John Murtough appointed Birmingham City director of football

Birmingham City has appointed former Manchester United football director John Murtough as its new director of football. Murtough succeeds Craig Gardner, who departed the club in June.

Following his tenure as director of global development at Atalanta, Murtough returns to English football. His new remit at Birmingham City includes overseeing recruitment, data, performance, and the academy pathway to the first team. He will also collaborate with Hope Powell to support the development of the women’s team.

Murtough brings nearly thirty years of experience in elite football, having held roles at Manchester United, Everton, Fulham, and Coventry City. His appointment comes as the club, under the ownership of Knighthead, pursues promotion from the Championship and continues urban redevelopment projects such as the proposed Sports Quarter.