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Calum McFarlane is set to become Liam Rosenior's assistant at Chelsea following his role as interim head coach at Stamford Bridge.
football.london understands McFarlane is set to work with the first team on a permanent basis from now on and in turn leave his role as Under-21s head coach. McFarlane led Chelsea's senior side to an impressive 1-1 draw away at Manchester City on Sunday evening while talks with Rosenior were going on in the background. He then took charge again on Wednesday night, with Rosenior, who was appointed little over 24 hours before the trip to Craven Cottage, watching on from the stands.
Rosenior's full backroom staff is yet to be confirmed but McFarlane is set to accompany the 41-year-old in the dugout. Harry Hudson, the Under-18s coach, is set to take over the U21s from McFarlane.
McFarlane was asked on Wednesday evening whether his role at the club would change but at the time, he didn't know anything about it: "As I'm aware, we're back with the Under-21s tomorrow. They're playing tonight. I actually don't know the score. I'd love to know the score, if anyone knows?"
He was then disappointed to find out the U21s lost 6-2 to Benfica. McFarlane was asked on Thursday morning about whether he wanted to change roles and he will now become Rosenior's right-hand man.
Rosenior was very impressed with how McFarlane handled the squad in a difficult situation over the last two games following Enzo Maresca's dramatic departure. Rosenior then asked McFarlane to join his backroom staff, football.london understands.
Chelsea take on Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup third round on Saturday night with Rosenior taking charge of his first game as Blues boss. The newly-appointed head coach is set to take his first press conference at the club's training base in Cobham on Friday.
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