About
A confidential search for Brighton and Hove Albion FC to support the Technical Director, David Weir, across key football operations areas including recruitment, analysis, academy, medical and player welfare, across both the men’s and women’s set-up.
David had stepped into the Technical Director role following the departure of Dan Ashworth to Newcastle United and needed a high-calibre individual to work closely with him.
Challenge
Some of the challenges that can arise when searching for an assistant technical director in the UK include:
1. Limited availability: The pool of qualified and experienced assistant technical directors is limited as the role has only recently been better defined and adopted in clubs. Progressive clubs are now planning for the future and identifying individuals who may have come from a range of pathways into the deputy role, including from leadership roles in academy, data/analytics, player recruitment/talent ID and loans management.
2. Competition from other clubs: Just like with technical directors, there can be competition from other clubs when looking for an assistant technical director in the UK. Other clubs may also be seeking assistant technical directors, creating competition for top talent. The pathway is being developed, and many of the high-caliber individuals on this journey have completed the FA’s Level 4 and Level 5 Technical Director qualification.
3. Club’s specific requirements: Each football club may have its own specific requirements and expectations depending on their playing philosophy, strategic objectives, and technical director’s vision. Finding an assistant technical director who aligns with the club’s specific requirements and can effectively support the technical director’s work can be challenging.
4. Budget constraints: Clubs may have budget constraints when it comes to hiring an assistant technical director, especially at lower levels of football. This can limit the available options and make it challenging to find a qualified candidate who fits within the club’s budget.
5. Cultural fit: Just like with technical directors, finding an assistant technical director who fits well with the club’s culture, values, and vision can be challenging. We often talk about culture ‘add’ rather than ‘fit’ and challenge our clients on their potential biases.
Solution
Executives in Sport Group embarked on a comprehensive search to identify the perfect candidate for this critical role. Our Sports Performance Specialist utilized targeted outreach, talent mapping, and rigorous assessments to identify potential candidates who possessed the necessary skills, experience, and vision to excel in the role.
Result
After an exhaustive search, we identified a standout candidate who had a proven track record in youth & player development with an exceptional understanding of the intricacies of football
operations having worked as an Academy Manager, then Director. Through a meticulous evaluation and interview process, we presented this candidate, and five others, to Brighton and Hove Albion, maintaining strict confidentiality throughout.
A recent graduate from the FA’s Technical Directors course in 2021, the Assistant Technical Director was appointed from Fulham FC, where he had been in situ for over eight years. Since joining he has made significant contributions to Brighton and Hove Albion’s player recruitment and development strategies supporting the club’s pursuit of on-field success.
This case study showcases Executives in Sport Groups ability to uncover top talent for sports organizations, specializing in leadership hires that drive success in the sports business and high-performance sectors. Our meticulous approach, extensive network, and industry expertise enable us to deliver exceptional results for our clients, helping them build winning teams and achieve their long-term goals.