Football / Bristol Rovers
Rovers defender retires to become club’s new director of football
Bristol Rovers have confirmed that defender George Friend will retire from playing with immediate effect as he takes on the role of director of football at the Memorial Stadium.
The 36-year-old, who joined last summer after being released from Birmingham City, played for the club at youth level and has made 12 appearances this season.
With this set to be Friend’s first non-playing role in football, it’s undoubtedly a risky move for the Gas. But he carries a wealth of experience in other areas which should serve him well.
is needed now More than ever
Not only has Friend made 510 appearances across nine clubs over a 19-year playing career, which saw him named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year two years running, but he also holds a UEFA A-license and is director of his own financial services company.
Friend was teammates with current Rovers manager Matt Taylor at Exeter City for a short period, and the duo will be hoping to strike up a close working relationship with a transformative summer ahead at the Memorial Stadium.
Friend played for Bristol Rovers at youth level – photo: JMP
Come the end of the season, 12 of Taylor’s first-team players will be out of contract, and six loanees will return to their parent clubs, meaning Friend and Taylor could need to replace around three-quarters of the squad.
Taylor was left unimpressed by how unprepared the club were during the January transfer window, and will hope Friend can ensure their recruitment operation is more effective this time around.
Speaking on his retirement and new role, Friend said: “I’ve learnt something from every single person on my journey. I want to thank all those who helped me achieve more than I could have ever imagined. Teammates, staff, managers, owners and fans.
“I now remain determined and ambitious to succeed in my role here at Rovers. It is where I started my footballing journey as a youngster, and it feels very apt that it’s where I will finish playing.”
Friend’s appointment is not the only change in the club’s recruitment department, with Chris Spendlove being promoted from chief scout to head of recruitment, and Adam Mahoney taking on a new role as head of data & analysis.
Discussing these changes, Taylor said: “I am delighted we have assembled this team and am excited by what the future will bring.
“There is a lot of work to do ahead of the summer, and the team are already working tirelessly to ensure that we attract the right players to the club.”
Bristol Rovers’ Chairman, Hussain AlSaeed, added: “This new department is a step forward for the football club.
“We will give this team our full backing and all the tools they need to help us achieve success. We wish them well in their new roles.”
Main photo: JMP
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