They say the night is darkest just before the dawn, and that was the case with Chelsea, as we went through another period of instability and relegation, only to emerge ready to challenge for honours at home and abroad.

After the popular John Neal had to step down as manager due to health issues, John Hollins stepped in and enjoyed initial success, and even silverware in the short-lived Full Members’ Cup, but was ultimately unable to recreate the glory days of his playing career at Stamford Bridge.

Following a bizarre drop down to Division Two, becoming the only side ever relegated from the English first division via a play-off, Bobby Campbell began to rebuild and got us back in the top flight, as well as another Full Members’ Cup triumph. However, a shaky spell arrived which neither he, Ian Porterfield nor David Webb were able to help us overcome. That is, until the arrival of one of the Blues’ most influential managers, Glenn Hoddle, in 1993.

Initially combining playing and coaching roles, he revolutionised the club and rebuilt it in his own more cosmopolitan image, introducing more modern and continental methods in a revamp of everything from the playing surface to the players’ diet. A run to the 1994 FA Cup final and the 1995 Cup Winners’ Cup semis proved a sign of good times to come.

Here are some of our favourite images from Chelsea's ninth decade...