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The Don Speaks: Kenyon coup for Chelsea
By Don Riddell, CNN World Sport
LONDON, England (CNN) -- Sensational. Audacious. Global warfare. These are just some of the words used to describe Peter Kenyon's boardroom transfer from Manchester United to wannabe-rivals Chelsea. I'm not sure what surprises me more; the news itself, or the media's reaction. That deals like this can now happen is a sign of the times. Chelsea have simply strengthened their squad with a man who carries a briefcase. More than ever, football clubs need to be competive, both on and off the field. When managed badly, the results can be disastrous. Just ask Leeds United, or worse, Fiorentina. The make-up of a boardroom can make or break a team. I've been asked what prompted Kenyon to quit his post. Was it a row with Ferguson over the failure to sign Ronaldinho? An argument about a racehorse? Had he fallen out with the board? Well frankly, when someone offers to double or even triple your salary, I don't think it matters. Money talksMoney talks, and the only club that are spending it is Chelsea. It's ironic that Kenyon recently questioned whether the massive investment at Stamford Bridge would bring success. United weren't worried, he said, adding that "money doesn't always buy you success." Of course, everything's changed now. And he'll have to change his tune pretty quickly. But whether he can deliver for Chelsea as he did for United is the great unknown. At Old Trafford, Kenyon had an already successful team and the club's heritage to work with. In many ways he's starting from scratch with Chelsea. For the master plan to succeed, Chelsea need to become global players, and fast. The lucrative markets of the Far East, and the relatively untapped wealth of the U.S. have already been exploited by the big guns of Real Madrid and, of course, Manchester United. But Kenyon is experienced, and he knows the tricks of the trade. He is extremely influential in football circles, and his arrival at Stamford Bridge really is a coup for Chelsea. Not only have they got their man, but they've delivered an almighty slap in the face to one of their biggest rivals both at home and abroad. United can only hope that he's the last one to think that Old Trafford is old news when Chelsea break open their coffers again later this season. Don Riddell presents World Sport on CNN International at 0930 GMT, 1130 GMT and 1430 GMT daily and writes weekly for CNN.com.
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