Chelsea appoint insider as new chief executive

Chelsea have appointed club insider Ron Gourlay as their new chief executive following Peter Kenyon's decision to step down from the role at the end of next month.

Gourlay, currently the chief operating officer at Stamford Bridge, has been on the Chelsea staff since 2005, having previously spent five years as commercial director at Manchester United. Prior to that he worked for sports firm Umbro.

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck said: "Ron was the outstanding candidate for the job. It was not necessary to look outside as we had someone with all the necessary attributes inside which was important as it ensures continuity and a smooth transition."

Kenyon's departure has been interpreted by some as the result of frustration over his receding influence at the club owned by Russian tycoon Roman Abramovich.

But both the club and Kenyon -- who is seeking a new job -- insist the parting of the ways has been amicable. Kenyon will continue as a non-executive director and will represent Chelsea in various UEFA committees.