Man City appoint cult Premier League hero to unusual role while still out of the league

The “Barclaysman” trend has passed, but one of these actors is about to make an unlikely comeback in an unlikely place.

Adam Le Fondre only had one season in the Premier League but he certainly made the most of it. With 12 goals in 34 appearances, many of them from the Reading bench, he still boasts one of the best ratios of minutes per goal and touches per goal in recent English top-flight history.

Le Fondre was even named Premier League Player of the Month in January 2013. Since leaving Reading he has played in the lower leagues, in Australia, India and now in the Northern Premier League at the age of 37 years with FC United of Manchester.

Although he currently makes his living at a club created as a means of protest by disgruntled Manchester United supporters, Le Fondre has a new job waiting for him within the Manchester City ownership group.

And while many players begin their gradual transition to coaching before officially hanging up their boots, Le Fondre is set to take the unusual route of becoming a videographer at City Football Group (CFG), with a view to progressing through the transfer. department.

“I have no illusions, I understand that I won’t play forever,” Le Fondre told the Reading Chronicle. “That’s why I’m making plans for my career after football.

“I have a job lined up, ready to transition into a new career as I still have 30-40 years left, if not more. Hopefully I will start a scouting role at The City Group soon, focusing on emerging talents, which fascinates me.

“My ambition is to eventually move into a role as a recruitment manager, but I know it's essential to get this role. I'm fully prepared to move up the ladder and learn as I go, ensuring that when I retire, I will be ready for the next chapter.

Le Fondre's association with CFG began during a loan spell at one of their clubs, Indian Super League side Mumbai City, in 2020/21. The group also includes teams in New York, Melbourne, Montevideo, Girona and Palermo.

Phil Robinson is City's current head of emerging talent, while the Blues have appointed Hugo Viana to succeed Txiki Begiristain as sporting director at the end of the season to oversee the club's wider footballing operations.