Sheffield Wednesday ‘close to appointing’ former 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 spent time in Sheffield this week meeting key figures at Hillsborough and is understood to have agreed outline terms, though the deal is not yet finalised.

His arrival would follow David Bruce’s appointment as CEO, making Wilson the second former Sunderland figure to join Wednesday in recent weeks.

Wilson served as chief football officer on Wearside during the Martin Bain and David Moyes period after moving from Manchester City. He worked on scouting, recruitment and the academy during a turbulent spell that included Premier League relegation and the slide towards League One.

He joined Stockport County in 2019 as sporting director, later also serving as CEO, and helped deliver promotions from the National League and League Two. Stockport finished third in League One this season and remain in the play-offs. His exit was confirmed at the end of April after a scheduled six-year review with owner Mark Stott, and came by mutual consent.

Portsmouth sporting director Rich Hughes was also considered, but Wilson is now expected to take the role. The new owners under Arise Capital Partners are said to want League One know-how and a promotions record as they act quickly after relegation from the Championship and the end of Dejphon Chansiri’s chairmanship.

Before Stockport and Sunderland, Wilson worked within City Football Group, mainly with Manchester City, and has consulted for UEFA and Ajax.

Source: Sunderland Echo