Welcome to Sideline Moves, Insider Sport’s new weekly roundup spotlighting the key moves shaping the business of sport.
Every Friday, we bring you the latest executive appointments, strategic hires, boardroom shifts, and behind-the-scenes deals from across the global sports industry – all in one place.
Everton reshapes football leadership with four senior hires
Everton FC has announced four new senior appointments as part of its shift away from a traditional Director of Football model. The club is adopting a new football leadership structure made up of experts across technical development, scouting, analytics and player trading.
Nick Cox joins as Technical Director from Manchester United, where he led the Academy. He’ll oversee all areas of Finch Farm, including Medical, Facilities, Player Care and Academy operations. James Smith, previously with the City Football Group and formerly of Manchester United and Everton, will return to the club in September as Director of Scouting and Recruitment.
Chris Howarth will lead Everton’s strategy and analytics operations. His appointment follows the Friedkin Group’s acquisition of his consultancy, Insight Sport, giving the club access to proprietary data capabilities. Meanwhile, veteran football executive Nick Hammond will head up player trading, bringing decades of experience from roles at Reading, Celtic, and more recently, Newcastle United and Leeds United.
CEO Angus Kinnear said: “Their CVs speak for themselves – they are exceptional operators, hugely respected in the game… a reflection of the direction of the Club.” He added that the acquisition of Insight Sport marked “a step-change” in Everton’s analytics capability that would deliver “a long-term competitive advantage.”
Kevin Durant invests in PSG ahead of new NBA Europe league
American basketball player Kevin Durant has acquired a direct stake in Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) with his business partner Rich Kleiman.
Announced on June 21, the agreement sees Durant build on his existing strategic partnership with the French Ligue 1 club, which was signed in August 2024.
“QSI is pleased to welcome Kevin Durant as a direct shareholder in Paris Saint-Germain and strategic partner of our Group. We continually seek to elevate the Club and our broader portfolio through high-impact partnerships that bring strategic value, innovation, and global perspective,” said Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, Chairman of Qatar Sports Investments, the majority owner of PSG.
“Together with Kevin, we look forward to developing ambitious initiatives that will drive the continued global growth of Paris Saint-Germain and QSI.”
Among a list of responsibilities, PSG stated Durant will consult on the club’s multi-sport strategy, including potential basketball plans. This is especially notable given the NBA’s plans to launch a European basketball league.
“We think that it’s going to be really interesting to see what existing clubs want to be a part of this…It’s going to be really interesting to see existing football clubs, there are 14 organisations that don’t necessarily have basketball in the region now,” said George Aivazoglou, NBA SVP and Managing Director for Europe and the Middle East, at a SportsPro Live event earlier this year.
“It is an honour to partner with QSI and be a shareholder in Paris Saint-Germain – a Club and a city that is so close to my heart,” said Durant.
“This club has big plans ahead, and I can’t wait to be a part of the next phase of growth; and to explore new investment opportunities with QSI.”
Alves exits Notts County after Paterson’s arrival
Joao Alves has left his role as assistant coach at Notts County by mutual consent, just days after the League Two club confirmed Martin Paterson as its new head coach. Alves, 35, had been seen as a potential candidate for the top job, having served as Stuart Maynard’s number two last season.
Alves joined Notts in 2021 as a match analyst, following a stint with the club’s owners at Football Radar. He moved into coaching under Luke Williams, playing a key role in the club’s 2023 National League promotion.
Speaking earlier this week, club co-owner Chris Reedtz downplayed suggestions that Alves was a leading contender to succeed Maynard: “Bookmakers’ odds can be misleading… but he is a very good coach and someone who has done a great job for the club.”
Paterson will be supported by Andy Edwards as assistant head coach, while veteran goalkeeper Sam Slocombe will transition into a first-team coaching role.
Kyrgios dropped from BBC’s Wimbledon coverage amid ongoing controversy
Nick Kyrgios will not return to the BBC’s Wimbledon broadcast team this summer, a year after his controversial punditry debut sparked backlash due to his prior admission of assaulting an ex-girlfriend. Telegraph Sport reports the Australian has also been left out of ESPN’s coverage of the Grand Slam tournament.
Kyrgios had hoped to compete at Wimbledon this year but was ruled out due to ongoing injury struggles. A source close to him suggested this was the primary reason for his absence from media roles, unlike in 2024 when he had not entered the competition.
The BBC came under heavy criticism last year for hiring Kyrgios so soon after he admitted to assaulting his former partner, with women’s rights groups and MPs denouncing the decision. Then Women and Equalities Committee chair Caroline Nokes said the broadcaster should “hang its head in shame.”
Kyrgios has continued to attract headlines for both his off-court behaviour and controversial opinions. He was recently accused of targeting world No.1 Jannik Sinner over a failed drugs test, allegedly linked to Sinner’s relationship with Kyrgios’s ex-girlfriend. While Kyrgios denied any personal motive, claiming he was in a “happy relationship,” the row added to the list of incidents that have dogged his career.
Munster finalises coaching team with Codling and Mayo appointments
Munster Rugby has confirmed two key additions to its coaching and performance setup ahead of the 2025/26 season. Former England lock Alex Codling has been appointed as the province’s full-time forwards coach, following a successful stint as a consultant since November.
Codling, known for his expertise in lineout strategy, brings decades of experience across Europe and previously served under Eddie Jones with England. He will officially take up the role from October 1, following his commitments with Ireland at the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Brad Mayo has also been named Munster’s new Head of Athletic Performance. Mayo has held senior performance roles with top-tier clubs including the Hurricanes, Glasgow Warriors, and the Chiefs, and recently worked alongside incoming head coach Clayton McMillan with the All Blacks XV.
“Alex’s impact since he began working with us in November has been excellent,” said Munster General Manager Ian Costello. “Securing the services of Alex and Brad in conjunction with the arrival of Clayton adds to a top-class coaching and performance support team as we look forward to the new season.”
We’re spotlighting the movers and shakers shaping the sports business every Friday.
Submit your people moves to Insider Sport’s Editor, Rachael Kennedy, at [email protected] and be featured in Sideline Moves.
