THERE is an irony that for all the hiring and firing of managers of the ultra-successful Roman Abramovich era, his last choice in the dugout could be the one who is built to last.

Thomas Tuchel instantly endeared himself to the Stamford Bridge faithful by winning the club its second Champions League title at the end of the 2020-21 season.

Last term was a difficult one with Abramovich’s sanctions and eventual exit resulting in new owner Todd Boehly’s drawn-out arrival - not to mention the Romelu Lukaku saga.

Chelsea ended up trophyless domestically - brutally losing in both cup finals on penalties - but were named club champions of the world.

Yet the way Tuchel handled himself with dignity through it all only enhanced his standing with Blues fans.

And according to reports, Boehly is looking to give the German even more power as the club enters a new age of ownership under the American.

That would seemingly go down well with Chelsea followers, who have underlined just how highly they regard Tuchel with the results of Sky Bet’s Fan Hope Survey.

Asked to rank the best Blues bosses of the Abramovich era, supporters picked Tuchel as their No2 choice behind Jose Mourinho, who was the clear winner.

In third was the man who masterminded Chelsea’s downfall in the Champions League last term, current Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, while Antonio Conte took fourth.

Frank Lampard may not be appreciated by many Premier League fans but he certainly is at the Bridge, who had the current Everton chief in fifth.

In descending order from sixth to last, then came Claudio Ranieri, Roberto Di Matteo, Guus Hiddink, Rafa Benitez, Luiz Felipe Scolari, Andre Villas-Boas, Maurizio Sarri and Avram Grant.

Part of the love-in for Tuchel, despite last season’s relative underperformance, can be explained by the results of another question.

Seventy-six per cent of voters blamed recruitment and the players themselves for the attacking problems in 21-22, rather than the manager or his system.

Supporters seem to be hugely enthused by Boehly’s arrival, with 93 per cent believing the LA Dodgers part-owner can keep the good times rolling.

Boehly has taken it upon himself to play a very active role in buying and selling players, becoming the club’s interim sporting director.

The likes of Raheem Sterling, Matthijs De Ligt, Nathan Ake, Raphinha and even Cristiano Ronalo have all been linked with moves to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Most Chelsea supporters surveyed felt £200million would suffice this summer to get them back on track and challenging again.

One player who could help them improve is already technically a Blues player.

Midfielder Conor Gallagher shone on loan at Crystal Palace last season and will hope for a shot in the first-team this summer.

Yet only 39 per cent of fans reckon he is ready to take a starting spot, with Jorginho voted most under threat of surrendering his place to the England starlet.