KING TAKES ON POTTERS ROLE AFTER LEAVING LEAGUE RIVALS

STOKE City have confirmed the final piece of their behind-the-scenes restructuring with the hiring of a chief operating officer. Simon King will take on the newly established role after switching from Championship rivals West Bromwich Albion. He performed the same role at the Hawthorns for the last five years.

With more than 15 years experience in football administration, King will look after the non-football side of things at the bet365 Stadium.

As COO he will oversee commercial activities, supporter growth, communications and marketing while reporting directly to joint-chairman John Coates, pictured below, and vice-chairman Richard Smith.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Simon to his new role,” Coates said in a statement. “Simon has extensive experience in the football industry and is a really important addition to the club.”

King arrives as a major component of City’s backroom restructure that was kicked into gear following the departure of long standing chief executive Tony Scholes. The new arrangement will see Coates focus more on the running of the club as well.

“The club acknowledged that the historic role of a complete 360 degree club chief executive is becoming less prevalent within modern football,” the minutes of a fans council revealed in January.

“The club also stated that the owners are looking to have an enhanced focus on the running of the football club.”

Several figures inside the club have also been promoted or seen their roles change in recent months as part of the new framework. Chief analyst Andy Cousins became head of football operations while secretary Chris Laird was made head of football administration.