Chelsea Chief Set To Leave Stamford Bridge After Bruce Buck's Confirmed Departure

Marina Granovskaia is set to leave her role as Chelsea director at Stamford Bridge, according to reports.

On Monday morning, Chelsea confirmed that Bruce Buck would step down as Chairman from 30 June, with the American believing it was the right time for a new person to take over following the club's £4.25 billion sale to the consortium led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.

Buck said: "I am proud to have helped Chelsea realise great success on the pitch and make a positive impact in the community. Now is the right time to step down and let new ownership build on the strong foundations we have in place.

"The owners have a compelling vision for Chelsea's future, and I look forward to helping them achieve it in this new role alongside our incredible staff, players, coaches and supporters."

He will remain as a Senior Advisor, clearing up any doubts over his future role, but there was uncertainty still with Granovskaia's position with a decision yet to be made.

However, The Telegraph now report that the Blues director is set to leave as Boehly and co shake up the boardroom, with the American billionaire expected to take over from Buck as Chairman.

Granovskaia's Chelsea departure is expected to be confirmed before the transfer window closes.

It will come as disappointment to Thomas Tuchel, who hoped Granovskaia and Petr Cech would remain in their roles having struck up a relationship with the pair during the Roman Abramovich era.

Boehly has taken on more control in recent weeks, playing an instrumental part in securing Romelu Lukaku's departure back to Inter Milan.

The American billionaire was quick to thank Buck for his services and commitment to the club after spending 19 years as Chairman.

He said in a statement: "Bruce has led Chelsea Football Club to the highest levels of international and domestic football, while also developing one of the most active social responsibility projects in sport.

"We thank Bruce for his service and his commitment to the Club.”

The Telegraph's report states that a Sporting Director is likely going to be needed, with Boehly now effectively in charge of transfers negotiations.

Whether Petr Cech will remain in his role as Performance and Technical Advisor remains to be seen, with the former Blues goalkeeper working closely with Granovskaia on footballing matters and transfers.

No official confirmation has been given from the club, but after Buck's departure was confirmed, it would come as no surprise if her exit was followed up shortly after. CEO Guy Lawrence is also leaving the club.

It's all change at Chelsea. Official replacements are likely to be named soon should they be found.

The new owners are making their mark. A change of the old guard, and in with the new.