Eddie Niedzwiecki is grateful to Chelsea for launching his coaching career.

The former goalkeeper was forced into retirement at 27, but was offered the chance of coaching by Chelsea at the time.

The Reading assistant manager recalled to chelseafc.com: "When I knew I was going to have to hang up my gloves, the club were very good to me. Whenever I could, I would go with the team – I was one of those who had to be there, I missed matchdays so much.

"Whether it was to give support, or just help in any way, it's what I did. That was just me – I couldn't stand being home on a Saturday with no match.

"The club were very good and they offered me a three-month trial period to see how I'd get on coaching. It fell into place and that summer they offered me the youth team job. I'd lost one career, but luckily for me I was able to start another one quite quickly. But coaching or whatever will never substitute being a professional player. Never, ever.

"I always thought I'd play until I was 40, at least. But one incident changed that, and it's something that can happen to anybody."