Bulletin Board

January 16, 2025

Former Brighton Scouting Manager joins Ipswich Town

Pete Bulmer, Brighton’s former Senior Scouting Manager, has been appointed Head of Technical Scouting for the North of England by Ipswich Town.

As TGG reported in November, Bulmer was made redundant by Brighton along with Centre Forward Scouting Manager John Doolan and Emerging Talent Manager Charlie Hutton as part of a revamp of their scouting and recruitment department.

He had joined the Seagulls in April 2022 from Blackburn Rovers, where he was First Team Scout, and was focused on scouting centre-backs for the Premier League side.

January 15, 2025

Bloomfield brings trio of staff to Luton

New Luton Town Manager Matt Bloomfield has taken a trio of staff with him to the club from Wycombe.

The 40-year-old was named as Luton’s new boss yesterday after agreeing a three-and-a-half year contract with the Championship club.

He has brought Assistant Richard Thomas, First-Team Coach/ Goalkeeper Coach Lee Harrison and Senior Analyst Ben Cirne with him to Kenilworth Road.

Luton CEO Gary Sweet said: “We identified Matt’s personal and team-building qualities as the outstanding candidate to fit in with the culture we have long established here at Luton Town, and I’m sure every supporter will join me in welcoming him, along with Richard, Lee and Ben to Kenilworth Road.”

TGG Members: Luton Town staff profiles 

January 14, 2025

Quartet leave Luton after Edwards exit

A quartet of staff have left Luton Town following the exit of Manager Rob Edwards last week.

January 14, 2025

McCarthy joins Brighton as U21s Coach

Former Wycombe full-back Jason McCarthy has been appointed as an Under-21s Coach by Brighton. 

The 29-year-old hung up his boots at Christmas, having made 301 career appearances and 220 for Wycombe in four separate spells. He has the UEFA B License, studied psychology, emotional intelligence and leadership on a 16-month postgraduate course at Portsmouth University and has also completed a five-month course at the PFA Business School on data analytics in football and sport.

McCarthy will assist Head Coach Shannon Ruth and plugs a gap left by Gary Dicker, who left his role as U21s Assistant in November to become Head Coach of Crown Legacy, the reserve team of MLS side Charlotte FC.

Brighton Academy Manager Ian Buckman said: “After a thorough process, we’re delighted to welcome Jason to the club. He is a great fit for the profile of coach we wanted to appoint and is an exciting addition to the staff.

“He has a huge amount of recent experience in the professional game as a player and a big desire to make the step into coaching. We believe that he can be a really positive influence on the U21s and look forward to the future with him.”

January 10, 2025

Radusin leaves Cardiff after 11 years to join San Diego

Jack Radusin has left Cardiff City after 11 years to become a Video Analyst with San Diego in the MLS.

Radusin joined the Bluebirds in 2013 and quickly rose up the ranks in first the Academy and then the first team. Since 2016 he has been Head First Team Performance Analyst for the club and has worked with eight managers during that time: Neil Warnock, Neil Harris, Mick McCarthy, Steve Morison, Mark Hudson, Sabri Lamouchi, Erol Bulut and Omer Riza. 

San Diego are the new MLS franchise owned by The Mansour Group – which also owns Right to Dream – and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. 

In 2021, Radusin did this piece with TGG on how he used live video on the bench on matchday. 

TGG Members: Cardiff City staff profiles

December 28, 2024

Shaw joins Cardiff City as Riza’s Assistant

Richard Shaw has been appointed as Omer Riza’s Assistant at Cardiff City.

The former defender, who played for Crystal Palace and Coventry City, is an experienced coach. He has been caretaker manager at Millwall and Coventry and was most recently U23 boss at Crystal Palace and Watford – which is where he worked with Bluebirds boss Riza (from 2021 to 2024). 

In the summer of 2023, he worked for the Canada national team alongside Phil Neville at the CONCACAF Nations League Finals and Gold Cup.

TGG MEMBERS: Cardiff City staff profiles

December 23, 2024

Taylor promoted to Head of Player Care and Personal Development by Leicester City

Cleveland Taylor has been promoted from PDP Player Care Officer to Head of Player Care and Personal Development by Leicester City following the departure of Paul Wassell after five years.

Taylor is a former professional player and coach, who made more than 400 senior appearances for clubs including Scunthorpe United, Burton Albion and Carlisle United.

Leicester are currently advertising on TGG for a Player Care & Personal Development Officer to assist Taylor. 

