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Jose Mourinho returns to Chelsea - but should you ever go back? From Kenny Dalglish to Kevin Keegan, how returning heroes fared

Will the return of the 'Special One' be a success or end in tears?

Monday 03 June 2013 12:59 EDT
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A loser's pain: Kenny Dalglish sees his Liverpool side enjoy little luck as a second-half revival proves insufficient
A loser's pain: Kenny Dalglish sees his Liverpool side enjoy little luck as a second-half revival proves insufficient (Reuters)

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Jose Mourinho's return to Chelsea was confirmed today.

Here, we take a look at some of the high-profile figures to have gone back to a place where they previously enjoyed success.

:: SIR MATT BUSBY (Manchester United, Feb 1945-May 1969; Dec 1970-May 1971)

Although he never left Old Trafford, Busby's presence in the role of general manager saw him return as boss in place of Wilf McGuinness, who lasted little more than a year as Busby's initial successor.

:: KENNY DALGLISH (Liverpool, May 1985-Feb 1991; Jan 2011-May 2012)

In 1985 the King of the Kop was named player-manager and he led the Reds to three league championships. His return, in January 2011 after Roy Hodgson's ill-fated spell, did not go as well and lasted little more than a year.

:: WALTER SMITH (Rangers, April 1991-May 1998; Jan 2007-May 2011)

Succeeded Graeme Souness as boss and won seven titles in his first spell before managing Everton and Scotland. His return saw three more titles, before he handed over control to Ally McCoist.

:: FABIO CAPELLO (Real Madrid, Jul 1996-Jun 1997; Jul 2006-Jun 2007)

Italian Capello had two spells at the Bernabeu and won the Primera Division title on each occasion, but it was not enough to stay in place.

:: KEVIN KEEGAN (Newcastle, Feb 1992-Jan 1997; Jan 2008-Sept 2008)

The Magpies challenged Manchester United all the way for the 1995/96 Premier League title, but Keegan's flamboyant team fell short. More than a decade later, his reign was less impressive.

:: OTTMAR HITZFELD (Bayern Munich, Jul 1998-Jun 2004; Feb 2007-Jun 2008)

Two years after losing the Champions League final to Manchester United, Hitzfeld led Bayern to the 2001 European Cup. His second spell saw another domestic title before Jurgen Klinsmann took over.

:: HARRY REDKNAPP (Portsmouth, Mar 2002-Nov 2004; Dec 2007-Oct 2008)

After leaving for arch-rivals Southampton, Redknapp returned and won the 2008 FA Cup before departing for Tottenham, leaving the sinking ship that was Portsmouth.

:: HOWARD KENDALL (Everton, Aug 1981-May 1987; Nov 1990-Dec 1993; Aug 1997-May 1998)

Had three spells in charge of the Toffees, leading them to two league titles, one FA Cup and the Cup Winners' Cup in the first. The two returns were underwhelming.

:: STEVE COPPELL (Crystal Palace, 1984-1993; 1995-1996; 1997-1998; 1999-2000)

Coppell kept coming back for more and managed Palace on four occasions. A team featuring Ian Wright, Mark Bright and Geoff Thomas reached the 1990 FA Cup final, losing in a replay to Manchester United.

:: GUY ROUX (Auxerre, 1961-1962; 1964-2000)

In 44 years, with a short break, Roux led Auxerre to the Ligue 1 title and Coupe de France four times, while also bringing through talent including Eric Cantona, Laurent Blanc and Basile Boli.

PA

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