Leeds United appear to have secured the services of Oxford United’s chief scout Craig Dean. An article posted on the official Oxford United page revealed that Dean who has been at the club for three years was set to depart for a new challenge at Leeds United.
The news comes as Leeds’ new look backroom staff and system continues to evolve under Andrea Radrizzani and Ivan Bravo, spearheaded by Victor Orta. This appointment is slightly different as Dean is obviously coming from another club in the English league. Most of the recruitment over the last few months has been from abroad but Dean joins from a successful Oxford United who have gone from League Two mid-table to League One and battling at the top end this season.
Dean said, “The chance to join Leeds is a very exciting new challenge for me, one I’m looking forward to.”
The links to Leeds and Oxford United have never been strong but in the last two years they have begun to grow. Kemar Roofe moved to Leeds for £3 million last summer, and a friendly between the sides was agreed as part of that deal. Pep Clotet has now joined Oxford United after impressing in his role as assistant manager at the club last season and he in turn has signed ex-Leeds midfielder and local lad Alex Mowatt on loan this season.
Adam Pope has today confirmed that Dean will be Head of Emerging Talent (17-21) at Leeds United, and there is plenty of talent at that age group currently at the club.
