Chelsea’s youth academy has been boosted by the arrival of a number of new executives from Premier League rivals as the Blues look to build on Cobham’s reputation as a conveyor belt of talent.
The club confirmed on Friday that Glenn van der Kraan has joined from Manchester City as technical director of the academy.
He will lead the youth development program alongside Jack Francis, who has worked his way up internally to become the academy’s director of football operations.
Although it was not mentioned in the club’s press release, Mail Sport understands that Delroy Ebanks and Ayo Durojaiye have now also joined from Newcastle and Arsenal respectively to take on recruitment and scouting roles.
Thursday’s victory over Gent in the Conference League included a shot in the arm for the youth set-up, with 18-year-old Tyrique George coming off the substitutes’ bench and 17-year-old Kiano Dyer included in Enzo Maresca’s squad after taking part in training of the first team.
Glenn Van der Kraan comes to Chelsea from Manchester City as technical director of the youth academy
18-year-old Tyrique George came off the bench during Chelsea’s Europa League victory over Ghent on Thursday
Kiano Dyer, 17, got his first taste of a senior matchday squad in the match after taking part in first-team training
The changes at the top of the academy follow the departures of Neil Bath, who spent 31 years at Chelsea, and Jim Fraser.
Their huge contribution was celebrated by the club, who want to ensure football remains the envy of football after producing so many top players. Reece James was one of those who broke through and is now club captain, while Levi Colwill also came through the academy.
Chelsea say they are excited about the direction they are taking with their new leadership, with sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart adding that ‘the academy is fundamental to the club’s plan for the future’.