Chelsea confirm Van der Kraan and Francis will lead new-look Academy
Jack Francis (Academy Football Operations Director) and Glenn van der Kraan (Academy Technical Director)
Written by Simon Austin — July 26, 2024
Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Glenn van der Kraan as their Academy Technical Director, with Jack Francis promoted to become Academy Football Operations Director.
As TGG reported in July, Van der Kraan has joined the Blues after four years at Manchester City, where he was Head of Coaching for their Under-9s to 14s. Francis has been with the club for almost 14 years, starting as an International Academy Coach and going on to become Head of Player Care and then, in December 2022, Academy Manager for the 9s to 16s.
The appointments follow the departures of Director of Football Development and Operations Neil Bath and his Assistant Jim Fraser in July after a combined 50 years' service.
Sporting Directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: "We are very pleased to make this announcement as Glenn brings his vast experience and track record for success in youth development into his new position at Chelsea. Alongside the vital continuity and experience that Jack brings to his new role, we are excited about this new leadership and the potential within the Academy moving forward.
"The Academy is fundamental to the plan for the future of the club, with Glenn and Jack now in place to steer the operation alongside the immense expertise already within the Academy building at Cobham."
Prior to City, Van der Kraan worked for Feyenoord for nine years, with the last four of those as Head of their Foundation Phase. In 2018/19, he completed the Master in Coaching Course at the Johan Cruyff Institute and has also done extensive research on talent development.
Filipe Coelho joined in July as U21s Head Coach. He joined after an impressive season as U23s Head Coach at Estoril, in which they won the U23 league in Portugal.
Coelho previously worked in Benfica’s Academy, joining in 2006 and becoming U19s Head Coach. He replaces Mark Robinson, who left earlier this year to become Head Coach of Burton Albion.
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