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Chelsea have today confirmed the appointment of Joe Shields as Co-Director of Recruitment and Talent.

The club released a statement that read: “Shields joins from Southampton, where he is Head of Senior Recruitment. Shields is responsible for the Saints’ senior recruitment.

“Prior to his role with Southampton, Shields spent nine years at Manchester City, initially as Academy Scouting Manager and then becoming Head of Academy Recruitment and Talent Management. Earlier in his career he acted as an academy scout at Crystal Palace and Fulham.”

Chairman Todd Boehly added: “Joe is another great addition to Chelsea, and we’re thrilled to have him on board. We have a clear plan and will adopt a modern and data-driven philosophy, focused on elite emerging talent.

This appointment comes a day after Chelsea confirmed the appointment of Laurence Stewart as the club’s new technical director.

Todd Boehly and his team of co-owners are now trying to get the club’s hierarchy organised ahead of the January transfer window.