Nick Hammond named as Leeds United’s interim football advisor - The Athletic 15/6/23
By Phil Hay
Leeds United have named former Reading director of football
Nick Hammond as interim football advisor to help the relegated club handle this
summer’s transfer window.
Hammond is joining Leeds on a three-month deal and will
assist them in managing incoming and outgoing moves at Elland Road while United
conduct a major review of their recruitment and scouting departments.
Leeds, who are set to be officially taken over by 49ers
Enterprises in the weeks ahead, are without a head of recruitment after
director of football Victor Orta left the club last month.
The long-term plan of 49ers Enterprises is to make a more
considered appointment to replace Orta, who ran the football side of Leeds for
almost six years. Hammond’s arrival will allow the US group to take time in
making that decision and pick their way through a crucial summer.
Departures from Leeds’ playing squad could run into double
figures as the club face up to relegation from the Premier League and attempt
to prepare for a promotion bid in the Championship.
Hammond, 55, occupied a similar role at Newcastle United in
the January window last season, stepping in to run recruitment on an interim
basis while Newcastle waited for Dan Ashworth to arrive from Brighton.
In that window, Newcastle completed the signings of Kieran
Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn and Chris Wood.
Hammond’s previous roles also include spells at Celtic and
West Bromwich Albion.
Leeds are beginning a review of recruitment after two
successive relegation fights, the latter ending in demotion to the EFL.
Declining performances led to intense criticism of their transfer policy and
signings made on Orta’s watch.
