Two major changes behind the scenes. Our Head of Recruitment, Jordan Miles who only arrived in February is moving on and is being replaed by his Deputy, Alex Davies. Seems odd, as Miles would have been instrumental in the sucessful recruitment of last summer's players.
But the bigger change is the departure of Technical Director, Gretar Steinsson, who has been reassigned by the 49ers to the role of err Technical Director for some ill defined nebulous post. The expectation is that he will oversee a number of clubs who the 49ers are expected to acquire. He is not being replaced which will result in NIck Hammond's position being strengthened, much akin to the role Victor Orta enjoyed.
Ok, Robbie Evans is promoted to Managing Director but doesn’t seem to have the CEO moniker. Maybe some of former role is being divided up between McCormick and Evans.
Adam Underwood has been promoted to Orta’s former role of Sporting Director which will oversee recruitment as well as the academy, football activities and medical staff. So guess that means Hammond has gone to Everton with Kinnear. No word of Penrice in the shake up.
Edit - having done a bit more checking, Kinnear was originally brought in as Managing Director so I guess that both the Sporting Director and this represents a return to the former blueprint.
Interesting observation, I expect there to be a lot of crossover with Rangers in the coming months. Although the Farke stories are totally fictitious and completely speculation by clueless pundits who put two and two together and got 17. Pretty much the same with the Phillips rumours.
Here's an interesting take on the current Farke noise. With the pending purchase of Rangers by the 49'ers, it would be an easier route to European football riches with them as opposed to Leeds in the Premiership, it follows therefore that they would put a proven manager in charge of the team and Farke would be ideal for the role. He himself probably hasn't tasted competitive european football whilst managing in England, so it's an opportunity.
As for ourselves, well given where we are now and the potential of the club, there would be a few takers lining up, including Carlo Ancelotti who is about to be leave Real Madrid!
Brentford, Brighton and Bournemouth are the clubs to emulate rather than Newcastle or Liverpool. They are creative in player signings and sales, ie they promote young players and identify overlooked talent and overseas bargains. They also sell assets at top dollar and reinvest. They innovate, they play creative football, they have managerial stability. They don’t listen to clueless pundits like Darren Bent and start stories about sacking the manger. This is why investing in the key people at the top makes a difference. We are losing a top CEO, we need to find a better one. And we need top tier recruitment staff. Here’s todays interview with Farke, makes interesting reading.
https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-daniel-farke-paraag-marathe-premier-league-5099806
According to Sky Sports Germany, Leeds are considering targeting Samir Arabi to replace Kinnear. He's a former sporting director of Arminia Bielfeld, a third division German league team. It's not an exactly glowing CV but aged 46, he's maybe somebody on the rise. Farke would be acquainted with him.
I'm well concerned that rumours suggest that Kinnear may take Hammond and Penrice with him to Everton. If true, the recruitment team is looking paper thin.
We really do need to fill the CEO post quickly and with a quality individual and we can't continue to bleed the recruitment staff, not if we want to progress the stadium rebuild or this summer's transfer business activity.
These decisions are probably far more important than any transfer activity.
Red Bull gives you wings.
It's official. CEO Angus Kinnear will leave Leeds at the end of the season, hopefully leading us his second championship promotion.
And Enter Stage Left is Peter McCormick, the new Executive Vice Chair. Not sure if McCormick is Kinnear's successor or whether it's a new post.
Wait hear that we have or about to buy a couple of clubs.
I saw this yesterday - I have no idea how this will impact us, but I hope the bigwigs know what they are doing....