LONDON — How wonderful to have been a fly on the wall when Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich discussed with his advisers (whoever they might be) who should succeed Guus Hiddink as manager.

Hiddink, a man of his word, returned to coach Russia (where much of his salary is paid by Abramovich) after Chelsea beat Everton to win the F.A. Cup. He promised the group of Russian players he will almost certainly lead to at least the 2010 World Cup playoffs that he would complete the project, and even Roman's millions would not make the Dutchman stay at Stamford Bridge, as at the club everyone wanted him to.

So . . .