Highly regarded former Man City man Glen van der Kraan has been appointed as Chelsea’s academy director.
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The BlueCo ownership’s behind the scenes transformation of Chelsea continues, with the club announcing today the appointment of a new academy director.
Glen van der Kraan made his name at Man City, before joining Chelsea as academy technical director two years ago. He was already the top man in the academy – the change from academy technical director to just academy director won’t change much in the day to day running of the club.
Chelsea continue reshuffle behind the scenes
The Chelsea Under-21s and Under-18s both won their league phases last year, and there’s a sense that things are back on track after the disruptions of recent years.
Van der Kraan said in quotes on the club’s website that he’s “incredibly proud and honoured to take on the role of Academy Director at Chelsea Football Club after two thoroughly enjoyable years working with an amazing leadership team.
“We have a clear responsibility to support young players on and off the pitch, create the best possible learning environment, and ensure the Academy continues to play a significant role in the future success of the club. At Chelsea, we are relentless in our drive to make this Academy the best it can be, not just in England but in the world.”
Meanwhile Jack Francis, who works with van der Kraan, will become the pathways director for helping academy players take their first step into senior football.
In other news…
Andrey Santos has yet to really have an extended run in the team at Chelsea, but there are already rumours about him leaving the club.
Tyrique George is about to move to Everton for £25m, giving Chelsea an injection of cash to get their own summer spending going.
