Bulletin Board

April 28, 2025

Scott joins Global Football Holdings after leaving Charlton

Andy Scott, who stepped down as Charlton’s Technical Director in February, has been appointed Head of Recruitment for Global Football Holdings.

The US-based ownership group is a co-owner of FC Augsburg in Germany and a majority owner of Estoril Praia in Portugal and SK Beveren in Belgium. Its Global Head of Football is Scott McLachlan, the former Head of International Scouts at Chelsea.

Scott was Technical Director at Charlton for almost two years and has also been Head of Recruitment at Nottingham Forest, Swansea and Brentford and Sporting Director at Watford. 

April 23, 2025

Forouhandeh joins Brentford as Data Scientist

Brentford have appointed Arian Forouhandeh as a Data Scientist.

Forouhandeh moves to west London from Wolves, where he worked for five-and-a-half years – first as the club’s Under-18s’ Sports Scientist and then, from June 2022, as their physical performance insights lead.

On his LinkedIn page, he says his role with the Bees will be to “oversee data collection and lead in data processes across the Performance and Medicine department as well as development of physical testing data systems and processes”.

His profile adds that he is undertaking “current research focusing on developing a predictive model that significantly enhances injury prevention strategies in professional football”.

TGG Members: Brentford staff profiles

April 16, 2025

Smith promoted to full-time Head of Recruitment by Stockport

Jonathan Smith has been promoted to full-time Head of Recruitment at Stockport County.

The former Chorley Assistant Manager joined Stockport in 2020 as Lead Scout for the North, before becoming part-time Head of Recruitment in 2021 – while also working as the Assistant Headteacher of a school.

With Simon Wilson having moved from Director of Football to CEO in February, County have now decided to appoint Smith on a full-time basis. 

Wilson said: “Smudge has been with us since day one of Mark Stott’s ownership, and much of the success we have had has been down to his hard work in identifying the right players for each step of our journey. When he pushes on a player, I have learned to listen.

“But recruitment is actually way more than the players you sign. For every one of those, there are many more we are considering, we have to keep lots of balls in the air and maintain relationships and reputation.

“His conduct and communication is first class and he creates a brilliant impression of the club – even when we are changing our minds last minute or giving disappointing news.

“In some ways things will stay the same, but his arrival on a full-time basis will give me more opportunity to spend time with other departments across the club.

“He joins as a senior member of the football management team and I couldn’t be more certain of the positive impact he’ll have in recruitment, but also all other areas.”

April 2, 2025

Kavanagh appointed Head of North Academy Recruitment by Leeds

Marcus Kavanagh has left Arsenal after 17 months to become Head of North Academy Recruitment for Leeds United.

Kavanagh worked as an Emerging Talent Scout, focusing on players aged 14 to 21 in the North West, for Arsenal from December 2023. 

April 1, 2025

Moxon to join Brighton as First-Team Doctor

Former Liverpool and Manchester United First-Team Doctor Jim Moxon is to join Brighton at the end of the season.

Moxon worked for Liverpool from 2016 to 2022, at both Academy and first-team level, before joining United in 2023, initially on an interim basis before being made permanent. 

At Brighton, he will work under Head of Medicine Florian Pfab, who joined from Eintracht Frankfurt last July. Brighton have been seeking a permanent Club Doctor since Vicann During left for personal reasons towards the end of 2023, following less than a year in post.

Since then, the club have been using several doctors on a part-time basis. Moxon is currently serving his notice period at Manchester United.

TGG Members: Brighton staff profiles

March 12, 2025

Radmore promoted to Head of Analysis at West Ham

Charlie Radmore has been promoted to Head of Performance Analysis by West Ham. 

Radmore joined the Hammers as Lead First Team Pre-Match Analyst in May 2019 for his second stint with the club, having also been with them from 2011 to 2016.

In the interim he had worked as First Team Performance Analyst for Orlando City, Norwich City and Crystal Palace. Radmore has effectively replaced Jamie Osman as Head of Performance Analysis at West Ham.

