Kenyon Leaves Man Utd For Chelsea

Kenyon (right) will now try to make Chelse a global brand (Allsport)
09/08/2003. Just when it seemed Chelsea''s frenetic transfer activity had come to an end, at least until January, billionaire Roman Abramovich has pulled another rabbit out of his magic hat by luring Manchester United''s chief executive Peter Kenyon to Stamford Bridge.

It is a major coup that stands comparison with deals that have brought a clutch of world class players to Chelsea since the Russian took control of the club. Indeed, many will see this as further hard evidence that Chelsea really are shifting the balance of power in English football away from Manchester United and Arsenal.

Having spent more than ?100 million to strengthen the squad for on-the-pitch success, Abramovich has now significantly bolstered his off-the-field team by signing one of the top ''players'' in football finance.

In the City, the financial capital, where Kenyon is a highly-respected figure, the news will cause a stir.

Kenyon has helped turn United into the world''s richest football club. He was responsible for driving forward several hugely lucrative sponsorship deals with Nike and Vodafone. Manchester United is widely regarded as the best-run football club in the world, delivering profits to shareholders as well as consistent success on the pitch.

Formerly with sports kit manufacturer Umbro, Stalybridge-born Kenyon, 49, joined Manchester United in 1997 as deputy chief executive.

He is an acknowledged expert in sports marketing, and will be expected to raise the identity and global recognition of the Chelsea brand, putting the London club alongside United and Real Madrid.

At the same time his departure will shock Manchester United and confirms Chelsea''s increasingly irresistible pulling power.

United''s current managing director David Gill is expected to replace Kenyon at Old Trafford, at least in the short term, and is likely to be favourite for the post on a permanent basis.




Graham Lister