Meanwhile, Under-21s Analyst Hannah Beare has been promoted to Lead age group Performance Analyst for the women’s pathway. Harbir Rana has stepped up from the U18s to replace her, while Camren Bisal moves from U15/U16 Analyst to U18s Analyst. 

The Foxes are also advertising for an U15/U16 Analyst on TGG. 

December 22, 2024

Selles takes two assistants to Hull City

Ruben Selles has taken two staff with him from Reading to Hull City - James Oliver-Pearce and Tobias Loveland.

Oliver-Pearce joins as Selles’s Assistant, while Loveland has been appointed First-Team Coach. Oliver-Pearce, 33, was First-Team Coach for Reading from July 2022, having previously spent a decade with AFC Wimbledon, in both Academy and first-team roles.

Loveland, who is also 33, first worked with Selles at Southampton, where he was Senior Technical Analyst, and moved with him to Reading as Assistant. 

“I’m delighted to be here and to work with an exciting group of players with plenty of potential and opportunity to develop,” Loveland said. “First and foremost, Rubén is a fantastic human; I appreciate him as a friend and the opportunity he has given me to learn.

“His football knowledge is outstanding, his life experience is huge. He is a great person to work with and we are looking forward to our journey with Hull City.”

Selles was appointed Hull City boss on a two-and-a-half year deal at the start of December. He was our guest on Episode #59 of the TGG Podcast. 

December 21, 2024

Hourihane appointed Assistant Head Coach at Barnsley

Conor Hourihane has transitioned from player to Assistant at Barnsley. 

The 33-year-old made more than 580 appearances as a player and won 36 caps for the Republic of Ireland. 

He returned to Oakwell this summer, having helped Derby County earn promotion to the Championship, but has not played for the Tykes since two League One appearances in August.  Now he steps up to become Assistant to Head Coach Darrell Clarke. 

Sporting Director, Mladen Sormaz said: “We are delighted that Conor has agreed to take up this role permanently – it has clearly been on the cards for a number of weeks. 

“We came to the decision based on two factors, the first was that Conor really impressed in his coaching duties over the summer and at the start of the season, the number of hours he was putting in was massive.  Secondly, after the opening games, he had felt that he wasn’t able to play to the level he demanded from himself and this coincided with Dean Whitehead’s departure (to Stoke City) – therefore it made perfect sense to give Conor more responsibility as a Coach and call time on his playing career. 

“The club and Darrell collaborated on the decision and collectively we are excited to see what else Conor can bring to the staff after a very positive start.”

Hourihane added: “The two Wembley victories with Barnsley and getting promoted and playing in the Premier League for Aston Villa are moments I will remember forever and I am grateful to so many people, starting with my parents who allowed me to come to England at 16 years of age. 

“My intention was to play, but a combination of not feeling I could perform to the standard I expected and the amazing coaching opportunity that Barnsley have provided has meant I have come to this decision and I am excited to become a full-time Assistant Head Coach to Darrell at Oakwell.”

December 9, 2024

Baker appointed Head of Data at Port Vale

Sam Baker has been appointed as Port Vale's first Head of Data.

Baker has worked for data and analytics firm Sportable for the last four months, as Field Operations Co-ordinator. Prior to this he was Lead First Team Analyst during two years at Rotherham United. 

December 4, 2024

Brighton’s Marshall appointed Academy Head of Recruitment at Wycombe

Nathan Marshall has been appointed Academy Head of Recruitment at Wycombe Wanderers after four-and-a-half years at Brighton.

Marshall was Academy Recruitment Operations Manager (15s to 21s) at Brighton and has also worked for Crystal Palace and Watford. Wycombe are beefing up their staff ahead of the re-opening of their Academy for the start of next season.

Academy Director Jeremy Sauer said: “Nathan is an extremely well-connected and respected figure in Academy football and we’re delighted that he’s agreed to join the Academy to take overall responsibility for our recruitment strategy and delivery.

“We have a terrific catchment area across London and the Home Counties and further afield to find high-potential young people. Nathan’s leadership and expertise will be invaluable for us as we grow and begin to recruit talent across all age-groups.”

November 27, 2024

Rogerson leaves Manchester City to join Arsenal

Darren Rogerson has been appointed First Team Analyst at Arsenal after three years with Manchester City's Academy.

Rogerson started as a Performance Analyst with City’s Youth Development Phase before progressing to the Under-18s and then U21s (Elite Development Squad).

