Gestede appointed Director of Football Operations at Blackburn Rovers

Former Blackburn Rovers striker Rudy Gestede has been appointed Head of Football Operations at the club.

The 35-year-old replaces Gregg Broughton, whostepped down as Director of Football after two seasons at the club in May. Gestede retired from playing in 2022 and has not previously held a staff role at a club.

He played for Rovers from November 2013 to July 2015, scoring 35 goals in 72 appearances.

“I couldn’t take my first steps into life off the pitch in a better place than with Blackburn Rovers,” Gestede said. “I can only thank the ownership, (Chief Executive) Steve Waggott and (Board member and Advisor) Suhail (Shaikh) in giving me the opportunity to start and I’m very excited to be part of this environment now.

“I will give 100% for the club, just as I did when I was a player here. I’m very excited and so pleased to be back, and looking forward to the start of the new season. My role will be to oversee every department at the Senior Training Centre, from administration to catering to recruitment, and making sure every department is linked together with the Academy.

“As a club, we should all be aligned as one and pushing in the same direction, from the Academy to the first team. It’s important for someone to link it all together and I’ll make sure I do my best to help us reach the same goal.”

In addition, John Park has returned to the club as Head of Recruitment - a position he held from July 2021 to June 2022. Park was most recently Head of International Scouting at Birmingham City and has also worked for Celtic and Rangers.

He replaces Sean Kimberley, who has left after just over a year. In addition, Head of UK Scouting Tom Sutton has departed after two years to become Head of Scouting at Huddersfield Town, while Head of European Scouting Luke Griffin left in April after 18 months.