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Newton's focus on fourth

Image: Eddie Newton: Glad to be back at Chelsea and targeting a revival of fortunes

Eddie Newton is hoping to help Chelsea enjoy a strong finish to the season after being brought back to the club in a coaching role.

Former midfielder surprised to return as part of coaching team

Eddie Newton is hoping to help Chelsea enjoy a strong finish to the season after being brought back to the club in a coaching role following the departure of Andre Villas-Boas. Villas-Boas was sacked on Sunday after a disappointing first season at the helm continued with 1-0 defeat at West Brom, and Roberto Di Matteo has been placed in caretaker charge as the search begins for a permanent successor. Newton has returned to Chelsea to form part of Di Matteo's backroom staff, and he admits it was a surprise to be given the opportunity. Having made 214 appearances for the Blues as a player and worked under Di Matteo at Milton Keynes Dons and West Bromwich Albion, Newton would love the club to get back on track.

A blur

The main focus will be on securing UEFA Champions League qualification for next season, although Newton also hopes to progress in Europe this season and go further in the FA Cup. Asked about coming back to Stamford Bridge, the former midfielder told Sky Sports News: "It was totally out of the blue. It's been a blur to be honest with you. "The ambition is to get into fourth place and we will push as hard as possible. Every game is very important between now and the end of the season." Asked what changes Chelsea would need to make from how they worked under Villas-Boas, Newton continued: "I can't talk about what has been done before, but I am Chelsea through and through and we want that drive and that will to win, and when we get that it becomes a habit again."

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