Simon Johnson
Newcastle, England / Willing to relocate
Summary
Experienced football operations and coaching professional with a strong background in club administration, player development, and regulatory compliance within elite and semi-professional environments. Currently Head of Football Operations, combining high-performance support with detailed operational oversight. UEFA B licensed Coach Developer with The FA, recognised for strong organisation, communication, and the ability to support coaches and players in achieving consistent performance standards.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Head of Football Operations
Gateshead Football Club
2022.06 - Current
I lead the operational planning and delivery of football fixtures and club activities, ensuring compliance with FA and National League requirements while coordinating with stakeholders including clubs, officials and service providers. I manage seasonal travel logistics, accommodation and budgets, delivering efficient and cost-effective operations in a live event environment.
I oversee player and academy administration, including registration, safeguarding and FA system management (WGS), ensuring regulatory compliance and high organisational standards across all programmes.
Coach Developer
The Football Association
2024.01 - Current
Deliver Introduction to Coaching Football (I2CF) AND UEFA C coaching content through a blend of virtual and face-to-face learning. I have to guide learners through the I2CF and UEFA C Licence, supporting them as they tailor their skills and knowledge learnt to suit their players in their context.
Head Coach
Gateshead FC Ladies
2021.06 - 2022.09
Designed and delivered a comprehensive technical and tactical coaching programme aligned to the club's philosophy. Led matchday operations, including preparation, warm-ups and team management, while delivering detailed video analysis (team, unit and individual) to drive performance improvement. Ensured the highest standards of player welfare, safety and development at all times.
Football Coach & Lecturer
Gateshead College
2021.06 - 2022.08
Football Coach: Planned and delivered high-quality coaching sessions aligned with the club's philosophy and tactical periodisation framework. Led matchday preparation and supported performance within a competitive games programme.
Lecturer: Planned and delivered BTEC Level 2/3 Sport lessons, assessing and tracking student progress through effective use of SIMS, supporting academic achievement and engagement.
Coach Developer
Felling Magpies FC
2018.06 - 2023.05
In this role I supported all coaches at the club which had a positive impact on player development and ensured the coaches had the best resources available to develop. I liaised with Durham FA to ensure the England DNA was delivered to the coaches and players. I hosted regular CPD sessions with coaches and supported them with what ever needs they needed at the time.
Education
PGCE - Secondary PE Teaching
Northumbria University
2020 - 2021
Master of Science - Football Coaching and Analysis
UCFB Etihad
2018 - 2019
Bachelor of Arts - Sports Business and Coaching
UCFB Etihad
2014 - 2017
Skills
- Football Coaching
- Kit & Equipment Management
- Player Liaison
- Operations Management
- Event coordination
- Travel Planning
- Budgeting
- Extensive Microsoft Office
- Club Welfare Officer
Certification
Coaching:
- Gateshead FC Head of Football Operations / Support Coach
- Gateshead FC Foundation - Football Coach (Casual)
- Gateshead College - Football Coach & Sports Lecturer - (June 2021 - Sept 2022)
- Gateshead FC Ladies - Head Coach (May 2021 - Aug 2022)
- Gateshead FC U19 - Assistant Coach (Nov 2018 - May 2019)
- Swinton FC Snrs/Ladies - First Team Coach / GK Coach (Oct 2017 - May 2018
- A-Star Coaching - Sports Coach (Oct 2017 - July 2018)
- Tameside Schools - U14 Assistant Coach (Oct 2017 - May 2018)
- UK Language Courses - Sports Coordinator / Activity Manager (Seasonal 2016/19/19/20)
Analysis:
- Gateshead FC - First-Team Analysis (2021 - 2022)
- Coventry City FC - Remote European Scout Analyst (2018 - 2019)
- Crewe Alexandra FC - Academy Scout (2017 - 2018)
- Salford City - First/Academy Scout (2017)
- Macclesfield Town FC - First-Team Analyst (2016 - 2017)
- Hull City FC - European Video Scout (2016- 2017)
Teaching:
- PE Teacher - Whickham School (Oct 2021 - Feb 2022)
- PE PGCE Placement - Longbenton High School & Whickham School (October 2020-June 2021)
- Cover Supervisor - Whickham School (Sept 2019-Aug 2020)
Qualifications
- UEFA B Licensed
- FA Youth Award
- UEFA C in Coaching Goalkeepers
- FA Enhanced DBS 2025
- FA First Aid & Safeguarding 2025
- Welfare Officers Course
- Level 3 First Aid at Work
- Mental Health First Aid
- ECB Cricket Core Coach
- Trampolining Qual Level 2
- Level 1 in Teaching Handball
- Teaching Ultimate Frisbee Level 1
- School Dodgeball Level 1 Coach
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Coach Developer
The Football Association
2024.01 - Current
Head of Football Operations
Gateshead Football Club
2022.06 - Current
Head Coach
Gateshead FC Ladies
2021.06 - 2022.09
Football Coach & Lecturer
Gateshead College
2021.06 - 2022.08
Coach Developer
Felling Magpies FC
2018.06 - 2023.05
PGCE - Secondary PE Teaching
Northumbria University
2020 - 2021
Master of Science - Football Coaching and Analysis
UCFB Etihad
2018 - 2019
Bachelor of Arts - Sports Business and Coaching
UCFB Etihad
2014 - 2017