Swindon Town appoint former Chelsea assistant manager Jody Morris as new head coach

Swindon Town have confirmed the appointment of former-Chelsea assistant manager Jody Morris as the club’s new first team head coach. Total Sport’s Joe Acklam reports on Morris’ arrival.

The 44-year-old takes on his first role as a senior head coach having held a variety of positions with Chelsea and Derby County during a ten-year coaching career, most notably as assistant manager to Frank Lampard at Pride Park and Stamford Bridge. 

As well as his work in first team football, Morris worked in the Chelsea academy for five years, during which he won a quadruple in 2017/18 whilst the head coach of an under-18 side which included Marcel Lavinier.

Morris said upon arrival: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining Swindon Town as First-Team Head Coach.

“This is a great opportunity at a wonderful football club that is steeped in history, and I can’t wait to get started.

“My footballing philosophy is completely aligned with that of the club, and upon meeting Sandro, I was presented with a strategy and vision that I’m really keen to be a part of.

“I’m extremely proud to be leading such a forward-thinking club, with an owner and technical director that are passionate and committed to bringing success here.

“We now turn our attentions to an important 19 league games, with promotion at the forefront of our ambitions, and we want to take this incredible fanbase on a long and successful journey.”

Morris also had a successful career as a player, winning the FA Cup and UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup with Chelsea, before going on to play for Leeds United, Rotherham United, Millwall, St Johnstone, and Bristol City. 

Town Technical Director, Sandro Di Michele, said: “To get a Head Coach with Jody’s calibre is a real statement of intent from us here at the football club.

“His coaching CV reads really well and he’s worked at the very top level, so to have someone with that calibre and experience here creates an incredible opportunity for us.

“He’s highly skilled in developing some of the very best young talent in the country, which is integral to our strategy and what we are trying to achieve.”

Clem Morfuni said: “I’m delighted we can confirm the appointment of Jody Morris as our new First-Team Head Coach.

“Jody brings a wealth of knowledge to the club and really relates to our aims, objectives, visions and values.

“With Gavin Gunning and Steve Mildenhall working as part of their team having done a fantastic job in the interim, we feel we have an extremely strong coaching setup to push us towards promotion this term.”