Aston Villa have appointed Steve Round as the club's technical director.
The 45-year-old joins the club's new-look hierarchy following coaching spells with England, Everton, Newcastle United, Middlesbrough, Derby County and Manchester United.
Round, who will be based at the club's training base Bodymoor Heath, will begin his new job today.
"I am absolutely delighted to join such a great club with a superb support and historic tradition," Round told the club's official website. "The technical director role is something I've been working towards for a long time and once I had met the owner and seen his vision for the club I knew I wanted to be a part of it.
"There is a lot of hard work ahead but with the support of the chairman and Keith Wyness, the expertise of Roberto [Di Matteo] and his excellent coaching team I am sure Aston Villa will re-establish itself as a highly successful football club."
Owner and chairman Tony Xia said: "I'm pleased to welcome Steve to Aston Villa. It's an appointment I believe will be hugely important for the long-term global vision of the football club.
"I've discussed at great length with Steve during meetings the way in which I'd like to see the 21st century football club move forward and he has the same ideas and principles.
"This role will play a fundamental part in how we drive the football club forward with data and technologies playing a central role in how we not only scout new players but also make the best of the talent we have at Bodymoor Heath both at first-team level and throughout our academy teams."
Manager Roberto Di Matteo added: "I'm delighted to welcome Steve to the football club. It's an important appointment for Aston Villa, a role that focuses on both the present and future and I'm looking forward to working with him."
Villa are currently 16th in the Championship table following one win, two draws and two defeats.
Danielle Joynson
