Speculation surrounded the Blues manager's future at Stamford Bridge for much of last season following rumours of an alleged bust-up with billionaire owner Roman Abramovich and a denied approach to former Germany boss Jurgen Klinsmann.

But the Portuguese drew a line under the saga in April, confirming he wished to remain in charge following clear-the-air talks with the club's hierarchy.

Despite ending the season with both domestic trophies, Mourinho's third season in charge proved arguably his most disappointing, as the Blues surrendered their Premier League crown to Manchester United and again failed to land the Champions League, losing on penalties to Liverpool in the semi-finals.

But Kenyon insists the club are strengthening their long-term position by following the example of rivals such as United and Arsenal - who have had the same managers 21 and 11 years respectively - by favouring continuity.

Kenyon said: "What we have been doing over the last three-and-a-half or four years is building a foundation to take the club onward and upward. I think that was the job from day one and it has continued.

"I think this season is the culmination of not just this close season but what has been put in place over the last three-and-a-half.

"If you look at the history of the Premier League that has to tell you something. Ferguson, Wenger, Mourinho, apart from being terrific managers they are there for a period of time - a long time in Alex's case - and they have built and developed the club and the players and everything around it. Personally I think that stability is critical to the success.

While the Chelsea supremo admits the club must consider life beyond Mourinho, he believes such a scenario will not be a concern for the foreseeable future.

Kenyon, speaking to ChelseaTV, added: "I think our job is to make sure there is a core part of Chelsea irrespective of the manager that remains.

"As much as when I first sat down with Jose and we talked about a long-term plan for Chelsea and where we wanted to be you do have to reach a point naturally where it doesn't go on forever. We are not even thinking about that right now.

"I think what we are doing is looking at how Jose builds on what we have done in the last three years for the next several and there is still lots of work to be done."

The 44-year-old guided Porto to the UEFA Cup and Champions League and then led Chelsea to their first top flight title for 50 years in his first season in charge before successfully defending it.

And Kenyon paid tribute to the way the club has been revolutionised since Mourinho took charge in 2004.

"There was a quantum change when Jose joined us to what we had previously. The modern day coach will forever be more in the style of Jose than the old coach. I think the game has moved on," he added.

"We have all sorts of technology, having all that available in itself changes the job. Everybody today is going down a more methodical technical type programme.

"It's how you apply it that's a bit special, that's what will continue to make good coaches."