Bolton hire Harkin from Standard Liege as new Sporting Director

Prior to this, the Irishman spent more than a decade at Manchester City, starting as Scouting and Recruitment Information Manager and rising to become Football Partnerships and Pathways Manager. His experience also includes a period at sportswear giant Nike in both sales and sports marketing roles.

Harkin, who will join Bolton at the end of the Belgian season, started his career as a pro footballer for Leicester City while also studying at Loughborough University, before moving to the League of Ireland with Bohemian FC and Finn Harps.

He succeeds Chris Markham, who left Bolton last month after four years, and will be responsible for all of Bolton’s football operations, including player recruitment, Academy development, scouting, sports science and performance analysis. 

Chairwoman Sharon Brittan said: “This is a momentous occasion for Bolton Wanderers. The appointment of Fergal as our Sporting Director marks a significant step forward in our journey to continue our progress and build a sustainable future. 

“Fergal’s experience, vision and deep understanding of the modern football landscape are exactly what we need to take the club to the next level. His proven ability to identify, develop and recruit talent, coupled with his strategic approach to football operations, makes him the ideal candidate to lead our sporting vision.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome him to Bolton Wanderers and look forward to a long and successful partnership.”

Harkin added: “I am thrilled and honoured to join Bolton Wanderers at such an exciting time in the Club’s history. I have been deeply impressed by the club’s ambition, the passion of the fans and the clear vision set out by the ownership.

“Bolton Wanderers is a club with tremendous potential and I am eager to play my part in helping the club achieve its goals and return to its rightful place in the upper echelons of English football. I am committed to building a strong and sustainable football infrastructure, from the Academy to the first team, that will enable us to compete at the highest level and deliver consistent success for our supporters.

“I’m excited to get started, meet the players, staff and fans, and work together to create a bright future for Bolton Wanderers. Together, I believe we can achieve great things.”