Brian Little appointed as Jersey FA's director of football

Ex-Leicester, Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion boss Brian Little has been appointed as the Jersey Football Association's new director of football.

The 60-year-old led Villa to League Cup success and fourth place in the Premier League in the 1995-96 season.

He has also managed Darlington, Stoke, Hull, Tranmere and Wrexham.

Little's last job in management was with Conference North side Gainsborough Trinity, with the club dismissing him in 2011 after a poor run of form.

"I have had a number of opportunities to return to football management, but the offers have not felt right, until I met with the JFA and this one arose," said Little, who has been working as a football pundit.

"The opportunity of operating as director of football, given what I have achieved in the game, is really exciting for me and I am looking forward to getting started.

"I believe that I can add some real value to the JFA by using my knowledge and experience to take a look at what is happening in local football and I will be working with the executive to develop a long-term strategy that aligns with the needs and desires of football in Jersey."

Little's role has been newly created by the JFA, with the organisation keen to raise the profile of Jersey football, as well as draw in more sponsorship and improve the programme of matches for the representative teams on the island.

As a player, Little won one England cap in 1975 and had an impressive record as a striker with Aston Villa before a knee injury forced him to retire prematurely from the sport.

JFA president Phil Austin said: "It became clear that a position as director of football would really play to Brian's strengths and provide us with an external perspective, as we seek to take Jersey football forward.

"Brian's role will encompass the oversight of all aspects of Jersey football and, while he will not be responsible for the day-to-day management of the representative sides, he will be closely involved in all areas of local football, working with both the JFA and their coaches, officials and referees."