Former Blackburn Rovers player Rudy Gestede has taken on a new role as the Head of Football Operations at the club. He is stepping into the position previously held by Gregg Broughton, who resigned in May after two seasons with the team. Gestede, who retired from playing in 2022, is excited to start this new chapter in his career with Blackburn Rovers. He expressed his gratitude towards the club’s ownership, CEO Steve Waggott, and board member Suhail Shaikh for giving him this opportunity. Gestede is looking forward to contributing to the club’s success and ensuring that all departments within the Senior Training Centre are working together seamlessly, from administration to recruitment.
Moreover, John Park has returned to Blackburn Rovers as the Head of Recruitment. Park previously held this position from 2021 to 2022 before moving to Birmingham City as the Head of International Scouting. He brings a wealth of experience from his time at Celtic, Rangers, and Birmingham City. Park’s return to Blackburn Rovers comes as a replacement for Sean Kimberley, who recently departed from the club. Additionally, Tom Sutton, the Head of UK Scouting, has left Blackburn Rovers to take on a new role as the Head of Scouting at Huddersfield Town. Similarly, Luke Griffin, the Head of European Scouting, left the club in April after 18 months.
These changes in the club’s leadership and recruitment teams signify a new direction for Blackburn Rovers as they prepare for the upcoming season. The appointments of Gestede and Park, along with the departures of Kimberley, Sutton, and Griffin, highlight the club’s commitment to building a cohesive and successful team from the Academy to the first team. The emphasis on aligning all departments and working towards a common goal demonstrates Blackburn Rovers’ dedication to achieving success both on and off the pitch.
For the latest updates on Blackburn Rovers and their new appointments, fans can follow Training Ground Guru on Twitter at @ground_guru. Stay tuned for more news and insights as the club gears up for the new season under the guidance of Rudy Gestede and John Park.
