Antrim native appointed Blues academy boss

CHELSEA have appointed Antrim native Brendan Rodgers as their academy technical director.

Blues boss Jose Mourinho handpicked the Irishman, who joined Reading as a 13-year-old schoolboy. However, Rodgers didn’t make the grade and went on to play for Newbury Town FC.

He rejoined Reading as a part-time coach when the club created its own academy six years ago and last year has rewarded with the top job, academy manager, which he combined with running the U-18 side.