Fitness Coach Birnie leaves Chelsea after 18 years
Matt Birnie: Described Thomas Tuchel as 'the most charismatic manager I have had the privilege to work alongside'
Written by Simon Austin — July 24, 2024
Fitness Coach Matt Birnie has left Chelsea after 18 years.
He joined the Blues in 2005 and worked in their Academy for 14 years before moving to first-team duties in 2019.
During that time he has worked under four managers (Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino) and helped the team win the Champions League in 2021.
Now he is departing to work as Head of Football at Rugby School Thailand, the British international school near Pattaya.
Writing on LinkedIn, Birnie said: “After 18 years, I have made the decision to depart from Chelsea Football Club. My time there has been nothing short of amazing.
“It began with my involvement in the Academy, being part of a system that developed a stream of top talents, then making the transition to the men’s first team and the professional game.
“More recently, I've experienced six years of the highs and lows of first-team football, including the incredible achievement of winning the UEFA Champions League under the guidance of the most charismatic manager I have had the privilege to work alongside, Thomas Tuchel.
“There are too many people to name who have had an impact on me over the years, but I want to express my gratitude to Neil Bath for providing me with the opportunity way back in 2005, as well as other close friends including Will Tullett, Joe Edwards, and Chris Jones.
“I have chosen to take a leap of faith and embark on a new adventure with my family in Thailand, where I will be working as the Head of Football at the prestigious Rugby School Thailand (RST).
“I am genuinely excited about the prospect of meeting new people and immersing myself in a completely different culture.”
Chelsea’s performance and medical departments have undergone a complete revamp since the takeover by Clearlake Capital in May 2022.
Australian Bryce Cavanagh has come in from the Football Association as Director of Performance, with South African Craig Roberts, formerly of AFC Bournemouth, arriving as Head of Performance Medicine.
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