Wright becomes Director of Football at AFC Totton

Former Brighton and Hove Albion Academy Recruitment Manager David Wright has been named the new Director of Football at National League South side AFC Totton.

He succeeds James Beattie at the club, who were promoted from the Southern League Premier Division South via the play-offs last season.

Wright has more than 20 years’ experience in the professional game. He left Brighton after six years in December, after setting up their Academy’s national recruitment structure and revamping their local recruitment. He has also been Academy Director at Stoke City and Head of Recruitment and Football Performance at Portsmouth and since leaving the Seagulls has been helping Southampton with their national recruitment of young players.

He will work closely with First Team Manager Jimmy Ball, with whom he has worked before, to support all aspects of football strategy, recruitment and player development to ensure alignment across the club.

Wright said: “I’m delighted to be joining AFC Totton at such an exciting stage in the club’s journey. The progress made here in recent years has been outstanding and I’m looking forward to building on that.”

Chairman Kevin Hebenton said: “We are delighted that AFC Totton has been able to attract someone of Dave’s calibre.”