Roman's charity is sweet for Jose

Club officials have already interpreted the hug Mourinho received from Roman Abramovich at Old Trafford on Sunday as a peace offering from the Russian.

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Although Mourinho's future with the English champions remains uncertain, his involvement with children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent gives those who want him to stay at Stamford Bridge further cause for optimism.

Charity and club officials have already planned initiatives for the 2007-08 season and Mourinho is said to be central to them. Mourinho has already made plans of his own for Chelsea's preseason preparations and, after guiding his side to next month's FA Cup Final at Wembley, he has now been consulted on a supporters' day ahead of the Community Shield.

But of greatest significance to Chelsea insiders is the incident that occurred soon after Sunday's extra-time victory over Blackburn. Mourinho was making his way to the press conference at Old Trafford when he passed a group that included Abramovich. The coach is understood to have been welcomed into the group and hugged by Abramovich.

The two men had not even spoken for three months after a fall-out over the recruitment of coaching staff, the failure to make any signings during the January window and what Abramovich saw as a campaign against him waged through media contacts in Mourinho's native Portugal.

Mourinho conceded ground in the appointment of Portsmouth's Avram Grant as technical director and that may have played a part in thawing the cold war. Some Chelsea insiders remain convinced Mourinho will be sacked.

They believe too much damage has been done, even though Abramovich's stance was softened by the emotion of Sunday's triumph.

But events of the last few days have given those who want him to stay — notably chief executive Peter Kenyon — a fresh incentive to resolve the situation.