Chelsea names Guus Hiddink manager until end of season

Chelsea has found its interim replacement for departed bench boss Jose Mourinho, and it's a familiar face.

The club announced Saturday that Dutchman Guus Hiddink, who helped guide the Blues to an FA Cup triumph in his first interim spell back in 2009, has been named manager until the end of the season.

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"I am excited to return to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in the world but is not where it should be at the moment. However, I am sure we can all turn this season around," the 69-year-old said upon his appointment.

"I am looking forward to working with the players and staff at this great club and especially renewing my wonderful relationship with the Chelsea fans."

Hiddink will be in attendance at Stamford Bridge for Saturday's contest against lowly Sunderland, though he will not be on the touchline - Steve Holland will assume first-team duties, with Hiddink taking control of the team beginning Sunday.

Hiddink has spent time guiding Turkey, Russian club Anzhi, and his native Dutch side since he last roamed the touchline in west London, and now returns to a position in which he enjoyed success six years ago.

(Courtesy: Sky Sports)

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Chelsea, mired in a miserable campaign - hence the departure of Mourinho - sits 16th in the table, one mere point out of the relegation zone. Hiddink's first attempt to help the Blues salvage the season and surge up the table will come Dec. 26, when his new side hosts Watford.