MOSS ENJOYING LIFE AT JOHN SMITH’S STADIUM AND POSITIVE AFTER PICKING UP HIS DEGREE

chief talent scout at Celtic, before moving to the John Smith’s Stadium in his key post earlier this summer.

But ever since playing days which took in destinations as far and wide as Boston United, Falkirk and Swansea City, the cutting-edge role of a Sporting Director/Head of Football Operations was a route the Doncaster-born Moss definitely wanted to pursue.

His honour, among a cohort of other professional sports people including Michael Appleton, Ashley Giles and Sean O’Driscoll, not only marks a realisation of this, but also brings an air of legitimacy to his new-found career.

Focusing on sports governance and best practice, leadership and innovation, the role acts as a strategic link between all departments within a club – from boardroom to coaching and organisational staff.

It’s an ideal position for a man who clearly likes to juggle more than one ball at a time. Moss previously combined his playing career with running a business for six years up until the age of 28.

And Moss also believes the work he is currently undertaking is the future of football, stating so with an air of confidence but simultaneously not a hint of arrogance.

Speaking exclusively to the Examiner ahead of the degree ceremony, Moss said: “A football manager or head coach in the modern-day game could only be at a club for 13 or 14 months.

“With the amount of money involved in the game, I don’t think a football club owner or chairman can give all the jewels of the crown to someone who ultimately may not be there in a year’s time.

“They need a person who will be there for the long-term – a footballing expert to implement their strategy throughout the club in conjunction with the relevant head coach at the time.”

A role that has previously been derided by old-time bosses who claim it ultimately undermines the position of the manager, Moss is quick to pour scorn on any such accusation.