Potters appoint Torrance as Head of Recruitment

• New Head of Recruitment appointed by Potters
• Ian Torrance joins from Italian club Como
• Previously spent 13 years with Southampton

Ian Torrance has been appointed as Stoke City’s new Head of Recruitment, departing the equivalent role at Italian club Como to join the Potters.

Torrance had previously spent 13 years with Southampton from 2011 to 2024, rising through the ranks during a successful era at the Saints to become their Chief Scout.

He has since spent a year in Italy during which Como’s summer recruitment has helped the Serie A debutants to a mid-table position following promotion in 23/24.

Sporting Director, Jon Walters, said: “Ian was a significant figure in scouting and recruitment during a successful period at Southampton, during which their ability to find and secure high-quality talent was integral to what they achieved.

“He has gone on to gain further experience during a year in Italian football with Como, and it’s great that the project and opportunity here in the Potteries has enticed him to return to the English game.

“We know our work in the transfer market will need to be smart, agile and diligent for us to be successful and we believe Ian is the right person to help us implement that moving forward.”