Paul Green, Bay FC and English women’s football
17 October 2026
Former Chelsea women’s football chief Paul Green has proposed introducing reserve teams into the English women’s football pyramid to address the shortage of competitive minutes available to young domestic players. The suggestion comes amid growing concerns over academy development and first-team opportunities.
Green, who helped Chelsea win 19 major trophies during his 13-year tenure, suggested that B teams could operate at the third level of the women’s football structure, drawing comparisons with arrangements in Germany and Spain. He also advocated carefully managed loan programmes. Green is now chief football officer at Bay FC and intends to strengthen the NWSL club’s squad and development infrastructure.