Chelsea confirms sporting department

Chelsea released a statement confirming it's complete new sporting department with additions such as Christopher Vivell and Laurence Stewart.

"Chelsea has confirmed its sporting department with Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley taking up their roles as co-sporting directors.

"They oversee the entire sporting team, comprising talent, scouting, recruitment and data. Winstanley joined in November last year and oversaw Chelsea’s January transfer strategy alongside the board.

"Stewart joins the club next week from AS Monaco, where he was technical director. They will work closely with Graham Potter and his coaching team to support the men’s first team.

"The team includes technical director, Christopher Vivell, focusing on football globally, Joe Shields, Kyle Macaulay and Jim Fraser leading on talent management and recruitment, and Matthew Hallam leading on data and analysis.

"The team’s focus will be on ensuring Chelsea is competitive and sustainable on the pitch, investing in the growth of the sporting department team to identify, nurture and develop talent over the long-term with a modern data-driven philosophy."