Bruce Buck details ‘compelling vision’ at Chelsea after stepping down at Stamford Bridge

Bruce Buck says there is “a compelling vision for Chelsea’s future” after announcing he was stepping down as chairman of the club.

American Buck, 76, has been in the role for almost 20 years. And he will still be involved as a senior advisor.

Buck was initially thought to be staying on as chairman after the Todd Boehly-led consortium’s takeover of Chelsea at the end of May.

Boehly agreed a £4.25bn deal to buy the club from Roman Abramovich. And Buck was set to be joined on the board by Boehly with journalist Daniel Finkelstein and public relations executive Barbara Charone taking roles as non-executive directors.

But it’s understood the Government urged Chelsea to end any long-standing links to Abramovich.

And Buck will now leave his post at the end of this month.

Buck said on chelseafc.com: “I am proud to have helped Chelsea realise great success on the pitch and make a positive impact in the community. Now is the right time to step down. And let new ownership build on the strong foundations we have in place.

“The owners have a compelling vision for Chelsea’s future. And I look forward to helping them achieve it in this new role alongside our incredible staff, players, coaches and supporters.”

Buck was key in Roman Abramovich’s acquisition of the club in 2003. And he has overseen huge success for both the men’s and women’s teams.

Bruce Buck leaves with head held high

In fact, during Buck’s chairmanship, the Chelsea men’s team claimed 18 major honours and the women’s team won 12.

Boehly said: “Bruce has led Chelsea Football Club to the highest levels of international and domestic football. While also developing one of the most active social responsibility projects in sport. We thank Bruce for his service and his commitment to the club.”

Director Marina Granovskaia remains in her position at Stamford Bridge.

The transfer guru, who was brought in by Abramovich in 2010, played a significant role in Boehly’s takeover,

German publication Bild has reported that she could leave the club in August after one final transfer window. She could leave with £20m after the The Times claimed last month that Buck, Granovskaia and a handful of others would be splitting a pot of around £30m.