Next from both ends (4)
I believe the answer is:
then
'next' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'from both ends' is the wordplay.
'from' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'THEN' is hidden within 'both ends'.
(Other definitions for then that I've seen before include "Once upon a time" , "At that time; next" , "soon?" , "Subsequently - previously" , "Consequently" .)