What's in the Weekend Boxset?

The role of sporting director, or director of football as it's sometimes called, is meant to allow for a separation of the tactical and the strategic operations of football management. While it may be commonplace in parts of Europe, its use in the UK has had mixed results, largely down to mistrust from traditional managers but also by some baffling appointments — Joe Kinnear at Newcastle, readily springs to mind.

On this week's podcast, Graham, Jan and the returning Terry, discuss this week's appointment of Dougie Freedman to this role at Crystal Palace. What can a sporting director offer a club that a manager can't? In the modern age of £100 million plus transfers and super-agents, is the job of manager too big for one man?

Terry gives his perspective on the continental interpretation of the role and how it can help clubs (especially in the Bundesliga) punch above their weight. Jan runs through the chequered history that his own club, Sunderland, has had with sporting directors, and their hand in hiring, firing and being fired by managers. As always, feel free to add your twopenn'orth to the debate.

For more information on the podcast and links related to the subjects discussed, check out the Show Notes on our blog.

What's in the Weekend Boxset?

Liverpool host Arsenal, Leicester go to Old Trafford and Spalletti returns to the Eternal City - all that and four other games, previewed by Terry, to take you from Friday night to Sunday night. Get our free weekly newsletter in your email by signing up to the Weekend Boxset today.