Chelsea CEO Ron Gourlay stands down

After five years at the helm, Ron Gourlay has stepped down as chief executive of Chelsea, the Blues announced today. Giving no reasons for his departure other than the standard and hellaciously vague 'to pursue new business opportunities' (so we'll get some fun leaks soon, real or imagined), the club has stated that Gourlay's responsibilities will be picked up by some combination of Bruce Buck and Marina Granovskaia pending a new hire.

Gourlay wasn't the most popular man with the fans, but as he's leaving he might as well get a final say:

It has been a privilege to have played a role in the club’s considerable achievements both on and off the pitch over the last 10 years, but I feel the time is right to move on to other challenges. I would like to thank Mr Abramovich, the directors, the manager and players and all the staff for their support during my time at the club, and wish them much continued success in the future.

Now that Mourinho's back and Chelsea are in sound financial health, perhaps life at the club just wasn't challenging enough!