Paul Winstanley Lands an Exciting New Role at Chelsea FC
- Paul moves on from his role at Brighton and Hove Albion to become Chelsea's new Director of Global Talent and Transfers
- Brings an impressive track record of finding and engaging with talented aspiring footballers from all over the world
Paul Winstanley has landed a dream new role as Chelsea’s Director of Global Talent and Transfers. The gifted Football Careers client has been headhunted to join his former Brighton and Hove Albion gaffer Graham Potter to become a key part of new chairman Todd Boehly’s rebirth of the Blues.
After eight years with the Seagulls since he joined from Derby County this was an emotional decision for one of the most respected recruitment operators in the English Premier League. Paul confessed:
“It’s not been an easy decision and it has taken me some time but the opportunity was too great to turn down and is a personal challenge I want to take up. While I had no desire to leave Brighton, as the club has been amazing to me, this was something I had to pursue.
“I’m incredibly proud to have played my part at Brighton and Hove Albion over the past eight years. I wish everyone connected to the club well for the future. The club is incredibly well run, with brilliant people everywhere, and is something quite special. I have no doubt it has a great future ahead with Roberto de Zerbi at the helm.”
Paul’s departure from Brighton was only secured after a compensation package had been thrashed out between the two clubs. Winstanley started his stint at Albion as Talent Identification Manager before his body of work there saw him recognised and moved up to the key role of Head of Recruitment.
During his tenure at Brighton, Winstanley built an enviable reputation for unearthing and securing young talent from around the globe. Paul worked under four different Brighton bosses in his eight-year stay on the south coast, forging positive relationships with Sami Hyypia, Chris Hughton, Graham Potter and latterly Roberto de Zerbi.
He dovetailed superbly with Technical Director Dan Ashworth before his departure to Newcastle United and new TD David Weir has also enjoyed his partnership with Chelsea’s capture. Paul stressed:
“It has been the most memorable, successful and enjoyable period of my career. I would like to thank everyone at Brighton but most importantly Tony Bloom and Paul Barber for the opportunity they gave me along with their unbelievable support.
“I’ve also worked with some amazing people. I want to thank everyone at the club and not least the managers from Sami, Chris and Graham to Roberto. I’ve been proud to lead our recruitment team and work with two first-class technical directors in Dan and David.”
Weir and acting Head of Recruitment Sam Jewell will fill the void left by Winstanley as the January transfer window beckons. Former Rangers and Scotland captain – and Paul’s fellow Football Careers client – Weir admitted:
“Paul has been an important part of our recruitment and overall progress in his time at the club and naturally we did not want to see him leave. However, we understand that he sees this as an exciting opportunity to move into a more senior position and a different challenge at a new club.”
Chelsea chairman Boehly and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali know they have landed a top-drawer professional. They issued a statement which read:
“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.”
