Chelsea have appointed Michael Emenalo as their new assistant first-team coach following the departure of Ray Wilkins.Wilkins made a shock exit from Stamford Bridge last week when the Blues opted not to renew his contract.
Wilkins was a hugely respected figure among the playing staff and little explanation was given for the decision.
But Chelsea have now filled the void by promoting Emenalo from his previous role of head opposition scout.
The Nigerian was brought to the club by former boss Avram Grant in October 2007 and has worked closely with Carlo Ancelotti since he took charge last year.
An official statement read: "Chelsea Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Emenalo to the position of Assistant First-Team Coach. He moves up from his previous position of Head Opposition Scout.Transition
"Michael has been an important part of the first-team management structure since his arrival in October 2007, and his promotion to Assistant First-Team Coach is recognition of his efforts to date.
"Michael will continue to oversee the first-team scouting operation as he makes the transition to coaching.
"He will split the initial period between assisting First-Team Coach Carlo Ancelotti and updating his coaching qualifications as he takes on this bigger and more influential role."
Ancelotti is also pleased with the appointment, adding: "Michael Emenalo is doing a fantastic job as head opposition scout and he is already working very close to me."
Background
Emenalo, 42, was a defender during his playing days and became known to Grant during their time at Maccabi Tel Aviv.
He moved to the United States in 1986 where he graduated from Boston University three years later with a degree in international relations with political sciences, having also played college soccer.
He also played in Belgium and Germany before winning the Anglo-Italian Cup with Notts County.
He won 14 caps for Nigeria in total and played in the 1994 World Cup in the United States.
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