Neil Bath has a new role at Chelsea as director of football development and operations, which means his responsibilities within our youth development programme have been filled by promotions for Jim Fraser and Jack Francis.

Bath will continue to oversee the Under-21s programme and first development loans as part of his new position, which increases his remit across the Cobham site. He will work closely with the head coaches of our development squad and youth team, alongside an expanded operational remit at our Surrey training base.

Previously Bath’s trusted assistant, Fraser now steps into the role of head of youth development and recruitment with oversight across the youth development programme and a particular focus on registrations and recruitment. He also leads on talent management and recruitment within the club’s overall sporting department.

Fraser has been at Chelsea for the past 18 years overseeing our domestic and international scouting and recruitment at the younger ages.

Francis, a former Chelsea schoolboy player who had been working as head of Academy player care, becomes Academy manager (U9-16) with responsibility across the schoolboy age range. He will work closely with the coaching and support staff, with oversight of our full-time school programme.