Our Ruud awakening

EDDIE NEWTON remembers how former Chelsea managers Ruud Gullit and Glenn Hoddle helped pave the way for the team to become trailblazers.

Gullit signed Gianfranco Zola in 1996 as one of a number of overseas stars who blended in with the home-grown players – just like with Mason Mount and the rest today.

Newton graduated through the club’s academy and was assistant head coach to Roberto Di Matteo when Chelsea won the Champions League in 2012, below.

He said: “I think we were the best at having a nucleus of home-grown players and then having foreign players. Glenn

Hoddle and

Ruud deserve a big pat on the back for making that happen.”