Soccer: Knights name director of football

The NZ Knights soccer club now have a director of football with the appointment of Barry Simmonds announced today.

Knights chairman Anthony Lee said the role been identified as being crucial to the Knights' long term future.

"The role was identified some months ago as being important in a number of areas, not the least of which is the support to the head coach and playing squad," Lee said.

British-born Simmonds, who is now a naturalised New Zealander, said his job would focus on player welfare, recruitment, player and coach development with the Knights and to form a strong working relationship with New Zealand Soccer.

His most recent work has included spells at Premiership club Bolton (director of scouting), Cardiff (chief scout) and Crystal Palace (chief scout).

Simmonds, who was in New Zealand during the 80s and 90s in various roles, including coaching in the national league, said he would also be supporting the manager and his staff and offer advice when needed besides relieving workloads on the coaching staff.

Simmonds will arrive in the country in early November and begin work immediately.

- NZPA