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Liam Rosenior _(Image: Steve Welsh/PA Wire)_
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Chelsea have appointed former Reading defender Liam Rosenior as their new head coach on a deal until 2032.
The 41-year-old former Royal revealed earlier on Tuesday morning during a farewell press conference at Ligue 1 club Strasbourg that he had “verbally agreed” to replace Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge.
The deal was rubber-stamped soon after as he returns to English football following previous spells in charge at Derby and Hull.
Rosenior said on the club’s official website: “I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed head coach of Chelsea Football Club.
“This is a club with a unique spirit and a proud history of winning trophies.
“My job is to protect that identity and create a team that reflects these values in every game we play as we continue winning trophies.
“To be entrusted with this role means the world to me and I want to thank all involved for the opportunity and faith in undertaking this job.
“I will give everything to bring the success this club deserves.”
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Liam Rosenior, the now former head coach of French club Strasbourg, who are owned by Chelsea’s parent company BlueCo, has emerged as the early favourite to replace Maresca among bookmakers.
Playing for the Royals from 2007 until 2010, making almost 75 appearances, the highly-rated young boss had a five-year association with Hull City as a player.
Making over 150 appearances and reaching an FA Cup Final, he ended his playing days with Brighton in 2018.
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As a manager he took the role as caretaker for Derby County in 2022 between July and September where he had previously been an assistant manager for Wayne Rooney - He managed 12 games winning seven, drawing two and losing three.
His time with Derby impressed Hull City so much that they offered him the role of head coach in November, as Shota Arveladze had poor run of form. Rosenior managed 78 games, winning 27, drawing 28 and losing 23.
He was sacked in 2024 after failing to guide his side into the Championship play-offs. Rosenior, who had just agreed a three-year deal in December, managed Hull to seventh place in the Championship that season – their first top-half finish since 2016.
Hull then appointed former Reading FC manager Ruben Selles who was subsequently sacked at the end of the season.
Rosenior impressed during his time at Hull to attract Ligue 1 outfit Strasbourg where he replaced Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira, who left Strasbourg by mutual consent, in July 2024.
In 62 games to date, Rosenior has won 32 games, drew 13 and lost 17 - The English coach led Strasbourg to seventh place in Ligue 1 and UEFA Conference League qualification in his first season in-charge.