Photo: Chelsea FC

Derby County have confirmed that Chelsea U18 manager Jody Morris has joined the club as assistant manager to new boss Frank Lampard.

Morris, who was a team-mate of Lampard’s during their playing days at Chelsea, as well as at England Under-21 level, is Lampard’s first addition to his coaching staff.

Morris made over 170 appearances for Chelsea before returning as a coach in 2013, and assisted the Under-21s before taking charge of the U18s for the past four seasons, where he has achieved tremendous success.

Speaking to Derby County official website, Lampard said: “The team around you is hugely important. It’s not just about me as the manager; everyone will have a part to play on the staff and Jody is the first part of that. I am delighted to have him on board.

“Jody has been hugely successful with Chelsea’s youth team and he has won everything there is to win in the last few years.

“He is great at developing young players and that is something we are really going to look to do here.

“Jody played the game at the highest level himself, has a tremendous work ethic and is great in the dressing room.

“I have known him for so long now and his qualities and personality will bring so much to this club.”