Ian Wright says there is a ‘massive problem’ if Michael Emenalo is not being considered for the role of sporting director at Newcastle United.
Former Notts County and Nigerian international Emenalo is credited with transforming recruitment and development at Chelsea behind the scenes and is currently looking for a job.
Now 56, he joined Chelsea in 2007 as chief scout, then became an assistant first-team coach before becoming technical director in 2011. In that job he developed the academy and loan system as well as bringing in talent.
While at Chelsea he was part of a set-up that won the Champions League and three Premier League titles as well as other domestic and European trophies. After leaving Chelsea in 2017 he went to work at Monaco, but left in 2019.
Speaking on the Kelly and Wrighty show, as reported by HITC, former Arsenal striker Ian Wright said: “If they’ve got a list, and he’s not very high up on that list, then you know they have a massive problem.
“For that man to still not be in some form of football employment, at the level of football management, is still, for me, incredible. It really is.
“Only because it’s what they need. He’s the calibre of person of what they need.”
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In an interview with the Observer last year, Emenalo was asked about his contribution at Chelsea and whether it would encourage more clubs to appoint black directors.
He replied: “I don’t think my story was told the right way to influence the attention. I feel my aptitude and competence has not been presented correctly. And now people are co-opting my work and trying to mask my contribution.”
In the same interview he also discussed his plans: “The future for me is to get back in the industry. I’ve just turned 55 and I have 12 years of experience at director level.
“I can perform the job even better now. I would like an opportunity to get back with a serious club – ideally in the Premier League.”
