One of the key, behind the scenes figures in Chelsea’s recent history may be watching them face Arsenal today from his London home with slightly mixed emotions.
A satisfaction that his influence is still being felt and decisions justified but also wondering what might have been had some of his other advice been acted on.
Back in Chelsea blue will be Romelu Lukaku, re-signed for a club record £98m and ready to be unleashed on already ailing Arsenal.
And dotted throughout the Chelsea team that are now European champions and, for some, title favourites, is a healthy blend of academy graduates mixed with established, long-serving signings.