Chelsea to promote former midfielder Eddie Newton to first-team coach as Frank Lampard waits to take over as manager of Stamford Bridge side
- Eddie Newton to work with Chelsea’s first team when Frank Lampard takes over
- Ex-midfielder spent nine years at club as a player and manages their loan players
- Lampard’s imminent appointment will lead to reshuffle of the backroom team
Eddie Newton is set to move into a first-team coaching role with Chelsea once Frank Lampard’s appointment as manager is confirmed, according to The Times.
The former midfielder, 47, made 165 league appearances during nine years at Stamford Bridge – scoring in the 1997 FA Cup final win – before returning as part of the backroom staff in 2012.
Initially an assistant to Roberto Di Matteo, winning the FA Cup and Champions League, he was then given responsibility for overseeing the progress of the club’s legion of players out on loan.
Eddie Newton will move into a first-team coaching role at Chelsea under Frank Lampard
The pair have previously worked together as player and coach while at Chelsea
Lampard has a high opinion of Newton after his role in helping the club to European success with Di Matteo in 2012.
Newton’s new role is one of many changes to the coaching set-up likely to happen under Lampard.
The club legend will bring assistants Jody Morris and Chris Jones with him, while Under-23s coach Joe Edwards is also earmarked for promotion to the senior side.
Departed boss Maurizio Sarri, who joined Juventus, brought in 11 staff members when he joined but the majority are expected leave, including his assistant Gianfranco Zola who rejected the chance to stay as a club ambassador.
Chelsea and Derby have agreed a £4million compensation package for Lampard, with Phillip Cocu set to take charge at Pride Park.
Lampard is set to complete move to Chelsea after guiding Derby to Championship play-offs