Gullit in Grozny on Chechen mission

Ruud Gullit landed in the Chechen capital yesterday to the cheers of hundreds of Terek Grozny supporters who hope to see him make their side the new darling of Europe.

The two-time world footballer of the year draped a green Chechen republic scarf around his neck and smiled broadly as fans chanted Gullit’s name and performed traditional Caucasus dances around the global superstar.

Gullit last month admitted being “stunned” to be named the manager of a squad that only returned to Grozny in 2008 after a 15-year absence caused by two brutal wars.

But the small Caucasus side with only one Russian Cup to its credit has secured a place in the country’s premier league and is now hoping to ride Gullit’s coat-tails to international success.

The former Dutch team captain also met the republic’s authoritarian leader Ramzan Kadyrov – an avid sports fan who personally lured Gullit to Chechnya – and toured the war-ravaged city before meeting reporters.

Terek Grozny was formed in 1958 but then simply vanished when war came to Chechnya in the 1990s and did not play again until 2001. It finished in 12th place last year – two places above the relegation zone and 35 points behind champions Zenit St Petersburg.

Sports observers say that Terek has a youthful and talented side that could quickly climb the table if Gullit brings international experience to the team.

Still, Grozny’s persistent security worries left many observers shocked by the move.

The Chechen capital was reportedly rocked by four explosions late Tuesday that injured several Russian servicemen.