4 hours ago
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Chelsea have confirmed the arrival of Dave Fallows, with the former Liverpool recruitment specialist handed the title of sporting director of football development on a six-year deal.
In what is an unprecedented set-up within the Blues, they will now have a five-strong leadership team of sporting directors taking them forward, all contracted to the club until 2031.
It is headed up by co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, and supported by Joe Shields, sporting director of scouting and talent, and Sam Jewell, sporting director of global recruiting, as well as their newest addition in Fallows.
Fallows’ focus will be scouting and data, loans and player pathways, and overall football staff development and evolution.
The Englishman left Anfield after 12 years in October 2024, having used his expertise to help them win multiple trophies, including their first Premier League title in 2020 under Jurgen Klopp and the 2019 Champions League.
With each under contract until the next decade, Chelsea believe they will benefit from long-term stability.
Dave Fallows will join (L-R) Joe Shields, Laurence Stewart, Sam Jewell and Paul Winstanley
Chelsea are working in a collaborative structure and Fallows has a wealth of experience
It is a collaborative model at odds with how various other clubs operate where a singular person can often wield complete control.
The Blues see it as a positive that individuals have their own responsibilities but work within a collective in sharing judgments and accountability.
The announcement confirming Fallows follows Chelsea's sister club Strasbourg confirming that David Weir has become their new sporting director.
Weir will work closely with his counterparts at the Blues as the paired sides have an aligned structure.
Fallows said in a statement: ‘I’m delighted to join the club and to be working closely with Paul, Laurence, Joe and Sam and the other talented staff across Chelsea’s men’s, women’s and youth teams.
'I’ve been impressed by a lot of the work that has gone on already around the development and recruitment strategy for players at all levels.
‘I look forward to playing a part in building on the foundations they’ve already established with the talented squads developed under the owners.’
Winstanley and Stewart added: ‘We’re delighted to welcome Dave to Chelsea. His arrival strengthens an already talented group as we continue to build for long-term success on the pitch.’
