Salisbury FC add to Backroom Team with 'Football Development Advisor'

Thursday, 16 July 2026 06:00

Salisbury FC have announced that Matt Hale has joined the club as Football Development Advisor to the board.

Matt is the former Academy Director of Southampton Football Club, where between 2013 and 2023, he oversaw the development of a plethora of talent at the Club, many of whom are now playing in the Premier League and English Football League.

Previous to his time at Southampton, Matt worked at TeamBath developing a football coach education scheme alongside setting up and delivering the 16-19s college initiative to support the University football programme.

For the last three years, Matt has been the Academy Manager at championship club Derby County, overseeing another very reputable Category One Academy.

Matt has delivered at conferences and conventions all over the world on youth development programmes on behalf of various organisations, including the Premier League, The FA and various overseas national federations.

A former professional footballer with Bristol City, having also played for Yeovil Town, Bath City, Weymouth, Dorchester and Weston-super-Mare in the national league, highlighting significant experience across the football pyramid.

Matt, whose family home is in Salisbury, arrives with a remit to design and structure a new football development department that will provide a pathway for young players from under-7 to under-21.

Matt will advise and guide on a number of future youth development projects, including a full-time under-18s programme in 2027, regional development centres, and supporting football-in-the-community initiatives.

Chairman Ali Alhamad said, "From the day I arrived at this football club, I have believed our future will be built on young players and a proper pathway, from a seven-year-old kicking a ball in Salisbury to a professional footballer wearing our shirt.

"Bringing in someone of Matt's calibre, a man who has developed Premier League players for over a decade, shows how serious we are about that. This is a significant step for Salisbury FC, and there is much more to come."