Nickson hired as Wrexham's first sporting director

Wrexham have appointed Steve Nickson as the Championship club's first sporting director.

Nickson - who arrives at the Racecourse Ground after leaving his position as head of recruitment at Newcastle United - says his focus in the newly created role will be to help Wrexham reach the Premier League.

The Hollywood-owned club say his appointment "represents an important step in the continued development of Wrexham's football structure".

Nickson, who had been at Newcastle for the past 15 years, will start working for Wrexham early this month.

He will work closely with manager Phil Parkinson on a remit stretching from player recruitment and squad planning to football administration and performance.

"I am very excited to be joining Wrexham AFC as sporting director," said Nickson.

"This is a club with incredible momentum, a unique culture and a clear ambition."

The former head of academy recruitment at Blackburn added: "There is already a strong foundation in place, and my focus will be on helping Wrexham take the next step by building the structure, talent pathways and football operations needed to support the club's ambition of reaching the Premier League."

Wrexham chief executive officer Michael Williamson said: "Recruitment, scouting, player development, performance and football operations are all critical areas as we look to build a club capable of competing sustainably at higher levels.

"Steve brings significant experience from the Premier League and wider football industry, and he understands what is required to identify and recruit talent in a highly competitive environment."