New Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has been handed a driving conviction and a significant financial penalty after failing to complete a speed awareness course due to travel disruption caused by fog.
The Speeding Offence and Missed Course
The 41-year-old football manager admitted to driving at 36mph in a 30mph zone on Rykneld Road in Littleover, Derbyshire, on July 7 last year. The offence was captured by a speed camera operated by Derbyshire Police. Rosenior was subsequently offered the standard opportunity to avoid prosecution by attending a national speed awareness course.
However, he did not attend the scheduled session. In a written explanation provided to Derby Magistrates' Court, Rosenior stated that he was stranded in France due to fog following a work commitment, which made it unsafe to fly back to the UK. '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,' he wrote.
Court Proceedings and Penalty
With the course offer withdrawn, the matter proceeded to a single justice procedure hearing. Rosenior pleaded guilty in writing to the speeding charge. On January 2, magistrate Paul Moslin convicted him and ordered a total payment of £1,052. This sum comprises a £666 fine, £120 in costs, and a £266 victim surcharge. The court also imposed three penalty points on his driving licence.
Court documents revealed that Rosenior had initially paid a fixed penalty fine on December 8, 2025, but failed to supply his licence details for endorsement within the permitted 28-day period. This led to the conditional offer being cancelled and the case being sent to court.
Managerial Appointment and Context
The conviction comes amid a pivotal career move for Rosenior. He was officially unveiled as Chelsea's new manager on Tuesday, succeeding the sacked Enzo Maresca on a long-term contract running until 2032. The appointment followed a day of negotiations in London on January 5, after which he flew back to Strasbourg, where he had been managing.
Rosenior, who guided Strasbourg to seventh in Ligue 1 last season, attended a surprise press conference at the Stade de la Meinau on January 6. He maintains a family home in Derbyshire with his wife and four children, which he regularly visits from France. He is expected to be in attendance for Chelsea's upcoming Premier League fixture against Fulham.
In his submission to the court, Rosenior expressed regret over the unavoidable circumstances, stating: 'Understandably due to circumstances, I have to accept the situation as is.'
