Chelsea Football Club's newly installed manager, Liam Rosenior, has found himself on the wrong side of the law, receiving a speeding conviction and a four-figure financial penalty just days after his high-profile appointment.
The Speeding Offence and Missed Course
The 41-year-old former defender admitted to driving at 36mph in a 30mph zone on Rykneld Road in Littleover, Derbyshire. The offence was recorded by a speed camera at 11.41am on July 7 last year while he was behind the wheel of his Audi A8 Quattro.
Rosenior was subsequently offered the chance to attend a speed awareness course, but he failed to appear. In a written explanation submitted to Derby Magistrates’ Court, the manager cited being stranded in France due to adverse weather conditions as the reason for his absence.
Fog in France Leads to Conviction
Rosenior detailed that he was stuck abroad following a work-related fixture. “Unfortunately during the time when the drivers awareness course was booked we were stuck in France due to fog after the game with my work, as it was deemed unsafe to fly back home,” he wrote.
He explained that the situation forced him to stay an extra night and that his flight home was scheduled during the very time of the pre-arranged course. “Understandably due to circumstances, I have to accept the situation as is,” he added in his note to the court.
Financial Penalty and New Chelsea Role
With the course missed, the matter proceeded to conviction. On January 2, magistrates found him guilty and ordered him to pay a total of £1,052, which encompasses a fine, court costs, and a victim surcharge.
The conviction emerges in the same week Rosenior's move to Stamford Bridge was confirmed. He has left his position at French club Strasbourg to succeed Enzo Maresca, signing a long-term contract with Chelsea that runs until 2032.
Upon his appointment, Rosenior expressed his honour, stating: “I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed head coach of Chelsea Football Club. My job is to protect that identity and create a team that reflects these values in every game we play as we continue winning trophies.”
