Notts County have confirmed the appointment of Roberto Gagliardi as their new head of football, replacing Richard Montague who left the club in February to join Swansea City.
Gagliardi brings with him a wide range of experience from across Europe, having held key roles at Portsmouth and Turkish side Goztepe. He will officially begin his duties at Meadow Lane on 1 May, just ahead of the club’s crucial season finale against Doncaster Rovers.
The Italian’s remit will see him lead all recruitment efforts and conduct negotiations with agents and clubs – responsibilities he is already well-versed in from his previous positions, including head of recruitment and a board role in Turkey.
Roberto Gagliardi has been appointed Head of Football at Meadow Lane.
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— Notts County FC (@Official_NCFC) April 3, 2025
County owners praise Gagliardi’s pedigree
Joint owners Chris and Alex Reedtz highlighted the methodical approach taken to find a successor to Montague, citing Gagliardi’s tactical understanding and international network as key factors in his selection.
“Following Richard Montague’s departure, we have taken some time to evaluate the club’s structure and identify the qualities that would be most valuable to us in his replacement. Roberto will lead on all aspects of our recruitment and negotiations with agents and clubs – areas he is highly skilled in thanks to the experience he’s gained and the notable people he’s learned from throughout his career.
“He has an excellent understanding of the game, both tactically and in terms of player recruitment, shares our way of thinking and comes highly recommended by people we trust.”
Gagliardi’s arrival comes at a pivotal time. Notts County are in the thick of a promotion battle, sitting fourth in League Two and just two points shy of the automatic promotion spots with one match to play.
He has acknowledged the challenge of stepping into the job during such a high-stakes period, but is confident about the club’s long-term pulling power.
“It’s a really important period for setting strong foundations for both the transfer window and the season ahead,” he noted, referencing the appeal of the club’s history, project, and fanbase.
Writer’s view
Gagliardi’s appointment feels like a shrewd and ambitious move by Notts County. His diverse experience and strong network suggest he’s well-equipped to navigate both domestic and international recruitment. Stepping in right before the off-season begins could actually prove ideal, giving him a head start on shaping the squad for a potential League One campaign. The timing may be tight, but the upside is clear.
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