Nottingham Forest have appointed Filippo Giraldi to the role of sporting director.
The Italian spent nine years with Watford, joining as chief scout before going on to become technical director in 2014. He has also previously been director of football at AC Prato and chief scout and head of academy at Brescia.
It is understood he has been brought in to audit the sporting side of the business and evaluate the infrastructures that exist at the City Ground. It will be in a non-invasive role.
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During his time with the Hornets, the club signed experienced players such as Etienne Capoue, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Gerard Deulofeu. They also brought in young talent including Richarlison, Ismaila Sarr and Joao Pedro.
Announcing his appointment, the club said: “His time at the Hornets saw them enjoy five consecutive years in the top-flight from 2015, including achieving their highest points total in the Premier League during the 2018/19 season, as well as reaching the 2019 FA Cup Final.”
Giraldi’s arrival comes as owner Evangelos Marinakis is considering making other changes at the club, in response to the Reds’ start to the season. Steve Cooper’s side are bottom of the Premier League table with four points from their first eight games, following promotion.
Chief executive Dane Murphy, head of data and analytic recruitment George Syrianos and head of scouting Andy Scott are all understood to be at risk of losing their jobs. Murphy’s position, in particular, is said to have been under threat for the past few months. The American was appointed CEO at the City Ground in July 2021, having left Barnsley.
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