Rioch promoted to become Wigan's first Sporting Director
Gregor Rioch: Helped Wigan achieve Category Two Academy status
Written by Training Ground Guru — August 25, 2023
GREGOR RIOCH has been appointed as Wigan’s first Sporting Director after a decade as their Academy Manager.
The 48-year-old will be the “strategic lead for recruitment and all football departments,” including First Team, Academy, Coaching, Sports Science, Medical and Analysis, the club said.
Rioch, who is the son of former Arsenal manager Bruce, joined the Latics as Academy Manager in December 2013 after six-and-half years at Coventry City. He played a key role in helping the Latics achieve Category Two status in 2019.
In the last decade, more than 40 homegrown players have made a total of over 500 first-team appearances for the club.
Rioch said: “My experience as Academy Manager has been an incredible journey, and I am really looking forward to what this next challenge brings."
Wigan Athletic Chairman Ben Goodburn added: “Gregor Rioch’s outstanding work leading our Academy over the last decade and his more recent work supporting Shaun Maloney provides him with a deep understanding of player recruitment and analysis across all levels of the club.
“The position of Sporting Director is a new and important role for the club in providing continuity across our football strategy. Gregor’s experience and leadership qualities have already demonstrated the positive impact he has had in this new role.”
Meanwhile, Jake Campbell has been promoted from Assistant Academy Manager to replace Rioch. The 32-year-old has been Rioch’s assistant for nine-and-a-half-years.
Campbell joined the Latics as a part-time coach at the club’s Centre of Excellence before becoming part of the initial workforce of the newly founded Latics Academy.
He went on to hold roles at Liverpool and Everton before being named as Wigan’s Assistant Academy Manager in 2014 after two years as Lead Foundation Phase Coach.
He said: “I’m delighted and feel honoured that I now get to lead the Academy and represent the Football Club and the town. I joined the Club back in February 2009 as a part-time coach in the Centre of Excellence.
“I have now entered my 15th season, and naturally, I’ve developed such an affinity and passion, not just for the club but the town itself.”
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