In 2004, Chelsea's billionaire owner, Roman Abramovich, needed the best manager money could buy, a proven champion, to capture the trophies his outlay on the team demanded. His choice was, of course, the irrepressible Jose Mourinho. Bringing his monumental self-belief and proven track record - not to mention a touch of elan - to the Premiership, Mourinho smashed the stranglehold that Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger held over English football's top prizes. 

Uniting Abramovich's impressive transfer outlay with his meticulous preparation and motivational skills, Mourinho elevated Chelsea to heights their fans had previously only dreamt of, winning the Premiership and Carling Cup double. Having delivered Chelsea's first top-flight domestic title in 50 years, Mourinho was never likely to rest on his laurels. His recruitment of the finest players in world football continued over the following two seasons, with the likes of Ashley Cole and Michael Essien bolstering the ranks, and inevitable success came in the shape of back-to-back championships in the second season, and a potential cup double in his third. It hasn't all been smooth sailing for The Blues' self-appointed 'Special One'.