By Amir Mir
Steve Round has agreed to become the new Aston Villa transfer chief and will be charged with overseeing all areas of the club’s recruitment, according to a reliable journalist.
BBC Midlands reporter Pat Murphy stated on his personal Twitter account that the ex-Manchester United and Everton assistant manager will start as Villa’s new technical director in September.
The 45-year-old was in the stands as Villa beat Rotherham 3-0 on Saturday and subsequently agreed the terms of a deal with Villa.
Murphy states that Round will play a key part in future manager and player recruitment and will also oversee recruitment of the club’s scouts.
He has also been charged with developing and enhancing Villa’s worldwide stature in the way that Les Reed has done at Southampton and FA technical director Dan Ashworth did at West Brom.
Subscribe to Football Insider TV now
Steve Round has agreed to be @AVFCOfficial technical director,starting in Sep,after agreeing details y'day after Rotherham game. Round 1/3
— Pat Murphy (@patmurphybbc) August 14, 2016
2/3 will oversee all football aspects at the club,will have key part in appointing managers in future & oversee recruitment of scouts 2/3
— Pat Murphy (@patmurphybbc) August 14, 2016
3/3 and players.Alsot charged with developing Villa's worldwide football stature. The model is Les Reed at Soton,Dan Ashworth at West Brom
— Pat Murphy (@patmurphybbc) August 14, 2016
The Midlands side suffered relegation in the 2015-16 Premier League season, which saw the departure of three managers, including Tim Sherwood, Remi Garde and Eric Black.
There was also a change at boardroom level, with the much-criticised Tom Fox leaving his role as chief executive.
Villa were then purchased by Chinese businessman Tony Xia who took over from American Randy Lerner following relegation, as Murphy reports that Round will play a part in changing Villa’s philosophy for the future.
“Round had 20 years in Premier League as no. 2 to Allardyce, Moyes, McClaren,” said Murphy. “Responsible for Villa’s playing philosophy and every role in football department.”
“Round’s been working worldwide recently as consultant to Manchester City and he’ll be expected to develop Aston Villa profile worldwide.”
Round's had 20 yrs in Plge as no 2 to Allardyce,Moyes,McClaren. Responsible for Villa's playing philosophy & every role in football dept.
— Pat Murphy (@patmurphybbc) August 14, 2016
Round's been working worldwide recently as consultant to Man City & he'll be expected to develop @AVFCOfficial profile worldwide.
— Pat Murphy (@patmurphybbc) August 14, 2016
Round is a highly-rated and experienced coach, and is now set to dedicate a large chunk of his time with improving the long-term strategy of the Championship club.
Villa chief executive Keith Wyness has previously worked with Round at Everton.
Paddy Riley is the current head of recruitment, but he was heavily criticised for his involvement in the club’s woeful summer signings for the 2015-16 Premier League season which led to their relegation.
In other Aston Villa transfer news, the club’s senior man is demoted to the second team as he is told he can leave Villa Park.
