Walker promoted to Head of Academy Scouting by Man City

Walker, a Londoner with more than 15 years’ experience in the football industry, announced the news on LinkedIn.

“I’m delighted to share that I’ve accepted the role of Head of Academy Scouting & Recruitment at Manchester City,” he wrote. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities that have brought me to this point, and for the challenges, lessons, and support along the way.

“The hunger and ambition to achieve more remains the same.”

Career path: Community coach to Academy scouting leader

Walker’s journey into elite-level recruitment began in grassroots coaching. He earned a BTEC in Sport and Fitness with distinction at Havering College in 2008 before gaining FA qualifications in talent identification, leadership and management.

His first formal role was as a Community Coach at Leyton Orient, followed by positions at Brentford and a seven-year spell at West Ham. He joined CFG in January 2020 as Southern Scout Lead, tasked with identifying promising young talent across southern England.

Over the subsequent six years he progressed through increasingly senior scouting positions, most recently serving as Manchester City’s UK Youth Scouting and Recruitment Lead.

In that capacity he oversaw broader domestic youth operations while continuing to drive the club’s southern scouting network.

Role details and appointment process

The appointment was an internal promotion designed to promote continuity and reward long-term contribution within the Academy scouting department. Walker will now lead and oversee the club’s entire academy talent identification network, spanning regional, national and international scouting operations.

His remit includes the early recognition and recruitment of players across Academy age groups (U9–U18), the management of scouting data and networks and ensuring a clear pipeline of homegrown talent into the first-team environment.

Academy Director Thomas Krücken and Director of Academy Recruitment Sam Fagbemi will continue to support player acquisition and career pathways for Academy talent, ensuring the new structure maintains strong oversight of both scouting delivery and long-term development strategy.