Kenyon - Chelsea have grown

Kenyon: Proud of achievements

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Peter Kenyon believes Chelsea are still capable of rivalling Manchester United as a global brand, but accepts the club must win the UEFA Champions League to reach the next level.

Kenyon is leaving his role after six years as Chelsea's chief executive at the end of October and is proud of his achievements at Stamford Bridge.

He joined Chelsea from United and had been keen to turn the Blues into a force capable of matching his former club's world appeal.

And while Kenyon accepts Chelsea have not yet reached that level, he believes the building blocks are in place for a bright future.

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

"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."

Respected

Speaking at the International Football Arena conference on the outskirts of Zurich, part-sponsored by Chelsea, Kenyon explained the extent to which the club had changed since he was appointed by owner Roman Abramovich.

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

"On the sporting front, we became a respected domestic club and a respected European club.

"Our record on the field led us to be the number one club in the UEFA co-efficient. We are now seen as a very serious European football club with great relations across the continent."

Proposals for controlling over-spending by Europe's top clubs have been prominent on the IFA agenda 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."