A graduate of the Chelsea youth system himself, Harley has given 10 years of valuable coaching in our Academy across a range of age groups, mostly recently as an assistant with the Under-21 squad.

Working with the then head coach of our development squad, Andy Myers, they guided Chelsea to a Premier League 2 title in 2019/20, the pair having worked together with our Under-18s prior to that.

As a left-back at Chelsea, Harley made 42 appearances between 1998 and 2001, a successful period for the club which culminated for him personally when he played a part in the campaign that ended with the FA Cup lifted in 2000. His contribution to a semi-final victory over Newcastle at Wembley was especially crucial, including a superb cross for Gustavo Poyet to head the winning goal.

Harley scored winners in league games against Watford and Leeds and played for England Under-21s before going on to enjoy a long playing career taking in several clubs, with his final one at Football League level being Portsmouth who he now re-joins to assist freshly appointed John Mousinho in League One.

We wish Jon well on the South Coast and thank him greatly for his sterling service over the years.