Kieran Maguire: More drama to come at Chelsea after Steve Atkins latest – ‘they’re a soap opera’
There is likely more drama to come at Chelsea following the departure of Steve Atkins from the club’s chief communications role.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the latest in a long line of behind-the-scenes exits at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues confirmed on Thursday (22 September) that Atkins will leave the club to take on a similar position at McLaren Racing.
The highly-rated operator, who has been with the club for 14 years, will stay on at the club as a senior advisor.
His departure comes in the same week that new commercial director Damian Willoughby was fired for misconduct regarding inappropriate text messages to a female finance agent prior to his arrival in West London.
Chelsea have also parted company with senior figures Bruce Buck, Petr Cech and Marina Granovskia since the Todd Boehly takeover in May, while Graham Potter has replaced Thomas Tuchel in the dugout.
Maguire predicts that there could be further turbulence before a new comms director is named.
“Steve Atkins’ decision to leave will be a shame,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“He is a safe pair of hands. Chelsea is part soap opera and occasional football club. Therefore, having someone who can deal with issues as they arise on a 24/7 basis in relation to mainly off-field matters is absolutely essential.
“Being able to pour calming oil on troubled waters is an essential skill of a comms director. You want someone who is unflappable and has the right contacts as far as the media is concerned.
“Therefore, there could be a few bumps in the road before the new director has their feet under the table.”
In other news, pundit lambasts “unprofessional” Christian Pulisic after “dumbfounded” Chelsea news.