LONDON: Peter Kenyon has left his job as Manchester United chief executive to take the same position at their English Premier League rivals Chelsea, Kenyon's solicitors said in a statement on Monday.

The appointment of Kenyon, who is being replaced at United by David Gill, represents a boardroom coup for Chelsea following their 110 million-pound (US$174.4 million) player spending spree since Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich took over in July.

"Peter Kenyon has recently been offered the job of chief executive officer of the Chelsea group of companies, a position that he has accepted," said the statement issued on Kenyon's behalf by his solicitors Mishcon de Reya.

"Peter Kenyon has been employed by Manchester United for over six years. He has enjoyed his time at the club enormously.

"However, the new opportunity that has arisen at Chelsea represents a challenge that Mr Kenyon feels is right to take at this stage of his career," the statement added.

A statement from Manchester United said Gill will take over as chief executive at Old Trafford, adding that Kenyon would go on garden leave in accordance with the terms of his contract.

"We would like to thank Peter for his significant contribution to the success of Manchester United on and off the pitch in the last six years," Manchester United PLC chairman Roy Gardner said.

"David (Gill), as Managing Director, has also played a major role in that success, and we are delighted that his appointment will bring both experience and continuity to this position."

Surprise

The 46-year-old Gill joined United in 1997 as finance director from First Choice Holidays and succeeded Kenyon as deputy chief executive in August 2000 before being promoted to group managing director almost a year later.

He was caught by surprise at Kenyon's sudden departure.

"It was a bolt out of the blue for everyone, but that's life and we just move on," Gill told MUTV.

"I've worked with Alex (Ferguson) for 6-1/2 years on all the big deals and I believe, and fervently hope, that I can develop the same close relationship with him that Peter had and I don't see any reason why that shouldn't be the case."

Kenyon took over as United chief executive from Martin Edwards in August 2000 after joining the club in 1997 from sportswear manufacturer Umbro International.

He had a strong relationship with United manager Alex Ferguson, signing several world-class players including Argentina midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron, Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and England defender Rio Ferdinand for a combined fee of about 80 million pounds over the past two years.

Agencies via Xinhua

(China Daily 09/10/2003 page8)