Smith to stand in for Kenyon

Chelsea have appointed sports marketing expert Paul Smith to stand in for Peter Kenyon until the former Manchester United chief executive can take over at Stamford Bridge.

Kenyon is still on "gardening leave" from United while lawyers sort out a compensation deal and Smith has been taken on as a consultant to Chelsea Village plc's board of directors.

A statement from Chelsea said: "Mr Smith will provide an interface between the board and company management on operational issues until Peter Kenyon is able to assume his position as chief executive officer."

Smith previously worked for sports agencies ISL and IMG, representing Fifa and Uefa in the commercial management and staging of the World Cup and European Championship tournaments.

He was also one of those who advised the Premier League on their original marketing and media strategy during their formation, and has worked in sponsorship deals for the FA Cup and Team England on behalf of the FA.

Chelsea announced last weekend their chief executive Trevor Birch would be leaving the club.

He had been offered another position to make way for Kenyon but it is understood he preferred to take a pay-off and move on.