Birmingham City appoint former Manchester United chief John Murtough as director of football

Murtough takes charge of Birmingham’s football operation

Birmingham City have appointed John Murtough as director of football, bringing the former Manchester United executive back to English football after his recent spell with Atalanta.

John Murtough, Birmingham City's new director of football

The 55-year-old is set to begin work on Monday, after Birmingham’s Championship fixture at Cardiff City. He replaces Craig Gardner, who departed St Andrew’s in June.

Murtough spent 11 years at Manchester United, joining the club in 2013 and serving as football director from March 2021 until leaving in April 2024. His career has also included roles at Everton, Fulham, Coventry City and the Premier League. Most recently, he worked at Serie A club Atalanta as director of global development.

Birmingham, who are under US ownership, sit fourth in the Championship after winning three consecutive matches since the international break under head coach Chris Davies.