Southampton appoint Johannes Spors as new technical director after losing previous chief Jason Wilcox to Man United

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Southampton have appointed Johannes Spors as their new technical director.

Mail Sport were first to reveal Spors was the leading contender for the position on January 16.

The move ran into trouble towards the end of last month due to work permit issues but the move has now been confirmed.

Spors has a wealth of experience in European football, having held key roles at RB Leipzig, Vitesse Arnhem and Genoa, from where he was promoted to Global Sporting Director of the 777 Group.

The 42-year-old will use his exercise to lead owners Sport Republic on football matters across the group.

He will report to the club’s CEO, Phil Parsons - with Spors starting his role on February 15 alongside Director of Football Operations Mark Bitcon.

Premier League side Southampton have named Johannes Spors their new technical director

Saints owner Dragan Solak, left, had announced that a new footballing management appointment would be made after chairman Henrik Kraft, right, decided to step down

Southampton have been without a sporting director since Jason Wilcox joined Man United 

Spors said: ‘I’m excited to finally start work at Southampton. Saints are a club with a great history and commitment to developing players, not only in the Academy, but also at first team level.

‘look forward to working with the team at Staplewood to build a strategy that helps bring success on the pitch.’

Spors replaces Jason Wilcox, who left Southampton to take up the role as technical director at Manchester United last April.