Following the news that he'd become Walsall's new Technical Director, Jamie Fullarton has spoken to club journalists and welcomed the opportunity to link up with the Banks's Stadium side.
Amongst a host of responsibilities, Fullarton will provide strategic direction, oversight, and management of the Football Department – First-Team and Academy and help realise the Board’s footballing philosophy. He will also head up the recruitment of key personnel in conjunction with the Board of Directors.
Before focussing upon the backroom element of football Jamie enjoyed a fourteen-year playing career during which he represented the likes of St Mirren, SC Bastia, Crystal Palace, Bolton Wanderers, Dundee United, and Brentford before injury forced him to hang up his boots.
His most recent role was at Crystal Palace where he worked as Head of Emerging Talent since October 2019. At Palace, the 46-year-old was responsible for coordinating and managing all emerging talent coverage of all major European and domestic leagues for players aged 17–22 years old.
The Scotsman also made recommendations to the Sporting Director of a shortlist of transfer targets based on evidence gathered and team requirements and objectives set by the club, with the likes of Eberechi Eze and Nathan Ferguson being signed during his time at the club.
Fullarton has also worked as a manager and as a coach. His most recent managerial role came at FC Halifax Town where he guided the club to a mid-table finish in 2018 despite being in the relegation zone when he took over. He also oversaw the club’s transition from part-time to full-time and secured another mid-table finish in 2018-19 with limited resources.
Speaking via the club's official website, Jamie insisted he was delighted to join the club and can't wait to sink his teeth into the task, he said; "I am thoroughly delighted to be a part of the club moving forward in what is the Technical Director’s role, a role that is becoming very popular and essential for football clubs.
"I think first and foremost the role is to create continuity and consistency for the club within an industry that is very volatile.
"Ultimately, I am there to provide support for the Head Coach in all aspects, in whatever shape or form, to help him and the team be successful short term, every Saturday, whilst helping the club build an infrastructure that enables continued success and provides alignment throughout the football department.
"I am excited by the opportunity and really looking forward to working with everyone involved at the football club, to fulfil the potential this football club clearly has."