Watford FC signs marketing chief from Man U

Watford Football Club has appointed Mike Reilly as head of marketing. He joins the club from Manchester United where he was acting head of venue marketing.

Reilly, who has taken over the role, has already been briefed to find a sponsor for the club’s coaching academy. The club offers young footballers academic schooling as well as technical coaching through a partnership with local school, The Harefield Academy.

He will report to Watford commercial director Tony Holmes, who joined the club in March from Coca-Cola. He is responsible for the club’s retail sale operation, internet sales and corporate hospitality and has a brief to increase match day spend per head.