Birmingham City have appointed former Manchester United chief John Murtough as their new director of football. Murtough, 55, left United in April 2024 as football director after 11 years at Old Trafford, and replaces Craig Gardner, who departed St Andrew's in June.
Murtough began his career alongside David Moyes at Everton as a sports scientist before joining the Premier League as head of elite performance in 2012. He joined Manchester United in 2013, rising to head of football development and then football director in March 2020, a role giving him "overall leadership and responsibility for operations and strategy across all football functions." During his tenure, Jadon Sancho for £73m, Antony for £81.3m and Rasmus Hojlund for £72m were all recruited. His most recent role was as director of global development at Atalanta in Serie A.
Murtough will begin at the US-owned club on Monday, following this weekend's Championship game at Cardiff City. Chris Davies, who currently leads the side, will report into him. His remit also covers recruitment, data, performance and the academy pathway, and he will work with Hope Powell on the women's team.
Birmingham currently sit fourth in the Championship after three straight wins since the international break. In a statement, Murtough said: "This is a great football club with brilliant fans and enormous potential." Owners Knighthead Capital Management said they want the club "competing at the highest level of English football."
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing