F.C. Copenhagen has appointed Kristjaan Speakman as Director of Football, effective July 1. He will oversee the club’s entire football operation, marking a significant step for the Danish club as they aim to enhance their competitive edge in both domestic and international football.
Kristjaan Speakman: A Proven Track Record
Speakman arrives with decades of experience in English football. He spent the past five years at Sunderland AFC as Sporting Director, a period in which the club advanced from League One to the Premier League in a little over four seasons, supported by a data-driven, integrated structure. Before that, he led Birmingham City’s academy for more than a decade, helping build one of England’s most respected youth setups.
As Director of Football, Speakman will have overall responsibility for all sporting departments at F.C. Copenhagen, including the first team, the talent academy, the women’s team, and FC Rosengård 1917. He will step straight into work on the summer transfer window and lead a strategic renewal of the sporting organization, while assembling his own team in close collaboration with CEO Jacob Lauesen.
Club leadership described the recruitment process as extensive and said Speakman matched the profile they were seeking, citing his leadership skills, clear sporting vision, and deep background in talent development. They also pointed to several areas identified for rapid improvement and expressed confidence that Speakman’s hands-on experience and holistic approach make him well suited to drive that change.
F.C. Copenhagen said Speakman will be formally presented to supporters in the near future. His appointment is seen as a critical move in the club’s ambition to consolidate its position at the top of Danish football and to compete effectively in European competitions.