He has also worked for the Academies at Sheffield United, Rangers and Derby County.

TGG Members: Arsenal staff profiles

November 15, 2024

Brighton U21s Assistant named Head Coach of Crown Legacy FC

Gary Dicker has left Brighton after three-and-a-half years to become Head Coach of Crown Legacy FC, the reserve side of Charlotte FC in the MLS.

Dicker, 38, played for Brighton from 2009 to 2013 and returned to the club at the start of 2021/22 to become their Under-21s over-aged player. The Pro Licence holder then went on to become U18s Coach and finally U21s Assistant. 

“This chance to go to America is a really exciting one for me and my family, but it wouldn’t have come about without the Albion and the coaching education that they’ve given me,” Dicker said. 

Academy Manager Ian Buckman added: “Gary has been an excellent addition to the Academy set-up and we’re sad to see him go, but this is a hugely exciting opportunity for him and his family.

“It’s been great to see Gary really grow as a coach, making a significant contribution to our programme, and help a number of young players make the step up to senior football.”

Crown Legacy compete in the MLS Next Pro league. Charlotte FC compete in the MLS and their Head Coach is former Brentford, Aston Villa, Leicester City and Norwich City boss Dean Smith. 

November 14, 2024

Paxton promoted to Head of Medical at West Ham

Adam Paxton has been promoted from Head Physio to Head of Medical at West Ham United.

Paxton joined the Hammers in September 2021 from the English National Ballet, where he was Head Physio. Richard Collinge heads up West Ham’s unified medical and performance department as Performance Director. 

TGG Members: West Ham staff profiles

November 13, 2024

Ergeneci joins Chelsea as Performance and Insights Data Scientist

Mert Ergeneci has joined Chelsea as a Performance and Insights Data Scientist in a joint role with Catapult.

Ergeneci, who has a PhD in Deep Learning and Signal Processing from King’s College in London, is the co-founder of Neurocess Limited, a biotechnology company that designs wearable sensors that provide data on injury prevention and training optimisation for footballers.

To date, Neurocess have raised $3.4m in seed funding. 

TGG Members: Chelsea staff profiles

November 13, 2024

Breen appointed First Team Physiotherapist at Liverpool

David Breen has joined Liverpool's revamped medical department as First Team Rehab Physiotherapist.

The Reds have restructured their medical department under new Head of Medicine and Performance Jonathan Power, with the physios now split into Rehab and Performance. The Rehab Physios deliver treatment and rehabilitation strategies for injured players, while also working with fit players in facilitating preparation for – and recovery from – training sessions and games.

The Performance Physios work closely with the fit players in the squad, while “optimising daily treatment interventions and exercise therapies for acute and chronic issues” and also turning around short-term injuries to keep players performing and available.

In the summer, Chris Morgan switched from Senior Physio to Head Performance Physio and Lee Nobes from Head Physio to Head Rehab Physio. Breen has the Rehab section after 16 months with Harlequins Rugby. 

He has also been a Physio for Wasps Rugby, Manchester City’s EDS squad, Munster Rugby and for the Republic of Ireland Men’s Team. Before becoming a Physio, Breen enjoyed a successful career in hurling with Limerick, winning an All-Ireland Title.

TGG Members: Liverpool staff profiles

November 7, 2024

Cope promoted to Director of Football at AFC Wimbledon

Craig Cope has been promoted from Head of Football Operations to Director of Football at League Two AFC Wimbledon.

Craig Cope has been promoted from Head of Football Operations to Director of Football at League Two AFC Wimbledon.

Cope joined the club in January 2023 from Solihull Moors, where he was Technical Director. As Head of Football Operations, he was responsible for recruitment, scouting, analysis, technical and medical support and all training ground logistics.

His new beefed-up role will see the Academy also come under his remit, “enabling a new holistic and joined-up approach across our entire football operations.”

Chairman Mick Buckley said: “Michael Hamilton (Academy Manager) and his Academy team continue to deliver the club a phenomenal pipeline of talent, which is integral to our success.

“We want to bring their thinking, learning and processes closer to our other football activities. In Craig’s new role, he will take a holistic overview of all football activities from academy recruitment to senior professionals and staff.

“Craig is motivated by continuous improvement and will be looking at every aspect of football operations to deliver just that.”

November 6, 2024

Lee leaves Ipswich to become Norwich U21s Lead

Olly Lee has left Ipswich Town to join local rivals Norwich City as Under-21s Lead.

