Given such achievements, particularly in the Champions League, in which his predecessor never managed to reach the last two, Grant still finds it strange his long-term role is called into question. The 52-year-old - who has a strong relationship with Russian owner Roman Abramovich - insists he will be in charge at the start of next season, and midfielder Cole firmly believes Chelsea have the perfect blend for continued success.
"It is part and parcel of being a manager or a footballer - there is always someone ready to have a pop at you," said the England international. "I don't pay any attention to what those people think of me, and I am sure Avram doesn't either. He has got broad shoulders."
Cole, 26, continued: "There are people who will say if you win one game you are a God, and if you lose one game then you are the biggest duffer to have ever played football. "If you look back at it, with all that has happened here, you have to say the club is going in the right direction.
"But we are not too interested in plaudits - you want trophies. "We fought United all the way for the title and we are disappointed not to have won, but credit has to go to the whole squad and everyone around the place who have kept it going, shown real steel and determination.


