Southampton have confirmed the appointment of Joe Shields as the club’s new head of senior recruitment – with previous recruitment chief Martyn Glover joining Leicester City.
Shields, 35, joins from Manchester City, where he recently held the title of head of academy recruitment and talent management.
Saints have signed two players from City this summer, in the form of goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu and Romeo Lavia.
The St Mary’s side have also again been linked with a move for forward Liam Delap.
A statement from the club said: “Southampton Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Joe Shields as its new head of senior recruitment.
“The 35-year-old joins after spending the last nine years with Manchester City, most recently as head of academy recruitment and talent management.
“Shields previously held recruitment and scouting roles for Crystal Palace and Fulham, and arrives with an excellent reputation for identifying young talent.
The news was shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from Manchester City supporters.
“Southampton strikes again.”
Credit: @Noroftheair
“We’re finished.”
Credit: @DellMCFC
“They’re even taking our staff 😭 we are finished.”
Credit: @eppalengjo
“Everything now makes complete sense.”
Credit: @ffsEwan
“Why are they trying so hard to be us 😭.”
Credit: @KinderDeBueno
“I am thoroughly enjoying this new partnership. You’ve just nabbed Joe Shields from us which explains the Kaboré, Lavia, Bazunu and maybe Delap links. Kaboré from what I’ve seen is very good. We rejected £17m from Forest for him so the club obviously hold him in high regard..”
Credit: @DavidHartley21
“Genuinely know Joe. Watched games together and everything. He’s class. Wish him all the best and I’ll honestly have a bit of a soft spot for them now. Probs helps that he’ll no doubt bring in half of our academy lol.”
Credit: @StevenMcinerney
