Kristjaan Speakman named FC Copenhagen sporting director on return to football | OneFootball

Kristjaan Speakman has been appointed sporting director at FC Copenhagen, his first role since leaving Sunderland earlier this year. He will officially start on the first of July.

Taking charge of one of Denmark’s most historic clubs, he is tasked with reviving fortunes after a poor season in which they played in the relegation division for the first time. The club said he emerged as the preferred candidate after a rigorous and extensive recruitment programme.

A win in the division’s European play-off means Copenhagen will enter the Conference League at the qualification stage in 2026/27.

He expressed pride in taking the role at a club with a special history and a demanding fanbase, and aims to improve all sporting functions to bring trophies back. Ambitions are unchanged, but the approach must evolve to secure sustained success.

He outlined an immediate priority to support head coach Bo Svensson and assemble a first-team squad capable of qualifying for the UEFA Conference League and winning the championship, with work already under way. Longer term, he plans to define a strategic roadmap to strengthen the club across all teams and functions.

CEO Jacob Lauesen praised Speakman’s strategic insight during the process and views him as the right person to lead the next stage of development.

Source: Sunderland Echo