Birmingham City have confirmed the appointment of former Manchester United chief John Murtough as their new director of football. The 55-year-old will begin his role on Monday, taking over from Craig Gardner, who departed the club in June.
Murtough will be responsible for the club's entire football strategy, including recruitment, performance, data analysis and the academy pathway. He will work directly with head coach Chris Davies, who will report to him. The appointment is a key part of the long-term vision set by owners Knighthead Capital Management to build a sustainable, high-performing organisation capable of competing at the highest level.
Murtough's elite experience
John Murtough brings over 25 years of experience in elite football to St Andrew's. His most prominent role was an 11-year spell at Manchester United, where he served as the club's first football director from 2021 until his departure in April 2024. During his tenure, he oversaw major signings including Jadon Sancho, Antony, Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount, and was instrumental in the appointment of manager Erik ten Hag. Murtough also played a leading role in reforming the club's academy, overhauling its recruitment to target top young talent globally, and was a driving force behind the development of the women's team. Prior to his time at Old Trafford, he held roles at Everton, Fulham, Coventry City and the Premier League, and most recently served as Director of Global Development at Italian side Atalanta.
Strategic fit for promotion push
The appointment arrives at a key moment for Birmingham City, who are firmly in the Championship promotion picture. The club currently sits fourth in the table with 20 points from 11 games, just three points behind leaders Swansea. Under head coach Chris Davies, the team is on a three-game winning streak, with their most recent result a 3-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers. Murtough's data-driven approach to recruitment and his expertise in developing academy pathways are expected to support the club's immediate ambition to reach the Premier League. Birmingham's academy, which produced Jude Bellingham and has category one status, will be a central part of his strategy. He will also collaborate with Hope Powell to support the development of the women's team.
Murtough's first competitive test in his new role comes this weekend, as Birmingham City travel to face 19th-placed Cardiff City. With the team in strong form and the new football director now in place, the focus is squarely on maintaining momentum in the pursuit of promotion.
