Chelsea appoints ex-Liverpool director Dave Fallows to football development leadership

Chelsea has appointed Dave Fallows, the former Liverpool recruitment expert, as a sporting director focused on football development, scouting, data, loans, and player pathways. Fallows, who played a key role in Liverpool's successful recruitment strategy under Jurgen Klopp and was involved in signing major players like Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, joins Chelsea on a six-year contract as part of an expanded five-person sporting leadership team. His hiring reflects Chelsea's strategic emphasis on building long-term stability through enhanced recruitment and player development systems, aligning with the club's broader ambition to improve off-pitch operations and football staff evolution. The appointment was recommended by Chelsea's existing sporting directors and approved by ownership, signaling a commitment to stability with contracts running until 2031. Fallows' role includes collaboration with Chelsea's men’s, women’s, and youth teams and working closely with the club’s sister team Strasbourg, reinforcing a comprehensive approach to football development. Chelsea's move underscores a shift towards data-driven, analytics-based recruitment and long-term planning, aiming to replicate Liverpool’s past success in squad building and player pathways.