Paul Green Reflects on Chelsea's 19 Trophies as He Begins New Chapter at Bay FC

Posted : 17 October 2026

Paul Green has reflected on one of the most successful periods in Chelsea Women's history, admitting that he only fully appreciated the achievement after leaving the club. The former head of women's football spent 13 years at Stamford Bridge, helping the Blues win 19 major trophies alongside former manager Emma Hayes and her successor, Sonia Bompastor.

Green left Chelsea in February 2026 after a long association with the club. His departure came amid reports of changes within the club's leadership and football operations. He said the decision reflected a change in direction but insisted he was proud of the work he had done.

"I feel very proud of the job that I did there," Green told BBC Sport. He added that he believed he had left Chelsea in a much stronger position than when he arrived in 2013.

During his tenure, Chelsea established themselves as a dominant force in English women's football. The club won six consecutive Women's Super League titles, reaching the Women's Champions League final in 2021. Their success was built through recruitment, player development and a close working relationship between Green and Hayes.

Green said the scale of the achievement became clearer only after he stepped away. He recalled keeping many of his winners' medals in a box under his bed before finally having them framed. He described his time at Chelsea as one of the best periods of his life.

His departure also brought an emotional response from people across women's football. Green said the messages of support he received were overwhelming, although it took time to respond to everyone. After seven months away from the game, he accepted a new challenge in the United States.

In September, Green was appointed chief football officer at Bay FC, a San Francisco Bay Area club competing in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). He will oversee football operations, recruitment and squad development as the club seeks to establish itself among the league's leading teams.

Green said Bay FC's ambition and long-term vision convinced him to accept the position. He sees similarities between the project and Chelsea during its earlier years, when the women's team was building the foundations for sustained success.

His immediate task is to improve Bay FC's squad. The club has struggled during the 2026 NWSL season and sits near the bottom of the standings. Green believes his extensive recruitment network can help bring in players capable of improving results while strengthening the existing group.

He also highlighted the importance of developing the club's infrastructure. Bay FC plans to move into new training facilities in 2027, while Green wants to ensure that staffing, player support and recruitment work together effectively.

The former Chelsea executive also addressed concerns about opportunities for young English players. He believes loan arrangements can provide valuable experience, but suggested that sending promising players abroad or introducing reserve teams into the lower divisions could offer additional pathways into senior football.

Green pointed to the development of Chelsea academy graduates Aggie Beever-Jones and Lexi Potter as examples of the importance of providing young players with meaningful opportunities. He believes clubs, leagues and governing bodies must work together to ensure emerging talent receives enough competitive playing time.

His new role at Bay FC offers an opportunity to apply lessons learned during Chelsea's trophy-winning years. Green now faces the challenge of turning that experience into sustained success in the NWSL.

Paul Green Reflects on Chelsea's 19 Trophies as He Begins New Chapter at Bay FC

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