- Neil Bath to end 20+ years of development work at Chelsea
- Joe Shields will take on a larger role alongside Sam Jewell
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Chelsea’s academy structure is reportedly set to undergo major changes, led by Joe Shields and Sam Jewell.
Director of football development Neil Bath and head of youth development Jim Fraser have left the club, signalling the start of a new era at Cobham.
The two men helped establish Chelsea’s academy as a leading producer of young talent, with players such as Reece James, Conor Gallagher and Mason Mount emerging from its ranks.
Bath became academy director at the club in 2004 and was promoted two years ago. He has worked closely with Fraser, who took up his new role last year.
The Guardian reports that Bath approached Chelsea to discuss his future earlier this year and the club were open to giving him new responsibilities in the hope of retaining such an experienced figure.
Bath was the man tasked with refurbishing the training ground in 2023 but has now informed the Blues of his decision to leave.
Bath is a highly respected figure at the club and Chelsea have respected his decision, which comes after more than 20 years of service. The report adds that he has received an offer from another club.
Shields has made a strong impression since joining the recruiting team in October 2022 and will take on a senior role.
Shields spent nine years at Manchester City and held a number of roles in both recruitment and the club’s academy before becoming senior head of recruitment at Southampton.
He is believed to have contributed to the signings of Tosin Adarabioyo, Cole Palmer and Roméo Lavia thanks to his connections with City. He also has a good relationship with new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.
Jewell, the son of former Premier League manager Paul Jewell, impressed at Brighton before becoming Chelsea’s global recruitment director.