Osman left in the summer of 2024 prior to the arrival of Julen Lopetegui and is now Head of Analysis at Ipswich Town.

TGG Members: West Ham staff profiles

March 7, 2025

Blackburn hire Man Utd’s Sadowski as Senior Scout

Piotr Sadowski has left Manchester United after seven-and-a-half years to become Senior Scout at Blackburn Rovers.

The Pole joined United in September 2017 as their Central European scout as part of a big overhaul of their scouting and recruitment department. He had previously been Academy Operations Director at Lech Poznan for two years and Head of Scouting in the UK for the Polish Football Association before that.

Previous United Chief Executive Ed Woodward had brought in more than 50 new scouts from 2015 to 2017 but the club are now scaling back. 

Writing on LinkedIn, Sadowski said: “I am excited to share that I have joined Blackburn Rovers Football Club and I am starting a new chapter in my career path as a Senior Scout. I am honoured to be a part of this historical club now.”

March 4, 2025

Villa hire Ulster’s O’Neill as new Loans Physio

Aston Villa have hired Gareth O’Neill from Ulster Rugby to become their new Loans Physio.

O’Neill has extensive experience in rugby union, having been a Senior Physio for Wasps, Cornish Pirates and the Dragons, as well as for Ulster, where he was also Rehab Lead.

Loans Physios are becoming more common in elite football as clubs build their support around on-loan players. Villa advertised the role before Christmas and the job purpose was to “lead, co-ordinate, deliver and evaluate player-centred rehabilitation and performance development to our on loan First Team and Academy players.”

Writing on LinkedIn, O’Neill said his time at Ulster had been “a boyhood dream fulfilled.”

He added: “This role has meant so much to me on so many levels. I can’t speak highly enough of the people behind the scenes at this club and how they look after each other, professionally & personally. I’m incredibly grateful.

“Ran onto the field in ’99 with my Dad after we beat Stade Francais in the semi-final. Walk off it with a full heart, knowing it’s only a matter of time before more kids storm it again after big European victories.”

February 24, 2025

Dawson and Alcock sacked by Leicester

Leicester City have parted company with First Team Coaches Ben Dawson and Danny Alcock.

The duo joined the club at the start of 2024/25 under Steve Cooper and had a brief spell in interim charge when the Welshman was sacked in November. They stayed on when Ruud van Nistelrooy was appointed as Cooper’s successor, but have now been dismissed.

“We place on record our thanks to Ben and Danny for their contribution and service and wish them both well in the next steps of their respective careers,” Leicester said.

Van Nistelrooy’s remaining assistants are: Jelle ten Rouwelaar (Assistant and Goalkeeper Coach), Brian Barry-Murphy (Assistant), Andrew Hughes (Set Piece Coach) and Andy King (First Team Coach).

TGG Members: Leicester City staff profiles 

February 24, 2025

Round and Clements join Eustace at Derby

Former Arsenal Assistant Steve Round and ex Huddersfield, Norwich and Stoke Goalkeeper Coach Paul Clements have joined John Eustace’s staff at Derby County.

Eustace succeeded Paul Warne as Derby County Manager earlier this month and immediately brought long-time Assistants Matt Gardiner and Keith Downing with him to Pride Park.

Now Round has joined on a “part-time basis in a support role” until the end of the season. Derby said this would allow Eustace and his staff to “tap into” Round’s “significant experience for the remainder of the campaign.”

Round was a Derby full-back in the 1990s and began his coaching career with the Rams under the late Jim Smith. After that he was Assistant at Middlesbrough, Newcastle United, Everton, Manchester United, Derby (under Steve McClaren in 2014/15) and Arsenal (from December 2019 to July 2023).

He was also Director of Football at Aston Villa from September 2016 to July 2018. 

Clements spent eight years at Huddersfield Town, where he became Head of Goalkeeping, and went on to work for Norwich City and Stoke City. He left the Potters halfway through this season when Narcis Pelach was sacked.

