Chelsea facing big change after Paul Green departure

Just two years ago, Chelsea had manager Emma Hayes and director of women's football Paul Green in charge as the Blues continued their dominance in the women's game. However, that has all changed now with the club finally some way off top spot.

Chelsea announced the news of Green's departure yesterday evening, outlining his achievements with the team: "During that time, he played a significant role in the development and growth of the women’s programme, contributing to the establishment of strong foundations and the evolution of Chelsea Women into one of the leading teams in the domestic and European game.

"His commitment, experience and professionalism have been valued across the club, and his work has helped support a sustained period of success and progress for Chelsea Women during which we won 19 trophies."

Of course, it's not known yet the reasons for Green's departure and whether he will end up in a new role soon but his exit coming just over a season and a half after Hayes left the club means that is all change.

Sonia Bompastor did superbly well in her first season with Chelsea, winning a domestic treble. However, this has felt like 'second-season syndrome' by the club's very high standards with Chelsea sitting in third nine points off the top ahead of Sunday's game against a resurgent Liverpool.

Before last weekend's 2-0 win away to Tottenham Hotspur, which came just after news of Bompastor penning a new deal, the Blues had lost two key games first at home to Arsenal and then a bruising 5-1 hammering away to league leaders Manchester City.

The fact that Chelsea have even lost three league games all season is eyebrow-raising considering their recent dominance and that they may need to replace some key players this summer means that the women's team suddenly has an uncertain future.