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.”