Alan Pardew has been backed to succeed Jose Mourinho at Chelsea

Mourinho was sacked at Stamford Bridge yesterday with the reigning Premier League champions languishing 16th in the table and just one point above the relegation zone.

A host of high-profile names have been linked with the position already, including Diego Simeone, Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola and Guus Hiddink - who is expected to take charge on an interim basis.