Sheffield Wednesday takeover: Portsmouth's Richard Hughes 'in frame' for sporting director role
Portsmouth’s sporting director Richard Hughes 'in frame' for key role at Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield Wednesday’s prospective owners are reportedly eyeing Portsmouth’s sporting director Richard Hughes.
A takeover at Hillsborough is edging closer to completion, with Arise Capital Partners looking to usher in a new era after years of turmoil.
Fans have been left to ponder who the key figures in a new-look Wednesday will be and it appears Hughes could be one.
Sheffield Wednesday eye sporting director
According to Football League World, Hughes is in the frame to become Wednesday’s sporting director.
He has been employed by Portsmouth since 2022, when he was lured to Fratton Park after a productive spell as director of football at Forest Green Rovers.
Hughes has also worked in the recruitment departments of Everton and Wigan Athletic, and held analysis and scouting roles at Stoke City, Burnley, Macclesfield and Tamworth.
Richard Hughes’ pedigree
When he was appointed by Pompey, the club’s chief executive Andrew Cullen said: “We’re delighted to have appointed Richard as the club’s sporting director.
“This role is crucial for our longer-term football strategy and provides an oversight for all our football operations, easing some of the day-to-day operational pressures on Danny and Nicky [Cowley].
“Richard really impressed us with the way he was able to progress a number of different areas at Forest Green, culminating in their promotion to League One last season. He has a history of identifying emerging talent who have gone on to enjoy success in the professional game.
“It was also important that he shares our vision and will be moving down to Portsmouth with his family, which underlines his commitment.
“We felt it was important to pause the process over the summer, but have met with a lot of people in recent weeks. Richard was someone that we always had a lot of admiration for and he possesses the qualities and credentials we were looking for."
Wednesday will be competing in League One next season, but the completion of a takeover would provide long-suffering Owls supporters with a renewed sense of hope.
Portsmouth have managed to stay afloat in the Championship and sit 18th in the table with one game left to play.