The 33-year-old, who played for clubs including Hearts, Birmingham and Luton before retiring in February 2023, was U18s Lead at Ipswich. At Norwich he will split the U21 Lead role with Alan Neilson, has been with the Canaries Academy since 2015. 

Norwich placed 19th in our 2023/24 Academy Productivity Rankings, with Ipswich in 26th. 

TGG Members: Norwich City staff profiles

November 1, 2024

Aladejare appointed Academy Talent Identification Scout at Watford

Paul Aladejare, the former Blackburn Rovers Head of Emerging Talent, has been appointed Academy Talent Identification Scout at Watford.

Aladejare worked for Blackburn from January 2023 to June 2024 and has also been Regional Scout Co-ordinator at Arsenal and Head of Academy Recruitment at Barnet.

At Category Two Watford he will work closely with Head of Academy Recruitment Jon Goodman in identifying new players. 

October 31, 2024

Head Chef Meziane leaves Manchester United

Omar Meziane has left his role as First Team Head Chef at Manchester United after almost two years.

The former England Head Chef joined United in January 2023 and was based at their Carrington Training Centre.  His remit there was to “prepare, produce and deliver a high-quality consistent catering offer”, as well as working on both home and away games.

Meziane was part of Gareth Southgate’s England staff from 2017 to 2022 and travelled with the team to the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020. He has also worked with the England cricket team, with individual Premier League players and has co-authored a cookery book with former England rugby star James Haskell.

United’s support services have undergone significant change since INEOS took control of footballing matters at the club in December 2023. Sam Erith has arrived as Interim Head of Performance, Jordan Reece as Head Physio, while a new coaching staff was installed around Manager Erik ten Hag before his sacking this week.

Meziane had worked closely with United’s consultant nutritionists Tom Whitehead and Mark Ellison, but Whitehead stopped working with the club in August last year. Thomas Maynard arrived from Liverpool’s Academy shortly afterwards to become a full-time Performance Nutritionist.

TGG Members: Manchester United staff profiles

October 25, 2024

Hough promoted to Academy Manager by Accrington Stanley

Chris Hough has been promoted to Academy Manager at League Two Accrington Stanley.

He replaces Duncan Fearnhead, who left the club after 12 years to become Academy Manager at Southampton last month. Hough joined Accrington straight from University in January 2019 as an age group coach and then Head of Academy Performance Analysis. In August 2020 he was promoted to Head of Academy Operations. 

Writing on LinkedIn, Hough said: “It’s a privilege to step into this role after six years of development and growth within the club. I’m honoured to continue building on the incredible work and standards set by Duncan Fearnhead and all of our talented Academy staff both past and present.

“Four years ago, we developed a vision to become the top Category Three Academy in the EFL through providing a genuine pathway into first team football for Academy-developed players, whilst providing best practice player care and player/ parent experience. 

“I look forward to evolving and innovating on these foundations, as we have done in recent years, ensuring Accrington Stanley Academy remains a place of opportunity and progress moving forward.”

Category Three Accrington placed 74th in our 2023/24 Academy Productivity Rankings, out of 86 clubs. This was up four places from 74th in 2021/22. 

October 23, 2024

Former Millwall Director of Football joins Colorado Rapids

Former Millwall Director of Football Operations and Recruitment Alex Aldridge has been appointed Director of Scouting at MLS club Colorado Rapids.

Aldridge spent almost three years with Millwall, before leaving in August this year. Prior to this he spent two years as Head of Recruitment at Stoke City.

“Alex’s arrival comes at a critical time for our roster-building efforts,” said Colorado Rapids Sporting Director Fran Taylor. 

“His expertise in identifying emerging talent and his track record of executing high-impact player acquisitions will immediately enhance our recruitment capabilities.”

October 22, 2024

Fisher promoted to Head of Emerging Talent by Everton

Nathan Fisher has been promoted to Head of Emerging Talent at Everton, replacing Dan Rice, who is now Interim Chairman and Chief Football Officer at Wycombe Wanderers.

Rice held the role for a year before joining Wycombe in May, sparking a recruitment process by Everton. Fisher has been with the club for more than five years, first as Senior Scout for Spain and then European Senior Scout.

His replacement in that role is Colin Rooney, who has joined the club after more than 10 years with Toronto FC, where he was Head of European Scouting. 

Meanwhile, Mark Quayle has been promoted to Academy National Recruitment Lead from 13s and 14s Scout in the North.

