SHARON Brittan has described the appointment of Fergal Harkin as the club’s new sporting director as a “momentous occasion” for Wanderers.
The former Manchester City man, who has been working in Belgium for Standard Liege since 2022, will link up with the club at the end of his current season in May.
Harkin will fill the gap left by Chris Markham, whose exit was confirmed last month, and brings with him a CV which can help the club reach the next level, the chairman said.
"This is a momentous occasion for Bolton Wanderers. The appointment of Fergal as our Sporting Director marks a significant step forward in our journey to continue our progress and build a sustainable future,” said Ms Brittan.
“Fergal's experience, vision and deep understanding of the modern football landscape are exactly what we need to take the Club to the next level. His proven ability to identify, develop and recruit talent, coupled with his strategic approach to football operations, makes him the ideal candidate to lead our sporting vision.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome him to Bolton Wanderers and look forward to a long and successful partnership."
Harkin was appointed in Belgium at the same time as Standard were taken over by American consortium 777 Partners and had previously been linked with a post at Celtic.
He helped to build a multi-national squad, including ex-Bolton loan favourite Marlon Fossey, but recent issues with the ownership – who were declared bankrupt in a London court late last year – has ensured a huge turnover of players and drastically reduced spending.
After his playing career ended in Ireland in 2007, Harkin worked at Nike and then between 2009 and 2022 at Manchester City, moving from a role as a scout to football partnership and pathways manager at the Etihad, which involved overseeing the club’s loan players, including James Trafford’s initial move to Bolton.
His stock was high enough to earn a move to one of Belgian’s historically most successful clubs and his departure has been an amicable one, with Harkin releasing the following statement.
“It is with great emotion that I will leave this fantastic club after three seasons that have given me a lot at all levels,” he said.
“My final objective will be to help the team do the best possible in the Europe Playoffs.
“Despite a sometimes very difficult context, I am extremely honoured to have had the opportunity to work for this historic club for three seasons full of emotions and I would like to thank the sports staff, the players, all the members of the club and training centre staff and, of course, the fervent supporters who have given us so much support and energy throughout my time here.
“I wish the best to this great club that truly deserves to return to the top of Belgian football.
“I will never forget Standard de Liège which will remain engraved in my heart. ‘Rouche one day, Rouche always’.”
“The club also confirmed his exit with the following words: “Standard de Liège would like to thank Fergal for his investment during these three seasons. His enormous contribution has allowed the club to take steps forward in many areas such as recruitment, player coaching and performance monitoring.
“The common goal now is to end this season on a positive note before wishing Fergal the best for his next challenge.”
