Dutchman Henk Ten Cate has joined Chelsea [ Images ] as assistant coach to Israeli Avram Grant [ Images ], the Premier League club said on Thursday.

"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," the Chelsea web site (www.chelseafc.com) said.

Ten Cate, 52, was assistant to Frank Rijkaard [ Images ] at Barcelona [ Images ] when the Spanish club won the Champions League [ Images ] in 2006 and became Ajax Amsterdam coach in May that year on a two-year contract.

Chelsea are rebuilding their backroom staff after the shock departure of Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho last month and the appointment of Grant as his replacement.

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