JORG SCHMADTKE has been appointed as Liverpool’s new Sporting Director, succeeding Julian Ward. The German, 59, spent more than four years in the same role with Bundesliga side Wolfsburg before leaving at the start of this year.

STOCKPORT COUNTY face Carlisle United in the League Two play-off final on Sunday. If they win, it would be their second consecutive promotion. In this article their Director of Football Simon Wilson outlines the club's seven-year plan and explains why their aspirations go much higher.

RIGHT TO DREAM have expanded into the MLS after San Diego were awarded the league’s 30th franchise. The global not-for-profit group already owns clubs in Denmark and Egypt, as well as Academies in Ghana and the Ivory Coast.

MATEU ALEMANY has turned down the chance to become Aston Villa’s new Director of Football, Head Coach Unai Emery has confirmed. Earlier this month Barcelona said the Spaniard would be leaving the club on June 30th - a year before the end of his contract - to pursue a new “professional project”.

LIVERPOOL Loans Manager David Woodfine is leaving the club after almost nine years. He is their latest senior departure, with the exits of Sporting Director Julian Ward and Director of Research Ian Graham having already been announced.

BRENTFORD B Technical Lead Allan Steele is leaving the club after nine years to become Director of Football at Forest Green Rovers.

JON WALTERS has stepped down as Technical Director of Fleetwood Town and Waterford FC after six months. The former Republic of Ireland forward was appointed by both clubs - which are owned by Andy Pilley - in December last year.

FORMER Reading and Leeds United manager Brian McDermott has been appointed Director of Football at Hibernian.

VICTOR ORTA has left his role as Director of Football at Leeds United by mutual consent after six years.

MATT CROCKER has been appointed as the new Sporting Director of US Soccer after three-and-a-half years as Southampton’s Director of Football Operations. He will be officially unveiled tomorrow.

FABIO PARATICI has resigned as Tottenham’s Managing Director of Football after losing his appeal against a 30-month ban from football.

BRIGHTON Technical Director David Weir has told BBC Radio 5 Live the secrets of his side's recent success.