Stuart Harvey sends classy Sunderland message after Stoke City move and Europa League qualification | OneFootball

Former Sunderland head of recruitment Stuart Harvey has started as Stoke City’s technical director, marking the move by praising the Black Cats’ surge into European competition.

Harvey left the Stadium of Light earlier this year amid off-field changes, with Florent Ghisolfi now leading football operations. In a LinkedIn post, he said he felt proud of the club’s progress and ready for a new challenge.

Working with Kristjaan Speakman and others, he contributed during a rebuild that took Sunderland from League One back to the Premier League. That momentum continued as they stayed up and finished seventh under Régis Le Bris to reach the Europa League for the first time in more than 50 years.

Harvey said time away from a full-time club role allowed him to re-energise, learn and develop, while deepening his work around data, software and best practice through consultancy and club visits. He thanked those who offered support.

Looking ahead, he expressed gratitude to John Coates and Jonathan Walters for the opportunity at the bet365 Stadium. He acknowledged the size of the task, called it exciting, and is looking forward to playing his part in helping Stoke move forward towards the levels the club previously represented during its long Premier League spell.

Source: Sunderland Echo