We appreciated the interest shown by a number of people who put their names forward for the vacant positions. At this time we were looking for particular areas of expertise to take CPO forward and having considered carefully and created a shortlist, two successful candidates were voted in.

They are Sean Jones QC and Charles Rose.

Charles Rose has responded: "Using my experience in national and local voluntary business and charity organisations, I hope to serve and support the Board and the members of CPO to represent the views of many Chelsea supporters whose wish is that future generations will be able to enjoy our club in the same way that many of us have over the past four decades.

"The recent history of CPO has been a troubled and fractious time, and I hope that with some hard work and supportive leadership to carry on the restoration of the reputation of the company with its members and with Chelsea FC."

Seán Jones said, "I've been a Chelsea fan for 40 years, raising my two kids in the faith. I'm a QC and part-time Employment Judge and I'm used to difficult law, tough negotiations and the need to have a thick skin. I was also present throughout the stadium planning inquiries of the 1990s and put forward evidence in support of expansion."

The two new directors replace Bob Sewell and former Chelsea player Dennis Wise who stood down from the Board earlier this year.

As usual, the new directors will stand to be re-elected to the board, along with existing board members, at the CPO AGM in January.