Chelsea Poach Arsenal’s Academy Star in Sudden Transfer Shock!
Chelsea have undergone significant changes in recent months, particularly within the goalkeeping sector, following the departure of Henrique Hilario. As part of this transformation, Mark Mason has now taken on the role of Assistant Head of Goalkeeping at Chelsea after his departure from Arsenal.
Mason had joined Arsenal as Head of Academy Goalkeeping ahead of the 2023/24 season but parted ways with the club in February. Arsenal had been advertising for a replacement since late last year, though the job listing is no longer active on their website. The website indicates that the position was either filled or the advertisement expired. Mason’s move comes three months after Hilario left to join the Football Association, where he reunited with England’s new head coach, Thomas Tuchel.
Ben Roberts now oversees global goalkeeping operations, while Mason recently shared on LinkedIn his enthusiasm for starting the new role at Chelsea. Michele De Bernardin continues as the first-team goalkeeper coach, whereas James Russell handles responsibilities as Head of Academy Goalkeeping and First-Team Assistant Goalkeeping Coach. Mason brings extensive experience across similar roles, accumulating nearly two decades in coaching.
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Mason’s Coaching Journey
Mason’s career commenced in the summer of 2007 as an Assistant Centre of Excellence Goalkeeper Coach at Southend United. After spending two years in Essex, he moved to Ipswich Town as Head Academy Goalkeeper Coach. However, his tenure in East Anglia lasted less than a year before returning to Southend United as Technical Development Officer. Within six months, he transitioned to Portsmouth as Head Academy Goalkeeper Coach.
Following a two-year stint at Portsmouth, Mason moved to Brighton & Hove Albion, serving as Head of Academy Goalkeeping and Assistant First-Team Goalkeeper Coach. Nearly four years later, he joined the Football Association, working as the England women’s goalkeeper and set-piece coach while also contributing to the men’s youth teams and as a national goalkeeper coach educator.
His time at the FA lasted four-and-a-half months before he became Assistant Coach, Director of Goalkeeping, and Set-Piece Specialist at Inter Miami. After two seasons in Major League Soccer, Mason returned to the United Kingdom, spending six months before joining Arsenal. Now, he embarks on his latest challenge at Chelsea.
Chelsea Poach Arsenal’s Academy Star in Sudden Transfer Shock!
