Ian Atkins
International Global Recruitment & UEFA Pro Licence Holder
- Date Joined: 18th December 2016
A well-respected and highly sought-after senior scout who has built a strong portfolio of international experience and achievements in talent identification and player recruitment across the UK, Europe and South America. Proven track record unearthing emerging talent from cost- effective markets who have gone on to add value to team performances and generate significant revenue for the likes of Sunderland AFC, Everton FC and Aston Villa FC in future sale fees. Key players include Simon Mignolet, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin Mirallas and Bryan Oviedo.
Accomplishments in scouting is underpinned by a successful professional playing career, experience managing and developing youth and first teams, an extensive network of industry contacts and an appreciation for different footballing cultures. Naturally combines an in-depth knowledge of the modern game with an understanding of how to integrate a recruitment strategy with current team philosophy, to give clubs a competitive edge on the pitch while supporting off-field sustainability.
A highly motivated and driven individual who proactively embraces new ideas and positions of increased responsibility. Is continually challenging himself to remain at the forefront of the industry, broadening his expertise to cover one on one player development, club consultancy, media work and governing body/coach education presentations.
Qualifications/Accreditation
LMA
Institute of Leadership & High Performance
2015
FA
Learning Generic Tutor Training
2007
UEFA
Pro Licence
2005FA
Coaching Diploma
2003UEFA
A Licence
1999FA
Intermediate Coaching Award
1989FA
Full Licence Coaching Award
1989FA
Preliminary Coaching Award
1987FA
Football Management Course Diploma
1986FA
Sports Psychology (NLP)
Career History
Aston Villa
Head of European Recruitment
2016 – 2018
Everton FC
Head of European Recruitment
2012 – 2016
Sunderland AFC
European Director of Scouting
2007 – 2012
Torquay United FC
Manager
2006 – 2007
Bristol Rovers FC
Manager
2003 – 2005
Oxford United FC
Manager
2001 – 2003
Cardiff City FC
Manager
2001 – 2001
Carlisle United FC
Manager
2000 – 2001
Northampton Town FC
Manager
1995 – 1999Sunderland AFC
Assistant Manager/Player
1993 – 1994
Doncaster Rovers FC
Player
1993 – 1994
Cambridge United FC
Player/Manager
1992 – 1993
Birmingham City FC
Player/Assistant Manager/Coach
1991 – 1992
Colchester United FC
Player/Manager
1990 – 1991Birmingham City FC
Player
1988 – 1990
Ipswich Town FC
Player
1985 – 1988Everton FC
Player
1984 – 1985Sunderland AFC
Player
1981 – 1984
Shrewsbury Town FC
Player
1973 – 1981
Key Achievements
- Recommended the likes of John McGinn, Tammy Abraham and Birki Bjarnsson to Aston Villa who were then signed by the club.
- Recommended the likes of Kevin Mirallas, Bryan Oviedo, Romelu Lukaku and John Stones to Everton, all of whom would sign with the club.
- Recommended the likes of Simon Mignolet, Stephane Sessegnon, John Mensah, Asamoah Gyan and Djibril Cisse for Sunderland, all of whom would sign for the club.
- Also identified and recommended a young Ivan Rakitic, Mario Mandzukic and Robert Lewandowski who were all available for a combined £2m; Sunderland elected not to proceed, all three eventually became stars in their own right & commanding fees of 100m+
- Coached and mentored Stefan de Vrij in all aspects of his game - tactically, physically and mentally - since Dec 2013 in preparation for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil in which he was voted the best defender of the tournament by Castrol Index.
- Also advised Stefan De Vrij on his move from Feyenoord to Lazio in 2014 and Inter Milan in 2018. Continues to analyse every game he plays of present.
- Identified and recommended Frenkie de Jong, Ousmane Dembele and Milan Skriniar for Everton who were available for a small fee. The club opted not to proceed and they have since excelled at Ajax, Barcelona and Inter Milan respectively.
- A long-term advisor to Solihull Moors FC, consulting on all aspects of club management during their rise up the leagues
- Has done a variety of media work as an analyst, commentator and panellist including appearences with Sky Sports and BBC Radio.
- Worked with The FA to provide analysis to the English National Team on future opponents
- Won multiple Manager of the Month Awards: Northampton Town (Apr & Sep 1997), Oxford United (Dec 2002 & Dec 2003), Torquay United (Apr 2006) and Colchester United (Jan & Mar 1991)
- Won the F&C League Managers Team Award at Torquay United FC
- Won the 1st Division, European Cup Winners Cup, Charity Shield and reached an FA Cup Final with Everton as a player
- Named the Player of the Year in 1986/87 (Ipswich Town) and in 1982/83 (Sunderland)
