What exactly does a Sporting Director do? And why does the role arouse suspicion and even hostility in this country?

FOR YEARS, the barmaid at The Borough thought the small, grey-haired chap wearing an old England rugby shirt was just another regular. She was right, up to a point.

CHARLIE REEVES was headhunted by Everton, having had a unique dual role as data analyst and energy trader when he was at Forest Green Rovers.

ANTONIO CONTE now has nine Italians in his backroom staff following a duo of additions last month - making it the first time since Roman Abramovich took over in 2003 that not a single Brit is among the manager's assistants.