Sheffield Wednesday ‘close in on’ Simon Wilson for sporting director after David Bruce appointment | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday are closing in on appointing former Sunderland chief Simon Wilson as sporting director after their takeover by Arise Capital Partners. The Star reports the 43-year-old has been identified by the new hierarchy to lead football operations.

The move is not yet done, with Wilson meeting key figures at Hillsborough this week and agreeing outline terms. Portsmouth sporting director Rich Hughes was also considered.

If completed, he would be the second former Sunderland figure to arrive recently, following David Bruce’s appointment as CEO.

Wilson served as chief football officer at Sunderland during the Martin Bain and David Moyes era after arriving from Manchester City. He worked on scouting, recruitment and the academy during a period that included relegation from the Premier League.

His reputation grew at Stockport County, where he became sporting director in 2019 and later also CEO. Stockport won the National League and League Two, then finished third in League One this season and enter the play-offs.

His exit was confirmed at the end of April after a six-year review with owner Mark Stott, leaving by mutual consent. The new owners want League One know-how and a promotions record as they move on from Dejphon Chansiri’s tenure after relegation from the Championship.

Source: Sunderland Echo