Why Chelsea have appointed 'revolutionary' ex-Liverpool transfer specialist | OneFootball

Dave Fallows joins new five-man sporting director team at Stamford Bridge

All five members of the leadership structure at Stamford Bridge are contracted until 2031 in the hope of building long-term stability and continuity.

Fallows will focus on scouting, data, loans and player pathways at Chelsea.

Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart with Todd Boehly after Chelsea won the Conference League last season

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

He made his name at Liverpool, where he helped revolutionise the recruitment model at Anfield and worked closely with Jurgen Klopp.

During his 12 years at Liverpool, Fallows played a crucial role in the recruitment that helped them win in the Champions League in 2019 and then the Premier League title in 2020.

As part of his role on Merseyside, Fallows, who has also worked for Manchester City, Newcastle and Bolton, coordinated Liverpool’s network of scouts, with the Reds signing the likes of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohammed Salah during his time at the club.

At Chelsea, Fallows will “lead areas of football development, focusing on scouting and data, loans and player pathways, and overall football staff development and evolution”.

He will have input decisions on the recruitment of players, coaches and staff.

The 65-year-old will also work in conjunction with former David Weir, who was appointed sporting director at BlueCo sister club Strasbourg last week.

Under Todd Boehly and Clearlake, Chelsea have not been scared to go against the grain

On his appointment, 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.”

Many Premier League clubs operate with a single sporting director but Chelsea believe a collaborative model, in which each sporting director has their own responsibilities, will lead to greater sharing of expertise and greater accountability.

Under Todd Boehly and Clearlake, Chelsea have not been scared to go against the grain.

The appointment of Fallows is another innovative move.