Critical to any Awards ceremony is its judging process and the credibility of the panel of judges. In both instances, the Northwest Football Awards can boast impeccable credentials.
The majority of the Awards will be judged by the high-profile panel of judges seen below. All the football playing related categories are adjudicated by the harshest of critics – the public. Voting for these categories will be open shortly.
Gerry Boon
Founder – Sports Business Group – Deloitte A retired partner of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Gerry is acknowledged internationally as a leading specialist sports business consultant and expert commentator on the football industry. In his time at Deloitte, Gerry created, built and led the firm’s Sports Business Group, based in Manchester, to its current position as leading advisers to the industry. He is now working as an independent sports business consultant and forensic accountant/expert witness in sports disputes. Gerry is also Direcotor of the British Association for Sport and Law.
Professor Tom Cannon
Professor of Strategic Development – University of Liverpool Tom’s career includes roles as Director and Chief Executive of Manchester Business School, Chief Executive of the government’s Management Charter Initiative and private sector posts ranging from brand management in fast moving consumer goods to a small specialist development company created by Anita and Gordon Roddick. Ideopolis International’s work, where Tom is CEO, ranges from studies of the “Urban Revolution” to leadership, entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility, innovation and change management.
Ryan McKnight
Editor of F.C. Business – The Trade Magazine for the Football Industry. Ryan’s experiences in football have taken him from playing across the globe, to now being one of the leading commentators on all business aspects of the game.
Alan Myers
North West Bureau Chief – Sky Sports News Alan has over twenty years reporting experience for some of the top clubs and sporting media in the UK. In 1996 he was the first Press Officer for Everton Football Club where he dealt with the media attention that surrounded the appointment of four different managers, a Boardroom takeover and the arrival of Paul Gascoigne! After five years at Everton, Alan then joined Sky Sports News. Now, as North West Bureau Chief, Alan deals with seven Premiership clubs, three Championship clubs and countless league and non-league teams in the Northwest.
Gordon Taylor
Chief Executive – PFA Before joining the PFA in 1980 Gordon was an England schoolboy trialist, originally as an inside forward before establishing himself as a winger with Bolton, playing over 250 games for them. His football career then took him to Birmingham, Blackburn Rovers, and the North American Soccer League for Vancouver Whitecaps before returning to England to join Bury in 1978. In 1978 Gordon was also made Chairman of the PFA, succeeding Derek Dougan. Two years later Gordon went full-time and shortly after became Secretary and Chief Executive of the PFA.
Paul Thorogood
Chief Executive - Football Foundation Having played football at a credible level in his early life, Paul has been involved in football administration for the past 20 years, during which time he has risen through the RAF County Football Association Executive Committee to become Chairman in 2002. He is the Honorary Life Vice-President.
Maurice Watkins
Senior Partner - Brabners Chaffe Street Solicitors and Director – Manchester United Football Club Limited Maurice has handled numerous high value soccer transfers at home and abroad. He represents clubs and players before FIFA, UEFA, FA, FA Premier League and FAW (Football Association of Wales) disciplinary bodies, the Court of Arbitration for Sport and international and league compensation tribunals. He is also a regular speaker on footballing issues at home and abroad, having represented the Football Association and FA Premier League at recent conferences in Egypt, Qatar, Dubai, Trinidad and Tobago and Japan. Maurice is also a director of the Rugby Football League and Chairman of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain.
Stephen White
Group Marketing Director JD Sports Fashion PLC
After 15 years in design and marketing working in the financial and leisure sectors, Stephen moved into the football industry using his skills to publish and design for several clubs, including the design and implementation of the brand identity of Preston North End and the launch of it’s merchandise and retail platform, introducing the playing and replica label Kit. He was also a member of the team that delivered The National Football Museum to its founding original home of Preston and was instrumental in its product development and retail operations. Stephen then began working with JD Sports in the development of JD/Club own label product for Manchester City and Everton Football Clubs before becoming the Creative Director of the JD group.
Since 2005 he has held the role of Group Marketing Director at JD Sports Fashion PLC, responsible for marketing communications and sponsorships with several internationally established brands including Adidas and Nike on behalf of the JD, Size?, Scotts and Bank fascias covering over 450 stores. In addition, he also negotiated and managed multiple sponsorship deals on for the group across a wide range of genres that include television, press, live music venues and football clubs.
