Birmingham appoint Jutkiewicz as attack scout

Lukas Jutkiewicz joined Birmingham City from Burnley in August 2016

Former Birmingham City striker Lukas Jutkiewicz will help the Championship club recruit new attacking talent after being appointed as a lead positional scout.

The 36-year-old retired at the end of last season after helping Blues storm to the League One title and seal an immediate return to the second tier following relegation in 2024.

Jutkiewicz spent nine years with Blues, making 358 appearances and scoring 69 goals.

The club say his new "hybrid" role will have "an emphasis on the use of analytical tools to help identify potential targets".

Jutkiewicz will attend matches and use video analysis and data to "create holistic evaluations of potential player acquisitions".

His remit will cover building shortlists of possible domestic and international transfer targets and ensure the club's profiling model "remains consistent".

"Now that my playing career has come to a close, I'm excited to begin a new chapter," Jutkiewicz said.

"I look forward to applying the knowledge and experience I've gained over my 20-year playing career in a different capacity, and I will bring the same commitment and passion to this new role as I did on the pitch."

Birmingham director of football Craig Gardner said part of the appeal of appointing Jutkiewicz was he "knows the DNA of the club" and is sure he "will form a key role in enhancing our attacking player acquisition".

Gardner added: "It will be a great environment for Lukas to both add significant value based on his experiences and learn from an outstanding team."