Cech's back at the Bridge and his mate Lampard will be following soon

Petr Cech has changed his football kit for a suit but hopes to have the same success close to the boardroom as he was as a player as he becomes Chelsea's Technical and Performance Advisor.

The ex-Chelsea shot-stopper who finished his playing career at Arsenal last month has the brief of providing advice on all football and performance matters throughout the club as well as embed and facilitate strong links between the men’s and academy teams, ensuring that the various support departments are working together effectively.

Quite what that means on day-to-day basis will become evident in the coming weeks and months. But he should provide a familiar and friendly face for Frank Lampard, when the club secures the services of the Derby County manager. Lampard is expected to have the title head coach.

That move is expected within days with Chelsea paying a £4million compensation package to the Rams.

Cech will report to director Marina Granovskaia but significantly will have an office be based at the training ground at Cobham.

Cech said: "I feel very privileged to have this opportunity to join Chelsea FC again and help create the best possible high-level performance environment to continue the success the club has had over the past 15 years . I’m looking forward to the new challenge and hope I can use all of my football knowledge and experience to help the team achieve even more success in the future."

Granovskaia said: "We are delighted to welcome Petr back home to Chelsea. During his playing career here he was one of the most dedicated, successful and thoughtful professionals we have ever had. We always hoped that when Petr was ready to retire we would see him back at Chelsea FC and we are thrilled to add his expertise and knowledge of the game to the technical staff."