Michael Emenalo moved up from his previous position of head opposition scout in November 2010.

He has been an important part of the first team management structure since his arrival in October 2007, and his promotion to assistant first team coach was recognition of his efforts.

He continues to oversee the first team scouting operation as he makes the transition to coaching. He splits the initial period between assisting Carlo Ancelotti and updating his coaching qualifications as he takes on a bigger and more influential role.

He arrived at Chelsea when former manager Avram Grant called upon a trusted ex-player from his Maccabi Tel Aviv days.

The pair worked together between 1998 and 2000, the tail end of a playing career for the former Nigerian international, who made his debut in 1985.

A defender, he moved to the United States in 1986 where he graduated from Boston University three years later with a degree in international relations with political sciences, having also played college soccer.

His football career continued in Belgium and Germany before a short spell in England at Notts County in the mid 1990s, where he won the Anglo-Italian Cup at Wembley.

Michael then returned to the States where he played in the first ever MLS game for San Jose Clash.

After one season, it was back to Europe and a year in the Spanish second division with Llieda, managed by future Sevilla and Spurs coach Juande Ramos. Then came the move to Israel.

Michael won 14 caps for Nigeria in total and played in the 1994 World Cup in the USA, missing the first game through injury but then playing against Argentina and Greece before he was knocked out by a Roberto Baggio-inspired Italy.

After hanging up his boots, Michael spent time coaching in America.

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