21 hours ago
3
Chelsea has confirmed the appointment of ex-Liverpool chief Dave Fallows as its sporting director of football development.
Fallows left Liverpool in October 2024 after a 12-year stint on Merseyside in which he headed up the Reds’ recruitment team and was instrumental in signings such as Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Sadio Mane.
Fallows has joined Chelsea on a six-year contract and will lead an unprecedented five-person sporting leadership team that includes Laurence Stewart, Paul Winstanley, Sam Jewell and Joe Shields. Fallows’ work was key in Liverpool’s success during Jurgen Klopp’s time at the club, and he utilized data and analytics in his transfer policies, which was originally an unprecedented approach.
Fallows delayed his Liverpool exit to help with Liverpool’s transition from the Klopp to Arne Slot eras. He previously worked at Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Bolton Wanderers.
He also commanded real respect from the likes of Michael Edwards and Ian Graham at Liverpool.
In a statement confirming the news, Chelsea said: “In his new role, Dave will lead areas of football development, focusing on scouting and data, loans and player pathways, and overall football staff development and evolution.”
In his new role, it’s understood that Fallows will work at both Chelsea and its sister club Strasbourg.
In a statement, Fallows said: “I’m delighted to join the club and to be working closely with Paul, Laurence, Joe and Sam and the other talented staff across Chelsea’s men’s, women’s and youth teams.
“I’ve been impressed by a lot of the work that has gone on already around the development and recruitment strategy for players at all levels.
“I look forward to playing a part in building on the foundations they’ve already established with the talented squads developed under the owners.”
Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: “We’re delighted to welcome Dave to Chelsea. His arrival strengthens an already talented group as we continue to build for long-term success on the pitch.”
English (US) ·