AFC Totton
Interview by Adi Rose, written by Josh Cole
Since joining the club earlier this season, Director of Football Dave Wright has quickly become an important figure behind the scenes. With a wealth of experience across the professional game, Dave brings a long-term perspective as the club continues competing at the highest level in its history.
- A Journey Through the Professional Game
He began his coaching career at Portsmouth, progressing through the academy structure into senior roles. A move to Stoke City followed, where he eventually became head of the club’s academy.
“That was a great experience,” Dave says. “After that I moved into academy auditing, working on behalf of the Premier League and Football League to assess academies against their performance criteria.”
A brief return to Portsmouth came before Dave joined Brighton & Hove Albion, where he led youth academy recruitment from the Under-21s down to the youngest age groups.
“That was my last role in professional football before stepping away for a while,” he says.
- Joining an Exciting Project
The opportunity to join the club came through manager Jimmy, someone Dave has known for many years.
“Jimmy approached me around the time James Beattie was leaving the club,” he explains. “After meeting the board and seeing the environment, it was clear this was an exciting project.”
“The club is playing at the highest level in its history, and you can really sense the ambition to keep progressing.”
- Understanding the Role
While the manager focuses on the immediate demands of the team, Dave’s role is designed to support the club’s longer-term development.
“Jimmy is very hands-on with the day-to-day running of the team, which is naturally focused on results,” he says. “My role is to support that but also look at the medium to long-term plans for the club.”
That includes areas such as the academy, youth pathways, facilities, and the wider football structure.
- Building for the Future
After a couple of months in the role, Dave says he has been impressed by the people around the club.
“It’s been brilliant so far,” he says. “There are some great people here, from the players and staff to the volunteers who give up their time to help the club run.”
Off the pitch, work is already underway to strengthen the club’s foundations.
“This is our first season at this level, so it’s important we establish ourselves,” Dave explains. “At the same time, we’re looking at ways to develop things like medical support, sports science and player pathways.”
Much of that work happens behind the scenes, but it plays a vital role in the club’s future progress.
- A Message for the Fans
Dave has also been impressed by the supporters since arriving.
“The fans have been fantastic,” he says. “Even away from home there’s a strong group travelling every week.”
“That support is really important for the players and the staff. Hopefully we can keep building something special here and give them plenty to be proud of.”
GO STAGS
