Simon Wilson appointed Stockport County Director of Football

Stockport County have announced the appointment of Simon Wilson (pictured), a former performance analyst for Premier League sides, as the Hatters’ new Director of Football.

In his new role, Wilson will work closely with Jim Gannon and his team to enhance the football infrastructure within the club, including identifying and developing talent, and overseeing investment in sports science, recovery and training facilities. His appointment as Director of Football is part of new owner Mark Stott’s ambitions for Stockport County. Wilson said:

I’m delighted to be joining Stockport County at the start of such an exciting chapter in the club’s history. The passion of both the staff and supporters is infectious, and I can’t wait to support Jim and his team to help this club reach its full potential.”

Simon Wilson began his career in football working for ProZone, a company that works with clubs to analyse player performance. He then became only the second full-time analyst employed by a team when he joined Southampton Football Club in 2002.

Wilson left Southampton in 2006 to become Head of Performance Analysis at Manchester City, where he was promoted to Strategy and Performance Manager, assuming responsibility for the club’s academy and development of its first team.  After becoming Director of Football Services for the City Football Group, which owns Manchester City and other clubs worldwide, he was appointed Chief Football Officer at Sunderland AFC, before establishing his own consultancy in 2018, working across Europe with clients including UEFA, AFC Ajax and Leicester City.

Speaking about the new Director of Football, Stockport County owner Mark Stott added:

Simon’s wealth of experience speaks for itself and we are delighted he shares our passion, vision and ambition for the club. It’s vital we strengthen our footballing infrastructure and talent base to achieve our vision of reaching the Championship within the next seven years.”