Sheffield Wednesday ‘close to appointing’ former Sunderland and Manchester City figure as sporting director | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday are reportedly close to appointing Simon Wilson as sporting director, though the deal is not yet complete. According to The Star, he has been identified by the club's new hierarchy following the Arise Capital Partners takeover.

Wilson is understood to have met key figures at Hillsborough this week and agreed outline terms.

If finalised, he would be the second former Sunderland figure to arrive recently after David Bruce was confirmed as CEO.

Wilson served as Sunderland's chief football officer during the Martin Bain and David Moyes era, arriving from Manchester City to help reshape operations.

He oversaw scouting, recruitment and the academy during a period that saw relegation from the Premier League and a slide to League One.

He later enhanced his reputation at Stockport County, joining in 2019 as sporting director and then combining that post with CEO. The club climbed from non-league, won the National League and League Two, and finished third in League One this season.

His exit was announced at the end of April and came by mutual consent after a scheduled six-year review with owner Mark Stott.

Before Stockport and Sunderland, Wilson worked within City Football Group, primarily with Manchester City. The report also noted Portsmouth sporting director Rich Hughes was considered, but Wilson is now expected to take the role.

Wednesday's new owners are understood to want League One know-how and a promotions track record, and are moving quickly after Dejphon Chansiri's departure as chairman following relegation from the Championship.

Source: Sunderland Echo