Chelsea owner Todd Boehly savaged by ‘surprised’ Keith Wyness – ‘when I saw the news…’
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has urged Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly to accelerate his plans to step down from the post.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs –insisted there are “some real problems fermenting” at Stamford Bridge.
As has been widely reported, Boehly is set to step down as Chelsea’s chairman in 2027, with his business partners Clearlake Capital to appoint his replacement.
His exit was pre-arranged at the time of the 2022 takeover, with the chairmanship set to change hands every five years.
Boehly has been the subject of criticism from Chelsea fans after their struggles since the takeover.
Boehly must accelerate Chelsea exit plans after ‘rude awakening’, says Wyness
The Blues have spent huge money in the transfer market and dispensed with two permanent managers since the agreement – but look set to limp to back-to-back mid-table finishes.
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “When I saw the news, I saw some fans saying: ‘Imagine the damage he could do in another three years.’
“That did make me chuckle.
“I also saw Boehly calling for patience, as he’s built a team of superb individuals. He thinks it’s just a case of waiting for them to become a team.
“I think it’s been a very rude awakening for Todd Boehly.
“He’s obviously had success in the US with the sports there, but he’s found football a lot harder to crack.
“I’m surprised he’s staying another three years, I thought it may have been quicker.
“He might be better advised to step aside quicker and bring some football experience in.
“He’s got the chequebook – but there are issues at the club and some real problems fermenting within the fanbase.
“Stamford Bridge’s atmosphere is not what it used to be. It’s not a great place for warmth and happiness at the moment.”
In other news, “Huge” update on potential Mauricio Pochettino sack at Chelsea.
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