinho. He sat behind the Portuguese in the dug-out at matches and attended training sessions.

Mourinho had opposed his appointment during a long standoff with Abramovich last season but appeared to have accepted his arrival at the start of the season.

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