Portsmouth figure sounded-out by incoming Sheffield Wednesday owners over major role
Sheffield Wednesday are on the brink of a major rebuild job as it prepares for new ownership and a new era - where soon afterwards key positions will need to be filled.
The prospective new owners of Sheffield Wednesday have sounded-out Portsmouth sporting director Rich Hughes over the possibility of becoming their new sporting director, The Star understands, though he is believed to be one of several candidates being considered.
US consortium Arise Capital Partners are on the brink of a takeover of the club out of administration ahead of tomorrow’s final day outing against West Bromwich Albion and are expected to announce the appointment of outgoing Sunderland business chief David Bruce as their new CEO soon afterwards.
Pompey football chief Hughes has been with the Fratton Park club since September 2022 and helped steer them to promotion back to the Championship alongside highly-rated boss John Mousinho in 2024. His responsibilities there are wide-ranging and include recruitment and football operations - which includes medicine, sports science, nutrition, analysis and grounds.
Hughes also spent four-and-a-half years with Forest Green Rovers, initially as head of recruitment before assuming the club’s director of football position in October 2019. The Gloucestershire minnows were promoted to League One in his time there.
As first reported by Football League World, Hughes is a candidate Arise are considering. Other mystery options are also being spoken to and it is not yet known where exactly the 37-year-old stands in the running for the job or his outright personal preference for whether he would be interested in the Wednesday gig.
Former Arsenal chief James Ellis was another consideration but is understood to be on his way to Bristol City, while ex-Hearts man Joe Savage was spoken to early doors but is not thought to be a primary candidate as things stand.