Alex Aldridge seals Millwall return – as new director of football operations and recruitment
Millwall owner John Berylson has expressed his excitement at appointing Alex Aldridge as their new director of football operations and recruitment.
The 28-year-old became the youngest head of recruitment when he took on the role at the Lions in July 2017 before taking on the same job at Stoke City in August 2020.
It was confirmed earlier this week that Harvey Bussell, who replaced Aldridge at the South London club, had left.
“His role will be to work closely with first team management, the board of directors and other senior staff to help drive the club’s football strategy and operations,” said Millwall in a statement announcing Aldridge’s return.
“And also contribute to shaping a broader long-term vision for Millwall which is ambitious, innovative and builds upon the existing strengths and traditions of the football club.”
Berylson said: “We’re excited to welcome Alex back to Millwall, a club he knows inside-out following his extensive experience as part of our recruitment processes in the recent past.
“He has extensive expertise in a variety of areas and comes back to us with real commitment and drive to help take the club forward on and off the pitch.
“I previously mentioned that this summer was a big one in terms of recruitment and Alex will get straight to work alongside Gary Rowett and the first-team management in order to ensure it’s as productive and successful as possible both for the now and for the future.”
Aldridge said: “I am delighted to be rejoining Millwall and will work tirelessly in my role to support Gary, Steve Kavanagh and the board in achieving the club’s long-term objectives.
“It has been evident from our recent discussions that we have a shared ambition to drive the club forward in a number of areas and I am very much looking forward to the challenge.”
Lions boss Rowett – when asked about Bussell’s departure – said: “It is a club decision.”
Bussell had worked with Rowett at Birmingham City, as head of scouting, and Burton Albion, as first-team recruitment lead and scout.