Heat on Arnesen as Gourlay steps up as Chelsea chief executive

18 September 2009 01:29
Frank Arnesen's power and influence will be reduced as part of a Chelsea shake-up that has resulted in Ron Gourlay replacing Peter Kenyon as chief executive. [LNB]Arnesen was promoted to the board during the summer and given the title of sporting director in a move that was seen as something that took many of the football responsibilities from Kenyon, who steps down on October 31 to take on a non-executive role at the club. [LNB]But Arnesen now finds himself at the centre of the Gael Kakuta controversy that has left Chelsea facing a FIFA transfer ban until January 2011 and the Dane, who actually went on holiday the day before FIFA issued their transfer ban, has not emerged unscathed from the reshuffle. [LNB] Promoted: Peter Kenyon's replacement Ron Gourlay (left) with Michael Essien[LNB]His future remains in doubt but he will now report directly to Gourlay, 46, who has been promoted from chief operating officer. [LNB]A breakdown in communication between Kenyon and Arnesen was identified as a problem at the club and owner Roman Abramovich wants Gourlay to make sure the commercial and football arms of the club are once again synchronised.[LNB] Gourlay was very much seen as a Kenyon ally. The pair worked at Umbro as well as Manchester United. [LNB]'It is a huge honour to be offered this chance,' said Gourlay. 'All successful clubs strike the balance between the football and commercial sides and my role is to ensure this happens. It's a critical part of our strategy moving forward.' [LNB] Bad memories: John Terry, with Peter Kenyon (left), collects his runners-up medal after missing a penalty in the 2008 Champions League final[LNB]●Chelsea skipper John Terry has insisted he would take a penalty for England at the World Cup finals despite memories of his shootout miss against Manchester United in the 2008 Champions League final.[LNB] Terry, speaking at an event organised by England sponsors Nationwide, said: 'Of course I'd volunteer, no doubt. It's down to the manager but I'd put my hand up.' [LNB] Abramovich and Co must cut wild spending, says UEFA finance guruChelsea promote ex-Man United man to replace Kenyon as chief executiveCHELSEA FC

Source: Daily_Mail