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Page last updated at 20:30 GMT, Monday, 21 September 2009 21:30 UK
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Kenyon 'proud' of Chelsea legacy

Peter Kenyon
Kenyon will remain at the club as a non-executive director

Outgoing Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon says he is proud of what the Blues have achieved during his tenure.

Kenyon, who will leave his post in October, was recruited by Roman Abramovich from Manchester United in 2003 to be Chelsea chief executive.

"When we joined, the two clubs that had constantly won the Premiership were Manchester United and Arsenal. Chelsea broke that cartel," said Kenyon.

"We are now seen as a very serious European football club."

Kenyon, who is being succeeded by chief operating officer Ron Gourley but will stay on as a non-executive director, admitted Chelsea's lack of Champions League success has been a frustration.

But he insisted Chelsea, who won the Premier League twice during his tenure and also reached a Champions League final, could still go on to rival Premier League giants Manchester United as a global brand.

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"I think it is still highly achievable but I admit that to do it you have to win the Champions League at some point - it elevates you to one of a select group of clubs," said Kenyon.

"We have grown the business and doubled the turnover. We have a squad that is as good as any and better than most.

"Lots has been made about our investment in players but we have also invested heavily in the foundations of the club, which will stand us in good stead for many years to come."

Proposals for controlling over-spending by Europe's top clubs have been prominent on the agenda of football's governing bodies and Kenyon warned football not to turn its back on white knight benefactors.

"Roman Abramovich's investment has been fantastic for Chelsea," Kenyon said.

"He's put money in and he's committed for the long term for the right reasons.

"We've got secured ownership with secured financing. We've never shied away from the amount of money we have invested in the club."



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see also
Chelsea chief Kenyon leaves role
16 Sep 09 |  Chelsea
Chelsea chief defends Kakuta deal
08 Sep 09 |  Chelsea
Chelsea angered by signings ban
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15 Jul 09 |  Man City
Chelsea near misses worry Kenyon
23 May 08 |  Chelsea
Kenyon bullish on Chelsea future
21 Feb 08 |  Chelsea
Kenyon rules out Chelsea exodus
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Chelsea rule out big-name moves
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Kenyon plots Chelsea's business future
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Kenyon to start Chelsea role
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FROM OTHER SPORT SITES
ITV.com Kenyon defends Chelsea record - 1 hr ago
Daily Express Kenyon: We put Chelsea on world map - 9 hrs ago
AAP Racing and Sports Chelsea 'broke cartel' says proud Kenyon - 12 hrs ago
Sky Sports Kenyon - Chelsea have grown - 14 hrs ago
Football365.com Kenyon: Chelsea Have Come A Long Way - 14 hrs ago
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