Como’s Torrance appointed Head of Recruitment at Stoke

The Italian team were promoted to Serie A in the summer and currently sit 13th in the top tier. Torrance replaces Lee Darnbrough, who left his role as Stoke’s Head of Recruitment after seven months last month.

He becomes the third Head of Recruitment – following Darnbrough and Jared Dublin – to work under Jon Walters at the Bet365 Stadium.

Walters, who was appointed as the club’s permanent Sporting Director in April 2024, said: “Ian was a significant figure in scouting and recruitment during a successful period at Southampton, during which their ability to find and secure high-quality talent was integral to what they achieved.

“He has gone on to gain further experience during a year in Italian football with Como, and it’s great that the project and opportunity here in the Potteries has enticed him to return to the English game.

“We know our work in the transfer market will need to be smart, agile and diligent for us to be successful and we believe Ian is the right person to help us implement that moving forward.”

Stoke sit 20th in the Championship, one point off the relegation zone.