George Craig has joined Hibs in a newly-created role of Head of Football Operations.
Appointed by Chief Executive Leeann Dempster, George joins from leading the review and restructure of the Scottish FA’s Club Academy Scotland elite player development programme, where he worked closely with Performance Director Mark Wotte.
George’s remit will entail overseeing improvements to the Academy and player development programme, ensuring there is a structured pathway for players to develop from the Academy to the under 20s and first team squads, and developing the club’s coaching programme in the local community.
George said: “I’m delighted to be given this opportunity at Hibernian – it’s a new role at the club and a fresh opportunity to move everything forward.
“My main objective will be to ensure there is a clear pathway from our Academy set-up all the way through to the first team.
“My experience from workingwith the Scottish FA’s Club Academy Scotland set-up will help to strengthen that process.
“This is a club with huge potential and I’m keen to implement new plans as quickly as possible to improve several areas and build the foundations for long-term success at Hibernian.”
CEO Leeann Dempster believes George will be a key appointment in bolstering the football department and Academy while also galvanising the link between the club and the Community Foundation.
She said: “We’re really pleased that George has joined the club – he brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise from his time working with the SFA.
“Just to clarify the point, his remit is broad and covers a wide range of areas – he is not a Director of Football.
“George will ensure we aim to introduce the best coaching syllabus, scouting network, individual development programmes, sports science and performance analysis into the football club.
“George and I will be developing and writing both Football and Non-Football plans for the club – incorporating the first team, Academy and Community Foundation.
“This is an exciting appointment as we reshape and look enthusiastically towards a bright future.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