Leigh Bromby, who was Academy Manager and then Head of Football Operations at Huddersfield, has described Clements as, “the best coach, goalkeeper or otherwise, that I’ve worked with.”

Meanwhile, First Team Coach Matt Hamshaw and Goalkeeper Coach Andy Warrington have left the Rams, following on from the recent departures of Warne and his Assistant Richie Barker.

February 19, 2025

Leicester legend King promoted to Foxes first-team staff

Leicester City legend Andy King, who made 379 appearances for the Foxes, has been appointed to the club’s first-team staff and will act as a bridge between the Academy and senior side.

The 36-year-old former midfielder rejoined Leicester as Under-18s Assistant last summer.

Manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy said: “Andy is one of the people in the Club with Leicester City in the DNA. What has impressed me most is his eye for the team and for the details of the game. He’s very bright in his ideas and we’re aligned in the idea of how to bring Leicester City forward.

“[Early on] I asked him to be a part of the First Team with the coaching staff. He really liked it, we all did, also the players. He’s fully a part of that set-up now and I’m happy that he’s helping us with his knowledge of the club and also of football.

“He also is a bridge with the Academy. We have players like Jeremy Monga and Jake Evans who are with us a couple of days a week and he’s guiding these players so they’re not caught in the middle.

“That’s one of his important tasks. It’s fantastic to have him here.”

King won the Premier League, Championship and League One during his time as a Leicester player. He joins the existing first-team coaching staff of Jelle ten Rouwelaar, Brian Barry-Murphy, Ben Dawson, Andrew Hughes and Danny Alcock.

TGG Members: Leicester City staff profiles

February 16, 2025

Simpson leaves FA to become UEFA Performance Analyst Co-Ordinator

Daniel Simpson has left the Football Association after four years to become Performance Analyst Co-Ordinator for UEFA.

Simpson joined the FA as Games Insights Analyst in January 2021 and was responsible for the planning, collation and delivery of football insights in line with their Coach Development Framework. 

Writing on LinkedIn, Simpson said: “After four fantastic years at the FA, where I have developed a much deeper understanding of coach development and met many people who I know will be friends for life, I am excited to have started my new role at UEFA. 

“The first week has flown by and I am really looking forward to getting settled into both UEFA and Swiss life. Oh, and of course the mountains.”

At UEFA, he will report into Atle Rosseland, the Supervisor Performance Analysis. Jason Todd, UEFA’s Strategic Performance Analysis Lead, explained what the Analysis and Technical Department do in this article for TGG earlier this month. 

February 13, 2025

Eustace takes coaching duo to Derby County

John Eustace has taken Assistant Matt Gardiner and First Team Coach Keith Downing with him to Derby County.

Eustace was today named Derby Manager on a three-year contract, leaving Blackburn Rovers, where he had been in charge for a year.

Gardiner has worked with Eustace at QPR, Birmingham and Blackburn, while Downing, a former England Under-19s and 20s Head Coach, has worked with him at Birmingham and Blackburn.

The duo are both UEFA Pro Licence coaches. David Lowe, Damien Johnson, Ben Benson, Mike Sheron and Paul Butler have taken interim charge at Blackburn following the departure of Eustace and his assistants. 

February 10, 2025

Former Huddersfield Head of Performance joins CF Montreal

Former Huddersfield Town Head of Performance Paul Bower has joined CF Montreal in the MLS as a Physical Performance Coach.

Bower left Huddersfield in April after seven years’ service. Since then he has been working as an Athletic Development Consultant for the Under-15s to 21s at Leeds United.

Writing on LinkedIn, Bower said: “I am so grateful for the staff and players at Leeds for making me feel so welcome – there are some brilliant people there across the board. 

“I hope that they return to the Premier League this season and develop the Academy to be one of the best around over the coming years – it definitely has huge potential.

