Roman won't interfere, says ice hockey coach

He led the Czech Republic to one of the biggest upsets in Olympic history when they beat the United States on their way to the gold medal at the 1998 Nagano Games.

Around 130,000 fans packed into Prague's Old Town Square to welcome home the team that year - there would have been more but the police had to restrict the crowd for safety reasons. Two years later Hlinka guided Pittsburgh to the Eastern-Conference Final, a major achievement in the competitive world of the NHL.

The fact that a Czech sporting hero was then persuaded to ply his trade in deepest Siberia - not the most attractive place on the planet - is significant because it illustrates Abramovich's pulling power. Leading players have also been attracted to the club on big wages.

Given that track record, it is no surprise there has already been speculation about big names like Patrick Kluivert, Ronaldinho - and Eriksson - coming to Stamford Bridge.

There is no guarantee, of course, that the Russian will take the same "hands-off " approach in London.

But Hlinka advised Chelsea fans to be patient before judging the performance of the oil tycoon.

"Let's give him some time and see after two to four years," he said. "It is a very interesting situation for English football with someone from another country representing the club and such a famous club. I hope he helps make Chelsea a good team."

Hlinka now lives in his native Czech Republic in a small town a short drive away from Prague. He works as an agent for players.

In recent months, he has suffered with a heart problem and prefers to walk around his local golf course rather than pace up and down the side of an ice rink during high-pressure games.

But he made it clear that he returned home for personal reasons and said he had a good relationship with Abramovich.

"It was a long way from the Czech Republic. I am not a young guy and it was not easy for me with my family," he said. "But it was a good experience. I had meals with Abramovich about four times during my time there. He visited some games, but it is a three-hour flight from Moscow where he does his business. But he would invite me to lunch in Moscow."

Interestingly Hlinka is well aware of what has been happening in England with the billionaire and some of the negative publicity around his purchase of Chelsea.

This is clearly a football development which has had a major impact around the world. But he believes the move will boost Chelsea's profile around the world.

"I think next season Chelsea will get many new fans around Europe, especially in eastern Europe," he said.