Bristol City interview former Arsenal chief James Ellis for sporting director role
Arsenal‘s former technical director James Ellis has been interviewed for the Bristol City sporting director role, sources have told Football Insider.
The Championship club are facing competition for Ellis’ signature, with Norwich City also keen on appointing the recruitment chief.
Current Canaries sporting director Ben Knapper worked with him during their time at Arsenal, when Knapper worked as their loans manager.
Bristol City outlined their intention last month to bring a new sporting director to Ashton Gate and they have now spoken to a number of candidates.
Ellis left Arsenal last month after spending five years working at the Emirates Stadium, where he worked his way up from a scouting role to becoming their technical director.
🔄 Arsenal Transfer Update 🔄
Breaking news on deals in progress, signings, departures, and contract news from the Emirates boardroom.
VISIT THE ARSENAL TRANSFER HUBWhat are Bristol City looking for in a sporting director?
Bristol City appointed Roy Hodgson as their interim manager to take charge until the end of the season, and he was asked about their sporting director role after arriving.
During his first press conference at the club, the former Crystal Palace boss confessed he didn’t know much about the position, despite CEO Charlie Boss claiming he was keen to learn the experienced manager’s insight into the role.
| Bristol City Fixtures | Home / Away |
| QPR | Away |
| Norwich City | Home |
| Southampton | Away |
| Birmingham City | Away |
| Stoke City | Home |
However, the process to identify their next sporting director is now well underway with the interview process having begun, and Ellis has emerged as a top target.
His technical director role at Arsenal saw him oversee the club’s long-term player progression strategy and squad planning, and he had previously worked as the head of recruitment.
Ellis is very highly-rated within the game and now has multiple Championship clubs vying for his signature, with the interest from Bristol City the most advanced.
Bristol City set for busy summer after next manager news
The appointment of a new sporting director will not be the only focus for the Robins this summer, as they also must focus on bringing in a new manager.
Gerhard Struber was let go from his position last month after what was a miserable run of form which saw his side slide down the Championship table.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Hodgson would bring stability to Bristol City, and he has been an early success there.
Two wins from two games against Charlton Athletic and Sheffield United has got him off to the best possible start as he aims for a strong end to the season.
A higher league finish for the Robins would set things up nicely for the new manager to step in, and the process to identify them is also underway.
🏆 Championship Insider Access
Get the full story from across the EFL with our dedicated expert hubs:
Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from across the EFL Championship.