Sheffield Wednesday ‘close to appointing’ ex-Sunderland and Manchester City figure after David Bruce appointment | OneFootball

According to The Star, Sheffield Wednesday are close to appointing former Sunderland and Manchester City figure Simon Wilson as sporting director. The 43-year-old has agreed outline terms after meetings in Sheffield, although a deal is not yet done.

Wilson has been identified by the club’s new hierarchy to lead football operations following the Arise Capital Partners takeover.

If completed, Wilson would become the second ex-Sunderland figure to arrive in recent weeks, following David Bruce’s appointment as CEO. Bruce left Sunderland after playing a significant role in the club’s off-field progress in recent years.

Wilson previously served as chief football officer at Sunderland during the Martin Bain and David Moyes era, having joined from Manchester City. He worked on restructuring scouting, recruitment and the academy during a period that included relegation from the Premier League and subsequent decline to League One.

At Stockport County, where he became sporting director in 2019 then also CEO, the club climbed from non-league to League One, winning the National League and League Two and finishing third this season to enter the play-offs.

His departure from Stockport was announced at the end of April after a long-planned six-year review with owner Mark Stott. The club said he left by mutual consent and on excellent terms, with Stott praising his impact.

Portsmouth sporting director Rich Hughes was also considered, but Wilson is now expected to take the role. The new owners want League One know-how and a promotions record after relegation and the end of Dejphon Chansiri’s chairmanship.

Source: Sunderland Echo