Rovers announce retained list

Rovers announce retained list

Published May. 20, 2013 9:15 a.m. ET

Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid fate will finally be sealed this week, paving the way for his return to Chelsea.

Real directors have brought forward a meeting to Monday, with the timing of an announcement about Mourinho's departure expected to be discussed.

Mourinho signed a new contract at the Bernabeu last summer after winning the La Liga title but has endured a fractious relationship with players and club chiefs.

He was sent off during Friday's shock 2-1 defeat to derby rivals Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey final - a loss that meant the club finished without silverware.

ADVERTISEMENT

PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti is in line to replace him but Real bosses must first decide whether Mourinho takes charge of the final two games of the season or leaves before Saturday's visit to Real Sociedad.

Interim Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez has long intimated that Mourinho would be back at Stamford Bridge next season and dropped another hint during his final Cobham press conference on Friday.

Asked if he had any advice for his successor, Benitez said: "Maybe the next manager will have some experience here too, so I do not need to give him any advice."

Gary Woods was the most notable name on the list having made 49 appearances as the club's first-choice goalkeeper during their League One promotion campaign while surprisingly Rovers are looking to retain the services of 43-year-old Neil Sullivan.

Martin Woods was also shown the door at the Keepmoat Stadium having struggled with injuries over the past four seasons and the midfielder was joined by Jordan Ball, Patrick Mullen and Lee Fowler.

Meanwhile, the managerless club's search for a new boss is expected to be completed on Monday with Michael Appleton being widely touted as the man expected to take over at the helm.

share