Winstanley arrives at Stamford Bridge after eight years with Brighton & Hove Albion, initially as talent identification manager and then as head of recruitment. Winstanley played a major role as Brighton built a reputation for finding and developing talent. 

Chelsea FC would like to thank Brighton for enabling him to take up this new opportunity with Chelsea. He will join Chelsea immediately. 

Winstanley said of his appointment, ‘I’m thrilled to be joining Chelsea and to continue working with Graham Potter and his team. There is a real sense of excitement and momentum around the new ownership and this project. I’m looking forward to working with such an outstanding group of colleagues as the club moves into a new era.’

Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali said: ‘Paul is going to be a great addition to Chelsea. He’s highly respected and is a key senior addition as we continue to build a world class sporting team with a huge depth of talent, ambition and commitment who will work closely with us to drive Chelsea forward.  Paul shares our philosophy and will fit seamlessly into the organisation.'