Everton have described Nick Hammond as a ‘skilled specialist’ after finally confirming the former Leeds United transfer consultant’s role in their new management structure.
Elland Road saw the departure of CEO Angus Kinnear at the end of the season as he took charge at Bramley-Moore Dock and it was reported that Hammond would go with him to work for The Toffees.
A statement from Leeds’ Premier League rivals has confirmed his part in their new team as they move away from a director of football model ‘in favour of a football leadership team made up of specialists in technical development, football operations, talent ID, data analytics and player trading.’
The statement said: “Following a comprehensive recruitment process, the Club has appointed Nick Cox as Technical Director, James Smith as Director of Scouting and Recruitment, Chris Howarth to direct the Club’s football strategy and analytics operations and Nick Hammond to lead the Club’s player trading activity.
“Nick Hammond has forged an impressive career in coaching and recruitment since his retirement as a player in 2000. He arrives at the Club having most recently worked as a transfer consultant at both Leeds United and Newcastle United. His prior experience as a Director of Football for 13 years at Reading, Technical Director at West Brom for three years and as Head of Football Operations at Celtic gives Nick an extensive perspective on all aspects of football operations, adding to his credentials as a skilled specialist in transfer dealings.”
Kinnear added: “I’m delighted with the appointments of Nick, James and Nick. Their CVs speak for themselves – they are exceptional operators, hugely respected in the game and an example of the ambition we hold as a Club in ensuring the pathways and structures in place across our football operations are of the very highest standard.”
Leeds transfer mentor
Hammond’s experience and contacts were seen as vital to the recruitment work carried out by 49ers Enterprises at Leeds at the outset of their ownership era. The YEP understands that over the past year Hammond also took on a mentorship role of sorts, passing on his wisdom to Adam Underwood who was recently promoted to sporting director and is now leading on transfer deals. Both Underwood and recruitment chief Alex Davies are pitching the club to potential new signings, while manager Daniel Farke will speak to them personally later in the deal before Leeds conclude business.
