Former Portsmouth FC scout Roberto Gagliardi takes up role with Southampton's new owners

Published by

Stephen Emerson

Home of Portsmouth FC - Fratton Park

Portsmouth FC's former head of football operations, Roberto Gagliardi, has taken up a role with Southampton's owners to help with the acquisition of more clubs.

The Italian has taken on a role as head of business development with Sport Republic and will help the outfit identify new clubs across Europe that may be fit for acquisition.

The London-based company was founded by Henrik Kraft and Rasmus Ankersen, and is backed by lead investor Dragan Šolak.

Sport Republic acquired an 80 per cent controlling stake in Southampton in January for £100m from Chinese businessman Gao Jisheng with Katharina Liebherr retaining a 20 per cent minority shareholding.

Gagliardi spent four years at Fratton Park before departing in February to take up the role with Sport Republic.

He previously held the role of European scout and was promoted to head of football operations in March 2021 having previously worked in in recruitment at Bolton and Leyton Orient.

Stephen Emerson

Stephen Emerson is the Managing Editor of The Business Magazine and is responsible for the publication's print publications and online properties including the newly launched Biz News websites in Hampshire and Dorset. Stephen has been a journalist for 20 years and has worked at local, regional and national publications and led a team which made The Scotsman website one of the fastest growing news sites in the UK with over eight million monthly users. He has a keen interest in technology, property and corporate finance and telling the stories of the people behind the successful firms in these sectors.