Donegal man Fergal Harkin has been appointed as the new sporting director as Bolton Wanderers.
The former Finn Harps and Bohemians player will leave Standard Liege at the end of the season to join the English outfit.
Ballyliffin man Harkin was highly thought of by the Belgian club and was pivotal in bringing Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu there.
But the Donegal man will return to England this summer to work at a club currently sixth in League One.
Harkin said: “I am thrilled and honoured to join Bolton Wanderers at such an exciting time in the club’s history.
“Bolton Wanderers is a club with tremendous potential and I am eager to play my part in helping the club achieve its goals and return to its rightful place in the upper echelons of English football.”
Harkin, who previously held a significant position at Manchester City for 13 years before moving to Standard Liege in May 2022, will be taking over from Chris Markham. Markham’s departure was confirmed last month, prompting the club to swiftly find a replacement.
The Irishman was notably linked to the director of football role at back in 2021, after excelling as the football partnership and pathways manager at the Etihad, following a stint as a scout for the club.
Operating on a markedly reduced budget, Harkin witnessed substantial player turnover during the summer transfer window, with 20 players departing and 12 new arrivals through loans, free transfers, or minimal fees.
“I had two choices: walk away or stay and fight. I chose the latter,” Harkin remarked in an interview earlier in the season. “We are the third least spenders in the Pro League. Not only have we invested the least, but we’ve also had to recruit the highest number of players.”
Standard Liege, who are still on the lookout for new ownership, currently sit seventh in the league table after 29 matches.
Harkin, a former player himself, started off his career with as a teenager, where he played alongside ex-Wanderers manager Neil Lennon. Although he didn’t make a senior appearance for the Foxes, he later returned to Ireland, playing for Bohemians and before retiring in 2007 due to injury, having been voted player of the year on two occasions during his second term with Bohemians.
Harkin added that he is looking forward to working at Bolton.
He said “I am committed to building a strong and sustainable football infrastructure, from the academy to the first team, that will enable us to compete at the highest level and deliver consistent success for our supporters.
“I’m excited to get started, meet the players, staff and fans, and work together to create a bright future for Bolton Wanderers. Together, I believe we can achieve great things.”
