Brighton’s head of recruitment Sam Jewell has been placed on garden leave after accepting a new position at Premier League rivals Chelsea.
Jewell took up the role with the Seagulls in 2022 and the 34-year-old, who is the son of former top-flight manager Paul Jewell, joined Albion in May 2016 as recruitment manager for the men’s under-21 side and became emerging talent manager in March 2019.
Brighton’s assistant technical director Mike Cave, supported by scouting and intelligence manager George Holmes, will assume Jewell’s responsibilities at the Amex Stadium with immediate effect.
“Sam Jewell has accepted a new position at Chelsea FC,” read a short Brighton statement. Sam has now commenced a period of gardening leave. We thank him for his long service to our club.”
Here’s every single player and staff member Chelsea have lured from Brighton since Todd Boehly arrived….
1. Sam Jewell
Brighton have placed the transfer guru on garden leave after he resigned ahead of his move to Chelsea. The club said: "Sam has now commenced a period of gardening leave. We thank him for his long service to our club. With immediate effect, Mike Cave, assistant technical director, supported by George Holmes, scouting and intelligence manager, will assume Sam’s responsibilities." Photo: BHAFC
2. Graham Potter
The ex-Brighton man left for the riches of Chelsea in September 2022 after an impressive spell on the south coast. He was sacked in April 2023. Photo: Clive Rose
3. Bruno Saltor
The former Brighton right back left for Chelsea along with Potter and the management team. After Potter was sacked by Chelsea, he managed the team for one match, a 0–0 draw against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, and left the club on 25 September 2023. Photo: GLYN KIRK
4. Robert Sanchez
The goalkeeper left Brighton last summer for around £25m after falling out with Roberto De Zerbi Photo: Stu Forster