IS THIS the end of the Chelsea bandwagon?

The Special One' - Jose Mourinho - caught most people by surprise when he departed from the Stamford Bridge hot-seat by mutual consent this week.

The outspoken Portuguese boss was appointed by Russian billionaire owner Roman Abramovich in 2004 and looks to have paid the price for the failure to make an impact in the Champions League and the lack of flair displayed by his side.

He was hired to break the dominance of Manchester United and Arsenal and this he did by winning the title in his first season.

But Chelsea were never pretty to watch. Always, it seemed to me, doing just enough to win games. Taking a lead and then sitting back and shutting up shop.

His childish touchline antics and sometimes, petty views post-match were annoying but he was always entertaining.

He was becoming a loose cannon, though, and the club became more concerned with his actions.

But I can understand why Abramovich was frustrated. If I had ploughed millions into a club I'd expect to be entertained.

Two weeks ago when the Blues went down to Aston Villa we watched the disgruntled Russian leave the stand early.

This indifferent start to this season and Tuesday night's disappointing 1-1 Champions League draw at home to Norwegian side Rosenborg seemed to force the owner's hand.

So despite Mourinho collecting six trophies in three years, winning doesn't seem to be everything.

Playing with style and winning is one of the hardest combinations to find.

Sir Alex Ferguson has done it with Manchester United, building several teams that play exciting counter-attacking football.

Further down the pyramid we've seen Garry Hill build a successful promotion-winning Weymouth side.

Many people enjoyed the ride as the Terras regained their place in the top-flight of non-League but some were not impressed by the long-ball game used at times and the sometimes win-at-all-costs attitude.

The current Wessex Stadium boss Jason Tindall has encouraged his side to play more entertaining football but sometimes the results have not been as good, as fans would possibly want.

It's a fine balance between winning and entertaining and one that Mourinho failed to find.

Is this the end of Chelsea's rise to become one of the big four or will Abramovich ensure that the Blues stay among the elite?

They were nearly always the bridesmaids and never the bride pre-2004.They did win the Division One title in 1955 but apart from a few cup victories never really challenged.

During his time at Stamford Bridge, Mourinho only lost 10 games and new director of football Avram Grant and his assistant Steve Clarke will certainly have a hard act to follow.

o o o IT'S been a big week on the sailing front in Weymouth and Portland.

On Tuesday, the Beijing Olympic squad was announced at the Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy.

Five sailors, who are based in Weymouth, were selected, which just shows how important it is to be living in and around these shores.

Those chosen have been taking part in the Skandia Sail For Gold Regatta in Weymouth Bay.

Conditions have been challenging but hopefully with a good weekend forecast and TV coverage of the event planned, the focus on Weymouth and Portland can only further enhance our reputation ahead of the build-up to the 2012 Olympics.