Chelsea No2 Ray Wilkins says management are delighted with the promotion of reserves coach Paul Clement to a role with Guus Hiddink's senior setup.
He told chelseafc.com: "We are thrilled for that and it is nice for Clem to get an involvement with the first team, also to get some experience and get to know them a bit more.
"When you are working with the reserves you don't get to know these guys as people. We all know them as footballers but we don't know them as people and it's been a real bonus to have Clem there, he has done well."
Eighteen months ago Clement was just beginning work as youth team coach, having been promoted from the Under 16s. He appreciates his good fortune, and adds that he is delighted to be able to learn so much.
"Guus Hiddink has a fantastic CV and you get that sense he has experience and a great eye for training and tactical issues, and managing players. That's something I am learning a lot about," he said.