Wilkins comes back to the Bridge
Chelsea appoint former club captain Ray Wilkins as assistant manager
Also In The News
|
Manchester United have got the defence of their Champions League crown off to a disappointing start following a 0-0 draw with Villarreal at Old Trafford. |  |
Thursday, 18, Sep 2008 01:07
Chelsea have announced the appointment of former club captain Ray Wilkins as assistant manager.
The 52-year-old joins Luiz Felipe Scolari's backroom staff as a direct replacement for Steve Clarke, who has joined Gianfranco Zola at West Ham.
A statement from Chelsea said they were "delighted" to welcome Wilkins back to west London.
"He brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise from his time in British and European football," the announcement added.
Former England midfielder Wilkins has a long association with the Blues, signing as an apprentice at Stamford Bridge in October 1973.
By the time he turned 18 he had become the club's youngest ever-captain but financial troubles at the Bridge saw him move to Manchester United before spells at AC Milan, Paris St Germain and Rangers.
After retiring with 84 England caps to his name Wilkins took up the managerial reins at QPR and Fulham before becoming Gianluca Vialli's assistant at Chelsea.
He followed Vialli when the Italian managed Watford and was also assistant to Dennis Wise at Millwall.
England came calling again in the shape of the under-21 setup, but current boss Stuart Pearce let him go when he took over from predecessor Peter Taylor.
Wilkins then turned to punditry, allowing his new Chelsea role to be effective immediately.