Birmingham gamble on ex‑United director Murtough to drive rise

Birmingham City have named former Manchester United football director John Murtough as their new director of football, with the 55‑year‑old set to start on Monday after the Championship clash at Cardiff City. He replaces Craig Gardner, who left in June, and will report directly to the club’s board while working alongside head coach Chris Davies.

Murtough's extensive résumé

Murtough served as Manchester United football director from March 2021 until April 2024, a period that followed his promotion to the role in March 2020. His tenure spanned eleven years at Old Trafford, during which he oversaw the club’s football operations and strategy.

Before joining United, he spent time at Everton alongside David Moyes, rising from sports scientist to head of performance before leaving in 2012. He then became the Premier League’s head of elite performance, a role he held until his 2013 move to Manchester United, and later added spells at Fulham and Coventry City to his résumé.

Murtough’s United era included the recruitment of Jadon Sancho for £73 million, Antony for £81.3 million, Rasmus Hojlund for £72 million and Mason Mount for £55 million. He also navigated managerial changes, from the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to the brief appointments of Michael Carrick and Ralf Rangnick, before Erik ten Hag’s arrival.

He departed United in April 2024, shortly before ten Hag’s dismissal in October 2024, and now steps into the Birmingham role as the successor to Craig Gardner, who left St Andrew’s in June.

Birmingham's ambitions and challenges

Birmingham City sit fourth in the Championship after three consecutive wins since the international break, under head coach Chris Davies. The club’s US ownership, Knighthead Capital Management, has outlined ambitions to reach the highest level of English football. The Blues’ women’s side, twice Women’s Super League runners‑up, currently sit 13th, one place above the relegation zone.

Murtough will report directly to the board while Chris Davies will report into him, as confirmed by a club statement. He will also collaborate with former England women’s manager Hope Powell to ensure the women’s team benefits from the broader football strategy.

Speaking at his unveiling, Murtough said, “This is a great football club with brilliant fans and enormous potential.” He added that Knighthead’s determination to build something special “both on and off the pitch” aligns with his own vision.

Murtough’s first day will be Monday, following Birmingham’s weekend Championship fixture at Cardiff City, marking the start of a new era that blends his elite‑level experience with the club’s growth plans.