Burnley appoint former Manchester City and Football Association executive Mike Rigg as technical director

The 49-year-old was chosen from a number of candidates interviewed by chairman Mike Garlick and manager Sean Dyche

Burnley have appointed former Manchester City and Football Association executive Mike Rigg as the club’s new technical director.

Rigg, who has been involved in football for 30 years and previously worked as head of player acquisition at City and head of talent identification at the FA, has been chosen from a number of candidates interviewed by Burnley chairman Mike Garlick and manager Sean Dyche.

Burnley say the 49-year-old will “oversee a new, large investment programme in growing the talent identification and analysis teams at the club”.

“We are delighted to welcome Mike on board,” Garlick said in an article announcing Rigg’s appointment on Burnley’s official website. “All of the candidates which Sean and myself interviewed were of a very high calibre.

“However, Mike stood out as someone who we feel can help move the club forward in terms of identifying and hiring the best possible footballing talent, both on a national and international basis.

“It’s an area of the club that we need to invest in and improve further, and we feel sure that Mike’s wealth of experience will be a valuable asset to us.”

Dyche added: “I have mentioned over the past couple of years how important it is to grow all areas of the club, and recruitment structuring and how we want to go forward, is an important part of that.

Rigg has more than 30 years' experience working in football (Getty)

“I think at the end of a good process for the club, involving myself and the chairman, amongst others, we have found someone who can help the club to grow. By bringing in Mike, I think it’s a great opportunity for him to stamp his side on the way that we work.

“Within the role it’s not just recruitment, but that’s a big part of it, and with Mike’s background, both here and abroad, in searching for the right players for Burnley Football Club, I think that experience will be needed and used wisely, and that’s what we’ll look to Mike to add to what we already do.”

Burnley have stabilised in the Premier League under Dyche’s guidance since earning promotion in 2016 and remarkably finished seventh last season, though the new campaign has been considerably less smooth and so far yielded just two wins from 12 league games.

Dyche’s success has been achieved with a squad of predominantly British and Irish players, and part of Rigg’s job will be to broaden the scope of the club’s recruitment.

“I am delighted and absolutely honoured to be asked to come and join the club,” Rigg said. “I have worked for over 30 years in football, starting out as a community officer, which was a terrific grounding, and have been lucky to work with national associations and club sides.

“I feel I have an excellent understanding of all areas and how things have to fit together to be successful. What Burnley has achieved over the past few years is absolutely phenomenal and I hope I can do everything possible to support Sean and try and strengthen the club’s position moving forwards.”