Jody Morris: All you need to know about new Swindon Town head coach

The former Chelsea and Derby County coach has been appointed on a two-and-a-half-year deal and will lead the team for the first time against Newport County on Saturday - 12:45pm kick-off.

With the 44-year-old now officially confirmed, we have broken down all you need to know about Swindon's latest head coach.

Footballing talent from a young age

Morris grew up in London and lived only a mile and a half away from Stamford Bridge, the home of Chelsea Football Club.

His origins in the beautiful game are deep-rooted thanks to this and his skill on the pitch was recognised from a very young age.

England international and Manchester United legend even dubbed Morris as “the best schoolboy footballer in London” at the time.

Jody Morris with Jurgen Klopp as Chelsea took on Liverpool. (Image: PA)

Major domestic and European winner

Morris played for several high-profile football clubs in an illustrious playing career, playing for the likes of Chelsea, Leeds United and even a spell in Scotland with St Johnstone.

Yet it was during his time in the capital that he won big, collecting several winners’ medals with a team that included the likes of John Terry, Roberto Di Matteo and Gianfranco Zola.

In his seven years at Chelsea, Morris won an FA Cup, an FA Community Shield, a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup and a UEFA Super Cup, showing a clear vision for the silverware in the sport.

Big-game player

During his playing career for Chelsea, Morris came up against several fellow big sides that have been heralded as great teams of the past, but the midfielder showed maturity and skill to help aid his team.

The mighty Barcelona visited Stamford Bridge in the UEFA Champions League during the 1999/2000 season. Morris put in a commanding display as the Blues beat the Catalans 3-1, retaining his place for the second leg also.

Morris also provided a great performance against Manchester United that same season, as he scored one of the goals in a 5-0 rout of the Red Devils in the infamous mauling at Stamford Bridge, showing his value in the biggest games of the campaign.

Jody Morris has had a close professional friendship with Frank Lampard throughout his footballing career. (Image: PA)

Early managerial success

It was in 2014 that Morris took up his first role in coaching work, landing a job in the Chelsea academy, during the season in which the senior team went on to win the Premier League under Jose Mourinho.

His time at Chelsea’s youth ranks was very successful, with Morris’ young side claiming back-to-back Under-18 Premier League Cup wins between 2016 and 2018, as well as winning the FA Youth Cup in both those seasons too.

In addition to this, he also went on to oversee his side grab an U18 Premier League Cup in 2018 as well as the Premier League National in the same season, demonstrating a serial-winning approach to football coaching.

Friendship with Frank Lampard and Premier League managing

It is well-known that Morris has a close friendship with fellow manager and former player, Frank Lampard.

The pair were teammates at Chelsea for several years, but their connection in the game did not end when they hung up their boots.

Morris was an assistant coach to England international Lampard at both Derby County in the 2018/19 season and Chelsea from 2019 to early 2021.

Through this professional partnership, Morris was able to garner valuable coaching experience at both Premier League and Championship level, which will undoubtedly help him in his time at Swindon.