“Being out of full-time work was especially hard, as many people will have experienced. I’m therefore thankful to experience a new club, city, country, continent, culture, and league, confirming to myself that I know very little and have plenty to learn (including French!)”

February 8, 2025

Brentford Set Piece Analyst joins New England Revolution

Brentford Set Piece Analyst Marc Ortí Esteban has left the Bees after two years to join New England Revolution in the MLS.

The Spaniard joined Brentford in February 2023 from their sister club FC Midtjylland, which is also owned by Matthew Benham. He took over the position from Jack Wilson, who went on to be Set Piece Analyst at Manchester City and then Set Piece Coach at Wolves.

Esteban has been appointed Set Piece Coach for the New England Revolution, whose Head Coach is Caleb Porter. Brentford are now looking for a new Set Piece Analyst, who will work closely with Set Piece Coach Keith Andrews. 

TGG Members: Brentford staff profiles

January 31, 2025

Kyle joins Bolton as Schumacher’s Assistant

Richie Kyle, who has worked alongside Rob Edwards at Forest Green, Watford and Luton Town for the last four seasons, has been named as Steven Schumacher’s Assistant at Bolton.

Schumacher was appointed as Bolton’s new boss yesterday, replacing Ian Evatt. He has taken Kyle and Mark Hughes – who worked alongside him at both Plymouth and Stoke – as Assistants. 

“I’m delighted to have made Mark and Richie my first two appointments since joining the club,” Schumacher said. “They are going to be very important additions, alongside the staff already here, who I know will make a huge contribution to the work we plan to do.”

Julian Darby and Andy Taylor, who had taken interim charge of the League One side for two games after Evatt was sacked, will also be part of Schumacher’s backroom staff when Bolton visit Reading tomorrow. 

January 26, 2025

Roberts-Smith leaves Luton Town after ‘journey like no other’

Head of Performance Jared Roberts-Smith has left Luton Town after two spells spanning seven years. 

Roberts-Smith originally joined the Hatters in 2016, before moving to Stoke City with Manager Nathan Jones three years later. He returned to Kenilworth Road under Jones at the start of 2021/22 and remained when Rob Edwards succeeded the Welshman as Manager.

However, following the sacking of Edwards and arrival of Matt Bloomfield as Manager earlier this month, Jared-Smith has now departed.

Writing on LinkedIn, he said: “I gave it my all and worked as hard as I could. Departing hoping I made a difference and carrying memories that will last a lifetime.

“Have enjoyed being part of such a special club, surrounded by incredible people, starting in League Two working all the way up to the Premier League across two spells over seven amazing years – it was a journey like no other. 

“A huge thank you to all the players, coaches, analysts, performance & medical staff, catering teams, media, kit men, grounds, security and pitch teams, cleaners, behind-the-scenes staff, and the fans who make the Brache and the Kenny truly unforgettable. I wish nothing but the best for LTFC and all my friends, past and present.”

January 22, 2025

Muslic adds Osmanbasic and Lattimore to staff at Plymouth

New Head Coach Miron Muslic has added Adin Osmanbasic and Eddie Lattimore to his backroom staff at Plymouth Argyle.

The duo both worked with him at his previous club, Cercle Brugge. Osmanbasic, who becomes Assistant, worked as an Analyst in the MLS before joining Cercle in August 2024.

Lattimore, who has been appointed Head of Athletic Performance and First Team Coach, worked for Tottenham, Swansea and Reading before joining Cercle in July 2020. 

Both appointments are subject to final visa and work permit approvals.

Gareth Law, who had been Head of Performance under Wayne Rooney, reverts to his previous role as Head of Physiotherapy. Kevin Nancekivell continues as First Team Coach and Darryl Flahavan as Goalkeeping Coach. There club said there could be further additions too.

“Adin and Eddie are two people I know well from my time at Cercle and are outstanding at their respective roles,” Muslic said.

“Both will strengthen the team we have in place and know the way I work on and off the pitch and the footballing principles we want to implement into the team.”

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 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.”