Chelsea lose two key long-term staff members as restructure under Todd Boehly continues to take shape

Chelsea’s youth academy is said to be set to undergo major changes, under the guidance of Joe Shields and Sam Jewell.

Director of Football Development Neil Bath and Head of Youth Development Jim Fraser have left the club, marking the start of a new era at Cobham.

The two men helped build Chelsea’s youth academy into a top tier for young talent, featuring the likes of Reece James, Conor Gallagher and Mason Mount.

Bath became the club’s academy director in 2004 and was promoted two years ago. He worked closely with Fraser, who took up his new role last year.

The guard Reports suggest Bath approached Chelsea earlier this year to discuss his future and the club were open to new responsibilities in the hope of retaining a player with such experience.

Bath were set to be responsible for redeveloping the training complex in 2023, but have since informed the Blues that he wants 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 impressed since joining the recruitment team in October 2022 and will take up a senior role.

Shields played for Manchester City for nine years, holding various positions within both recruitment and the club’s youth academy before becoming head of senior recruitment at Southampton.

He is believed to have helped sign Tosin Adarabioyo, Cole Palmer and Roméo Lavia thanks to his connections with City, and is also on good terms with Chelsea’s new head coach, Enzo Maresca.

Jewell, son of former Premier League manager Paul Jewell, impressed at Brighton before becoming Chelsea’s director of international recruitment.