Carlo Cudicini has been appointed loan player technical coach following Eddie Newton's move to Frank Lampard's backroom staff.The Italian returned to Chelsea in 2015 as club ambassador after hanging up his gloves at the end of a 22-year playing career. In recent seasons, he has had a dual role assisting Antonio Conte and then Maurizio Sarri on our coaching staff.One of the most talented and popular goalkeepers in Blues history, Cudicini made 216 appearances during his 10 years as a player at Stamford Bridge between 1999 and 2009, keeping 101 clean sheets.At the end of the 2002/03 season, in which Chelsea qualified for the Champions League for only the second time, Cudicini won the Premier League’s Golden Glove award. During his time at the club, he twice picked up winner’s medals in the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Community Shield.After returning in a coaching capacity, the 45-year old worked closely with Conte as we won the Premier League title in 2017 and the FA Cup in 2018. He was also part of Sarri's staff as we lifted the Europa League trophy in Baku in May.'I'm really looking forward to this new challenge in my coaching career,’ said Cudicini. ‘The loan programme is an important part of our development pathway for young players at the club and this is an exciting opportunity to work with the next generation of talented players.’

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added: ‘We are delighted Carlo has agreed to take over from Eddie Newton in this key role in our development programme. Carlo has years of experience from a playing career spanning Italian, English and US football, and has followed that by making a successful transition into coaching. His knowledge of the game and mentoring will be an important asset in the continued development of our young players.’In other staffing news, former Chelsea reserves goalkeeper James Russell starts a dual role working with Hilario as assistant men's team goalkeeper coach. The 31-year old played in the same youth team as Ryan Bertrand and Scott Sinclair and will combine his new role with existing goalkeeper coaching in our Academy.