Chelsea legend Claire Rafferty returns as commercial partnership sales manager

The influx of Chelsea legends and heroes in important non-playing roles continues and even the women’s team are getting in on the act. Today, the club confirmed that Claire Rafferty has returned to the club in a “commercial” role.

“It has always been an ambition to work on the business side of football once I finished my career and I am excited to have this opportunity with the club I know so well. Having combined my playing career, the majority of which was spent at Chelsea, with an economics degree and working at an investment bank, I hope to be a valuable asset to the commercial team at Chelsea and am looking forward to getting started.”

-Claire Rafferty; source: Chelsea FC

Rafferty spent 11 years playing Chelsea FC Women (née Chelsea Ladies FC) before joining West Ham last summer, with whom she made it to the Women’s FA Cup final where they lost to Manchester City. She had won the FA Cup twice with Chelsea, in addition to two WSL league titles. Rafferty, at just 30 years of age, surprisingly called it quits at the end of the season, citing injuries taking their toll.

But she didn’t stay away from football too long, providing punditry on TV and radio during the Women’s World Cup and now putting her economics degree to good use back with the Blues.

“We are delighted to welcome Claire back to the club in an important role. Her extensive experience in elite-level sport, combined with her business and analytical skills accumulated working at an investment bank will make her a vital member of the team as we attract new commercial partners, particularly with a focus on developing the profile of our Women’s team.”

-Chris Townsend, Chelsea commercial director; source: Chelsea FC

Welcome back, Claire! Let’s make some deals!