“A guy called Joe Shields” – Praise heaped on Chelsea directors for ‘amazing players’ | OneFootball

There has been some praise heaped in the direction of Chelsea’s sporting directors this week and in particular, towards popular name Joe Shields.

Let’s face it, the directors and club owners have been in for a lot of criticism lately since the arrived, largely for their over-spending and signing so many players and on long contracts. There has also been concerns and mentions on how young the recruitment has been and a lack of experience has been neglected.

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I think there has been some good points made on all of the above, some of it justified, some of it not so much and a little harsh and over-critical.

But I do think that they do deserve a lot of credit for many of the players they have signed and how the squad looks to finally be coming together, and so does former Chelsea left back and Champions League winning hero Ryan Bertrand, who has been speaking on the current Chelsea this week.

Bertrand raves about Shields

Shields was behind Palmer signing

In words cited on X today, Bertrand says:

“You’ve got to recognise that one thing Chelsea have done under this new ownership, is they’ve hired fantastically well in the director roles – and a guy called Joe Shields has got to take a lot of credit… he’s the director of talent at Chelsea, and he’s brought in some amazing players… Cole [Palmer] being one of them.

“Not many people knew just how good he [Cole Palmer] could be. Joe [Shields] backed himself and requested to bring Cole in, and in doing so, he’s brought in the best player in the Premier League right now.”

I think Ryan is spot on here for sure, he makes some good points and it is so important to offer praise where it is due as well.