Chelsea physio Hancock loses his job despite protests from Terry

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Hancock has left Stamford Bridge this summer, just 18 months after he was headhunted from Leeds United.

Pitched out: Hancock helps Petr Cech off for treatment at Blackburn last December

Sources blame a series of disagreements with club doctor Bryan English even though Chelsea last night stressed there had been no 'clash of personalities' and that Hancock had simply been the unfortunate victim of a reshuffle within the medical department.

England skipper Terry was persuaded by disgruntled players to lead a delegation to see Hancock reinstated, stressing the value of the bond of trust between a footballer and a physio, but his efforts failed.

As a result, new manager Luiz Felipe Scolari embarked on Chelsea's pre-season tour of the Far East and Russia without a key member of the backroom team.

To some insiders, the episode is proof that the petty infighting which has dogged Chelsea during recent years continues, while others will also regard it as a sign that the club are no longer willing to pander to the demands of their top players.

Hancock, a lifelong Blues fan renowned within the business for his strong opinions and argumentative style, worked for Wolves and Blackburn before going to Leeds. He was prised away from Elland Road by Chelsea in January, 2007.

'For us, he's the best there is,' said English at the time. 'He has great respect within the game. It wasn't easy getting him but we made sure we didn't get second best.'

Hancock's move to London infuriated Leeds, coming soon after chairman Ken Bates had reported Chelsea to the FA for luring away promising teenagers Tom Taiwo and Michael Woods.

Chelsea, who are now in Macau on the latest leg of their summer tour, last night tried to play down Hancock's departure.

'There was absolutely no clash of personalities,' said a club spokesman. 'There was a restructuring within the medical department and Dave was offered a role within that, which he initially declined. Therefore his contract was not renewed. The club wishes him all the best and thanks him for all his work with Chelsea.'