Former Manchester United football director John Murtough has been appointed to the same role with Championship side Birmingham City, marking his first return to English football since leaving United.
Career at Manchester United
Murtough spent 11 years at Old Trafford in various roles, becoming director of football in 2021 and holding the position for almost three years. The 56-year-old oversaw the appointment of Erik ten Hag as manager in the summer of 2022.
He stepped aside in April 2024, following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's purchase of a stake in the club. Ratcliffe said at the time: "We want to thank John for his loyal service over many years, and for his support and integrity during this period of transition. He leaves with our best wishes for the future."
New role at Birmingham City
An official club statement from Birmingham City confirmed the appointment, noting that Murtough joins at an important point in the club's development as Knighthead continues to invest and progresses its plans for the Sports Quarter, set to become one of the largest sport-led regeneration projects in Europe with a new world-class stadium at its heart.
Murtough will take responsibility for the club's overarching football strategy, working across the Men's First Team, Academy, recruitment, performance, data and football operations. He will work closely with Head Coach Chris Davies and the existing football leadership team to build on progress already made.
Wider responsibilities
His remit will span men's football strategy and identity, recruitment and squad building, working alongside the First Team management and recruitment teams. He will also oversee the continued development of the club's talent pathway, strengthening the connection between the Academy and First Team to establish a clear football philosophy across the club.
Murtough will also collaborate with Hope Powell to ensure the Women's Team's continued development benefits from the club's wider football strategy. The appointment represents another significant step in Knighthead's long-term ambition to build a high-performing football organisation.
The Blues' board said: "We are delighted to welcome John to Birmingham City. We have been clear from the outset about our ambition for this club and for the city of Birmingham. 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."
Murtough said: "I am incredibly excited to be joining Birmingham City. This is a great football club with brilliant fans and enormous potential. There is a clear determination from Knighthead to build something special for the long term, both on and off the pitch."
His career began at Everton, where he worked in their academy system before advancing into football development and performance positions. He later held roles at Fulham and Coventry City before being appointed Head of Elite Performance at the Premier League. He moved to United in 2013 and remained for over a decade before becoming their inaugural Football Director, and most recently occupied the role of Director of Global Development at Atalanta.
