Paul Green Departs Chelsea Role as Head of Women’s Football

Paul Green, a central figure in Chelsea’s transformation into a powerhouse of women’s football, has officially left the club after 13 years of service.

Chelsea confirmed Green’s departure on Tuesday through a brief official statement, bringing an end to a long and influential tenure. However, the concise and largely formulaic nature of the announcement has drawn criticism from supporters, many of whom feel it fails to adequately reflect his contribution and lasting legacy at the club.

While Chelsea have not disclosed the specific reasons behind Green’s exit, the wording of the statement has fuelled speculation that the decision may not have been entirely voluntary. According to The Guardian, Green’s influence within the club had diminished in recent months, with co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley taking on greater responsibility and decision-making authority over the women’s team.

Green was among the final remaining senior figures from Chelsea’s previous leadership structure across both the men’s and women’s operations. Long-serving club secretary and director David Barnard is set to retire at the end of the season, having already stepped down from the board, while recent changes within the Academy coaching staff further point towards a broader institutional reset at Stamford Bridge.

Joining Chelsea in 2013 as assistant manager to Emma Hayes, Green later transitioned into an executive role, serving as General Manager of the women’s team before being appointed Head of Women’s Football. Though rarely in the spotlight, he played a pivotal role behind the scenes in shaping Chelsea’s sustained dominance in domestic and European women’s football.

During his time at the club, Chelsea Women established themselves as the benchmark in England, winning multiple league titles and trophies while becoming a globally recognised force in the women’s game.

Green’s departure marks the end of an era for Chelsea Women, and his impact on the club’s historic rise is widely acknowledged across the football community.

Thank you for everything, Paul.