Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck has insisted the club have already begun planning for next season without Guus Hiddink because they can't afford to wait until November to see if he can become their permanent manager, writes Simon Johnson.

Hiddink, who is also coach of Russia, took over in February on the proviso he would only stay until the end of the season.

The 62-year-old has made a big impact at Stamford Bridge, but is determined to help Russia qualify for next year's World Cup.

He revealed last week he has a clause in his Russia contract which could see him leave in November should they fail to qualify and will meet officials in Moscow tomorrow to discuss the situation.

But Buck said: "The situation is the same as it was when he came. We are planning on that basis."