Southampton director of football to leave club at end of season

Crocker, who rejoined the club in January 2020, has chosen to end his second spell with the club and pursue a new challenge.

Crocker is credited with the implementation, alongside former manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, of ‘the playbook’, which dictates the philosophy now down to under-15s and under-16s.

The club statement reads: “The club thanks Matt for his excellent service and professionalism over his two spells at Southampton.

“He will continue to lead the club’s football operations across the men’s first team, academy programme and the girl’s and women’s programme until the end of the season.

“Any update on plans for after this time will be communicated in due course.”

Crocker rejoined Saints from the FA in February 2020 after a previous spell between 2006-2013 as academy manager, overseeing the development of Luke Shaw, James Ward-Prowse and more.

Crocker is also seen regularly at women’s and under-21s games at both St Mary’s and Snows Stadium, with his role overreaching all aspects of the club.

Saints are also without a head of recruitment as it stands, following Joe Shields’s departure to Chelsea just months into his role.

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