Chelsea sign Ten Cate

Henk ten Cate has been unveiled as Chelsea's assistant coach after Ajax and the Stamford Bridge side agreed on the release of his contract. Ten Cate had been the subject of interest from Chelsea in recent weeks and will be Chelsea's new number 2. Ten Cate has reportedly sealed a three-year deal worth around £1.8million a season after Chelsea agreed a compensation deal with his former club Ajax earlier this week.

On October 8, 2007 Ajax announced on their website to have reached an agreement with Chelsea about ten Cate's immediate transfer to the London side, noting also the deal was still to be finalised. It now appears that Ten Cate is to become Chelsea's assistant after agreeing terms.

Arsenal's technical director Martin Van Geel said: "Chelsea have contacted Henk behind our backs and without our knowledge he went to London to talk to them. Henk informed us last Tuesday about this. I don't think that is right. For us this all comes on a very bad moment, if it was up to us we would have ended the season with Henk."

Chelsea want to rebuild their backroom staff after the departure of Jose Mourinho last month. Israeli Avram Grant has since taken over from the Portuguese manager.

Grant, 52, has yet to obtain the UEFA pro licence normally required to coach in European competition and the Premier League.

A statement on Chelsea's official website said: "Chelsea Football Club can confirm that Henk ten Cate has joined as assistant first-team coach and we would like to welcome him to the club."