Damian Butt
Bristol.
Summary
A highly experienced football professional specialising in player recruitment, talent identification, development and management. Extensive experience in senior academy management and recruitment leadership with a proven track record. Demonstrates expertise in designing and implementing talent identification and scouting strategies, alongside player profiling, data analysis, depth squad planning, loan models and player pathway management. Skilled in network development at local, national, and international levels, as well as managing internal and external stakeholders. Proficient in budget management and resource allocation while fostering staff and department development through continuous professional development (CPD).
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work history
Head of Recruitment
Bristol City FC, Academy
Bristol
2014.07 - Current
- Club football management team working alongside Technical Director and 1st Team, 2023 to Present. Achieved 6th place finish in Championship 2024 25. Academy ranked no 1 in top two divisions for 1st team opportunities 2023 24. ( CIES Football Observatory )
- Academy management team. 2021 - Present. U18 Professional Development League National Champions 2024 25. FA Youth cup semi finalists 2023 24.
- Designed and implemented Academy Talent ID and Recruitment (U9–U23) strategy aligning with club vision, playing philosophy and long-term squad planning.
- Built and led local and multi-region scouting network, improving coverage and report quality while standardising assessments, evaluation and decision making processes.
- Implemented data-informed recruitment model ( live and video analytics ) accelerating objective decision-making and reducing time-to-sign.
- Delivered consistent player progression outcomes, with multiple recruits advancing to professional scholarships, contracts and first-team involvement. 6th best Academy of all British clubs 2024 25. ( OLBGs best Academy Index. )
- Identified and secured under the radar players including Alex Scott and Antoine Semenyo successfully transforming low cost recruitment into high value talent and £40 million of significant asset growth.
- Managed recruitment budgets and resources to maximise ROI across local and domestic targeted markets.
- Established strategic partnerships with external stakeholders within geographic talent pool including grassroots, development centres, schools, colleges and professional academies to ensure coverage of early access to identified targets.
- Collaborated with internal stakeholders on player retention, depth squads and succession planning ensuring balanced squads and player pathway unhindered.
Academy Coach
Southampton FC, Academy
Southampton
2013.07 - 2014.07
- Designed and delivered technical and tactical training sessions aligned with club playing philosophy and coaching methodology.
- Led matchday academy squads in category 1 games program.
- Coached players including Max Alleyne, Cameron Bragg, Dom Ballard, Alex Scott, Kami Doyle and Oliver Wright.
- Contributed to player development within one of UK’s leading youth academies.
Head Of Recruitment
Bristol City FC, Academy
Bristol.
2011.07 - 2013.07
- Designed and implemented Academy Talent ID and Recruitment (U9–U23) strategy aligning with club vision, playing philosophy and long-term squad planning.
- Built and led local and multi-region scouting network, improving coverage and report quality while standardising assessments, evaluation and decision making processes.
- Managed recruitment budgets and resources to maximise ROI across local and domestic targeted markets.
- Established strategic partnerships within geographic talent pool including grassroots, development centres, schools and professional academies to ensure coverage of early access to identified targets.
- Collaborated with internal stakeholders on player retention, depth squads and succession planning ensuring balanced squads and player pathway unhindered.
Academy Coach
Bristol City FC, Academy
Bristol
2006.07 - 2011.07
- Designed and delivered technical and tactical training sessions aligned with club playing philosophy and coaching methodology.
- Led matchday academy squads in category 2 games program.
- Coached players including Bobby De Cordova Reid, Joe Bryan, Lloyd Kelly, Herbie Kane, Jacob Maddox, George Dowling, Tommy Conway and Sam Bell.
- Contributed to player development within one of UK’s leading youth academies.
Education
Higher National Diploma - Advanced Leadership of Talent Identification and Management
The FA
England. /2015 - /2017
FA Youth Modules 1, 2 - Football Coaching
The FA
England. /2012 - /2013
UEFA A License Preparation - Football Coaching
The FA
England. /2008 - /2008
UEFA B License - Football Coaching
The FA
England. /2006 - /2007
AS Levels - Psychology and Sociology
Soundwell College
Bristol, England. /1996 - /1997
GCSEs -
Downend Senior School
Bristol, England /1991 - /1996
Skills
- Player Talent Identification, Development and Management
- Senior Academy, Recruitment and Department Leadership
- Design and implementation of Talent Identification and Scouting Strategy
- Player Profiling, Data Analysis, Depth Squad Planning and Player Pathway Management
- Network Development ( Local, National & International )
- Internal and External Stakeholder Management (Academy Departments, Grassroots and Professional Club Contacts and Agents)
- Budget Management & Resource Allocation
- Staff and Department development and CPD
- Expert knowledge of Hudl and Kitman Labs software platforms
- Expert Knowledge of EPPP Framework
- Expert Knowledge of player registration and FIFA ITC governance
- Coaching experience and specialisation in technical and tactical individual player and team strategy and development
REFERENCES
Brian Tinnion - Bristol City FC / Technical Director
Liam Manning - Huddersfield Town FC / 1st Team Manager
Carlos Anton - Al Qadsiah FC / Sporting Director
Gary Davenport - Bristol City FC / Academy Director
Available on Request
Timeline
Head of Recruitment
Bristol City FC, Academy
2014.07 - Current
Academy Coach
Southampton FC, Academy
2013.07 - 2014.07
Head Of Recruitment
Bristol City FC, Academy
2011.07 - 2013.07
Academy Coach
Bristol City FC, Academy
2006.07 - 2011.07
Higher National Diploma - Advanced Leadership of Talent Identification and Management
The FA
/2015 - /2017
FA Youth Modules 1, 2 - Football Coaching
The FA
/2012 - /2013
UEFA A License Preparation - Football Coaching
The FA
/2008 - /2008
UEFA B License - Football Coaching
The FA
/2006 - /2007
AS Levels - Psychology and Sociology
Soundwell College
/1996 - /1997
GCSEs -
Downend Senior School
/1991 - /1996