Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has confirmed the appointment of a new first team coach to work directly with him.

Anthony Barry arrives from Wigan Athletic, where he was assistant under Paul Cook, and established a relationship with Lampard and assistant Jody Morris while on the same UEFA Pro Licence course.

Although Barry’s playing career was spent in the lower leagues having fallen out of Everton’s academy system, the former midfielder comes with glowing references and he was close to being given the manager’s job at Tranmere Rovers.

Upon the appointment, Lampard told the Chelsea website: “I’m delighted to welcome Anthony to the club.

“He’s an exciting young coach and someone I’ve known for a while. I believe he will be a strong addition to the team.”

He is not a defensive specialist, more of an all-rounder, but struck up a good relationship with Reece James during the right back’s loan spell in the north west the season before last and is said to have a keen eye for developing young players.

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