Everton also advertised for a Pre-Academy Recruitment Lead of TGG recently. 

October 21, 2024

Richardson appointed YDP Goalkeeper Lead at Brentford

Arsenal Academy Goalkeeper Coach Jeff Richardson has been appointed Youth Development Phase Goalkeeper Lead at Brentford. 

Richardson has worked for the Gunners for the last three years. 

October 19, 2024

Former Burnley Head of Performance joins DC United

David Rhodes, the former Burnley Head of Performance, Medicine and Innovation, has been appointed Director of Human Performance at DC United in the MLS. 

Rhodes left the Clarets after two years in the summer as part of a wider restructure of the performance and medical department. 

At DC United he has replaced fellow Englishman Luke Jenkinson, who joined from Derby County with Head Coach Wayne Rooney in January 2023. Jenkinson has joined new MLS franchise San Diego as Director of Human Performance.

Jenkinson joined San Diego in August, but agreed to stay on to help DC United until the end of Saturday’s game against Charlotte, which they lost 3-0. 

October 17, 2024

Data Engineer Clouston leaves Everton to join Football Association

Adam Clouston has left Everton after three years to become a Data Engineer with the Football Association.

A Data Engineer builds the infrastructure that enables the collection, storage, management and analysis of data. Clouston joined Everton from Derby County, where he had worked for two years, in November 2021. 

Writing on LinkedIn, Clouston said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time at Everton, worked with some fantastic people across the whole club and helped build some integral processes and applications for footballing departments. 

“I’m really proud to have been part of the Performance Insights team and of what we have built as a new team within the football side of the club.

“Big thanks to everyone for a lovely send off yesterday and special thanks to the lads in the recruitment department, Adam Newall and of course the PI lads Charlie Reeves, Nicholas Coleman, Peter Morris for the laughs and support over my three years at the club.”

Charlie Reeves is the Head of Performance Insights at Everton. 

TGG Members: Everton staff profiles

October 13, 2024

Forest YDP Lead named Academy Director at Dundee United

Nottingham Forest Youth Development Phase Lead Scott Allison has joined Dundee United as their new Academy Director.

The 44-year-old has worked with Forest for the last 15 months, having previously held roles including Academy Director and Caretaker Manager at Partick Thistle and Director of Coaching at the Florida Elite Soccer Academy.

He said: “It’s exciting to have joined a club with such a rich tradition in player development. My first few days have been excellent, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the staff and having a look around the facilities at my disposal.

“The fundamental aim of any Academy is to develop players who will represent our first team – it’s my job to look at the structures in place throughout the youth setup, identify areas for improvement and implement changes to ensure that happens as regularly as possible.

Chief Executive Luigi Capuano added: “We’re delighted to welcome Scott to the club – he has attained extensive coaching experience across the United Kingdom and the United States throughout his two decades in the industry thus far and we felt this would hugely benefit our young players.

“Looking ahead, it’s a pivotal time for the progression of the Academy, and we’re excited to see how Scott’s working practices can re-energise and refresh the setup from top to bottom.

“During the recruitment process, we outlined the requirement for the chosen candidate to understand that our main objective is ultimately to develop players who represent our first team – Scott wholeheartedly buys into that philosophy.”

September 23, 2024

Whelan appointed First Team Coach at Wigan

Former Republic of Ireland player and coach Glenn Whelan has been appointed as First Team Coach at Wigan Athletic.

The 40-year-old made more than 200 Premier League appearances for Stoke City and Aston Villa, as well as playing 91 times for his national side.

The UEFA A Licence coach has since worked with the Republic of Ireland since May 2022, as part of their U16s staff and also with Interim Manager John O’Shea for the men’s senior team.

Last month he was appointed First Team Coach at fellow League One side Bristol Rovers and now joins Max Rogers, Andy Lonergan and Shadab Iftikhar on Wigan Manager Shaun Maloney’s coaching team.

“I would like to thank Shaun Maloney for providing me with the opportunity to continue my coaching career with the club,” Whelan said.

“His coaching philosophies align with my own, and I am hoping I can use my experiences – both as a player and a coach – to help the players as much as I can.”

Maloney added: “Glenn will be a brilliant addition to our backroom team, and I am delighted to have him on board. He has had some excellent experiences as both a player and a coach, including coaching the Republic of Ireland national team.

“I am really looking forward to working with Glenn, and I’m positive his arrival will be beneficial for the players and the Club’s long-term plans.”