Guus Hiddink has been appointed Chelsea's new head coach until the end of the season.

The Blues had been without a manager since Jose Mourinho was relieved of his duties on Thursday.

Hiddink quickly emerged as the leading contender to take the position and the Russian, who lifted the FA Cup as Chelsea boss in 2009, has returned to Stamford Bridge for a second spell at the helm.

"Chelsea football club can confirm Guus Hiddink has been appointed first-team manager until the end of the season," read a statement on the club's official website.

"The owner and the board welcome back a coach with a wealth of top-level experience and success, including his previous spell with the club in 2009 when we lifted the FA Cup. Mr [Roman] Abramovich and the board believe that Guus has what it takes to get the best out of our talented squad."

Meanwhile, Hiddink told the Chelsea website: "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.

"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."

The 69-year-old will be at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea's Premier League clash with Sunderland on Saturday, but assistant Steve Holland will take charge of first-team matters.

Hiddink took temporary charge of Chelsea in February 2009 and lost just one league game during his time with the capital club, before departing the same year after their FA Cup triumph.

The Blues will enter Saturday's clash with Sunderland having already lost nine times in the league this term.