Leeds United have seen Angus Kinnear and Nick Hammond both join Everton in recent months, meaning the 49ers have had to pivot to alternatives behind the scenes.
Leeds United have been under new ownership for just under two years now following the full takeover of 49ers Enterprises during the summer of 2023 after the club’s Premier League relegation.
The 49ers took full control of Leeds in the Championship, with Kinnear then part of the process for the club in need of someone to help oversee a swift transition in once a majority takeover was confirmed.
Now, on top of Kinnear and Hammond joining Everton, Jordan Miles has also left in recent months and Gretar Steinsson has taken up a new role with Red Bull. It means Leeds and the 49ers have had to turn to other options and some of them came internally.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesAdam Underwood was recommended by Nick Hammond to Leeds
In what is a crucial summer ahead of Leeds’ Premier League return, Robbie Evans, Adam Underwood, and head of recruitment Alex Davies know they have a lot to do following the reshuffle behind the scenes.
Hammond is a highly rated executive in football but he wasn’t the most vital component of Leeds’ recruitment team, even if his two summers at Elland Road were successful.
As consultant, Hammond was paid and judged for his opinions but also in helping to close transfer deals. He was never more than that, and his role diminished somewhat over the two seasons with the club.
He knew he was not going to be with the club long-term, but Hammond told Evans who their next sporting director should be to replace Victor Orta in a full-time capacity.
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The reveal comes via Beren Cross in The Athletic. He states that Hammond recommended Adam Underwood for the role after he mentored Underwood, who was previously head of football operations, over the past 12 months or so.
That prepared him better for the step into a “cut-throat world of transfers and recruitment”. Cross states that Hammond’s recommendation of Underwood was important, but Marathe, Evans, and the board had to be confident Underwood was ready as well.
Of course, the other aspect to consider is how Daniel Farke works alongside the hierarchy and the report states that he has grown close to Underwood, too. Their relationship will, undoubtedly, be critical this summer.
With Leeds signing Lukas Nmecha and the 49ers also closing in on Jaka Bijol, they are already starting to reap the benefits of these decisions. That’s despite fears surrounding Kinnear’s Leeds involvement impacting recruitment.
Of course, Underwood and co. will be judged on their body of work this summer as a whole and not just so far. But Cross reports that he has come this far and impressed the right people to get to where he is.
Leeds United News sources have outlined a more streamlined approach this summer. That is, in part, thanks to the changes behind the scenes with a smaller team but also the people currently occupying the most vital roles — such as Underwood.
Photo by Pat Scaasi | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesLeeds have a relatively inexperienced recruitment team
Despite never having this level of seniority before, the club are confident in their processes behind the scenes, but acknowledge that the core team at the top have never previously held such senior roles in a summer transfer window.
That said, figures like Underwood have been on the payroll for more than a decade in various roles, and he is known to have rejected various approaches from other clubs over the last few years as well.
It’s important to have those inside the club who understand what Leeds means and Cross’ report states that the way Underwood carries himself has struck those who have worked with him so far.
Of course, a commanding and authoritative tone is required and he is described as quiet and “refreshingly unassuming with very little ego” but the balance appears to have been struck now for Leeds to hit the ground running in recruitment terms.
Will their lack of experience within their new roles begin to show as the window develops? It remains to be seen, but a streamlined process with fewer contrasting voices and viewpoints has to be considered a good thing to pull in the right direction.