Like all newspaper publishers, Trinity Mirror has been expanding its business outside of the newspaper trade and last month its Sport Media department was awarded a book deal with the west London club.

It has now added a three-year deal to produce the club's official magazine and matchday programme, starting next season.

Sport Media will manage a team of writers based at Stamford Bridge and the club’s Cobham training facility, as well as graphic artists and advertising sales staff.

Chelsea publishes 12 monthly magazines with a circulation of 45,000 – made up of members and season-ticket holders, as well as being sold in retailer outlets. It also has around 25 programmes each year.

Mark Dickinson, business development director at Sport Media, said: "The opportunity to work closely with a top team like Chelsea over the next three years is one we approach with relish, and we can’t wait to get started. We have loads of great ideas."