We can confirm that our Head of Performance Analysis, Joppe Meulensteen has left the club in order to take up a new role at Championship side Middlesbrough.
Appointed in August 2021 after being promoted from the academy, Joppe has played a big part in the club’s success in recent years, forming an important part of the backroom staff under manager Dave Challinor.
He leaves Edgeley Park as a title-winner and with the best wishes of everyone at the club as he takes on this exciting new opportunity at Michael Carrick’s side.
Replacing Joppe will be Jordan Smith, who joins us from Premier League side Bournemouth where he was a first-team training analyst.
Prior to his role at Bournemouth, Jordan also spent time at Swansea City working under manager Steve Cooper, and we are delighted to welcome him into this important role.
Director of Football, Simon Wilson said:
“Similar to recent cases with Jake and Shwan, these are moments that we have mixed emotions about. There’s pride that clubs higher in the pyramid are recognising the talented staff we have, and validation of their work we’re doing here at County. Of course that’s mixed with sadness at losing someone who has been important in our recent success.
“As such, we are all sad to see Joppe go – he’s been brilliant. But we wish him the best in his next chapter with Middlesbrough.
“Replacing him I’m delighted to welcome Jordan Smith to the club, who joins from Bournemouth. Jordan has been a part of two really progressive coaching staff units at Bournemouth and Swansea and now takes his first ‘Head of‘ role to lead our provision across the club, but primarily supporting Dave and first team.
“We will ensure he will settle quickly into our group and allow him to build on the work we have done to date.”
