Birmingham City appoint former Man Utd chief as new director of football

Birmingham City have appointed former Manchester United football director John Murtough as their new director of football.

Murtough, who most recently served as director of global development at Atalanta, brings almost three decades of experience across senior roles at Manchester United, the Premier League, Everton, Fulham and Coventry City.

He will oversee Birmingham’s wider football strategy, including recruitment, the academy, performance, data and football operations, while working closely with head coach Chris Davies.

“We are delighted to welcome John to Birmingham City,” the club’s board said.

“We want Birmingham City competing at the highest level of English football and we are building for sustained success, both on and off the pitch.

“John brings almost three decades of experience across elite football and will work closely with Chris and the excellent football team already in place.”

Murtough said: “I am incredibly excited to be joining Birmingham City.

“This is a great football club with brilliant fans and enormous potential.

“My focus will be on working closely with Chris and the wider football team to give them the best possible platform to succeed.”