SWINDON New College’s day-to-day running will now be down to current manager Matt Cosnett because Ian Howell has become assistant manager for Chelsea’s U21s.

Howell had previously split his time between coaching Chelsea’s U13s and the New College students.

This will no longer be the case as his new role at the Premier League team is full time, which means he will only be able to see Swindon New College when he has time off.

“My role with the New College means I am going to step away with the hands-on. I’m still going to manage it but Matt Cosnett will take a more senior role and run the day-to-day programme,” said Howell.

“I will manage it from a distance and go back in if I’ve got a day off - I can go in and see what has happened with training. Ultimately, anything I can give back from working at the senior level with Chelsea brings good experience to the College.”

Howell is itching to start his new job with Chelsea, which he described as an ‘unbelievable opportunity’.

“I got the nod and the vote to be offered that position, which I was never going to turn down. It’s an unbelievable opportunity to go in and be full time,” said Howell.

“I’ve been balancing two separate worlds. Getting the opportunity from a personal point of view to go in at that level, it’s a whole new learning opportunity of going into that more professional development.”

Meanwhile, New College have been prepare for their first game of the season when they travel to local rivals Shrivenham Town in Hellenic Division One West.

The two sides meet on Saturday at Barrington Park (3pm).