The Jersey Football Association has appointed Brian Little as Director of Football. 

Phil Austin, President of the JFA said: ‘During the process of interviewing for the Jersey Head Coach position, Ian Seddon, who is Brian’s representative, got in touch with us about how Brian would be able to get involved with the JFA.  When we met Brian and Ian, we were immediately impressed with Brian’s football knowledge and his wide range of connections within the game but, equally, with his enthusiasm to help us. As the conversation developed, it became clear that a position as Director of Football would really play to his strengths and provide us with an external perspective, as we seek to take Jersey football forward. Brian’s role will encompass the oversight of all aspects of Jersey football &, whilst he will not be responsible for the day to day management, for example, of the Centre of Excellence & the Representative sides, he will be closely involved in all areas of local football, working with both the JFA & their coaches, Club coaches, officials & referees. Thereafter, Ian was instrumental in seeking out and obtaining funding for the role of Director of Football, within, what turned out to be, a very short period of time.

A key element of Brian’s role will be to promote Jersey football both within & outside the Island with a view to raising its profile. We believe that, with Brian’s help, we will attract more sponsorship into the game & using his connections, be able to put together a much improved games programme for all our Representative sides.

Little said: ‘Since and during my last management position, I have spent my time by and large as a Co-Commentator and Studio Analyst, covering hundreds of games from the Premier league, Football League, Europa League and Champions League. I have had a number of opportunities to return to football management, but the offers have not felt right, until I met with the JFA and this one arose. The opportunity of operating as Director of Football given what I have achieved in the game is really exciting for me and I am looking forward to getting started.  I believe that I can add some real value to the JFA by using my knowledge and experience to take a look at what is happening in local football and I will be working with the executive to develop a long term strategy that aligns with the needs and desires of football in Jersey.

I have always had a strong personal interest in supporting the game at the grass roots level but only where I can make a meaningful difference. I have worked at a number of clubs where I have been instrumental in putting in place long term plans for stability and success and I think those experiences will be invaluable to the JFA as football continues to expand and develop in the Island.'