Jason Wilcox is a former player with Blackburn Rovers, Leeds United, Leicester City, and Blackpool. He was part of Blackburn's Premier League-winning team in 1995. After retiring from playing in 2006, Wilcox began his coaching career at Manchester City’s Academy in 2012. He was appointed head coach of the Under-18s team in 2013, a role he held for four years. During his tenure, Wilcox led the team to two FA Youth Cup finals in 2015 and 2016, winning the league in 2016. He coached players such as Brahim Díaz, Jadon Sancho, Angelino, and Kelechi Iheanacho.
For the 2016-17 season, Wilcox transitioned to the role of Academy Director, where he was tasked with aligning and implementing Pep Guardiola’s football philosophies within Manchester City's Academy. This role aimed to facilitate a smoother transition for youth players into the first team. Wilcox was also heavily involved in recruitment, scouting and identifying talented young players to bring to the club. Under his directorship, the academy developed talents like Phil Foden, Oscar Bobb, Rico Lewis, and Cole Palmer, and he played a crucial role in their development and progression to the senior squad. From a recruitment perspective, Wilcox was responsible for signings such as Romeo Lavia, Mamadou Lamine Susoho, and Samuel Edozie.
Wilcox served as City’s Academy Director for five years, from 2017 to 2022, during which the Under-18s won the Premier League four times and reached the FA Youth Cup final. Southampton then approached Jason Wilcox to become their new Director of Football, and he began his role in January 2023. In this position, Wilcox signed players including Ryan Fraser, Shay Charles, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Joe Rothwell, and David Brooks. He has been instrumental in Southampton's quest for promotion back to the Premier League, contributing significantly to their standing in the playoff positions of the Championship.
Manchester United’s new CEO, Omar Berrada, who worked with Wilcox at Manchester City, will be well aware of the value he could bring. Wilcox's experience in recruiting and developing young talent at the City Academy could be highly beneficial to Manchester United. With Dan Ashworth as Sporting Director and the potential for Wilcox to work closely with the current Academy Director, Nick Cox, the youth setup and pathway to the senior team may reach new heights, continuing to produce outstanding emerging talent.
Ali AMADGHOUS
Football Management Expert