Bulletin Board

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.”