Chelsea announced on Thursday evening that their Director of Football Development and Operations, Neil Bath, has decided to step down and leave Stamford Bridge after more than 30 years at the club.

The Premier League west London club disclosed this in a statement on their website.

Neil has built a richly deserved reputation as one of the leading developers of youth football and coaching talent across the world for the past three decades.

His legacy extends well beyond the gates of Chelsea Football Club, with a vast alumni of players and coaches whose careers across the continent have flourished due to Neil’s influence.

Speaking to the club website, Neil said he intended to rest and have some time away from the game.

He said: “After 30 years working at Chelsea, I feel it is the right time for me to have some time off and take a break from a job that I have put so much time into.

“I intend to rest and have some time away from the game, however, I will continue working over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition for the organisation.”