Stewart Mairs has been appointed Head of Football, overseeing the Men’s First Team, Academy, recruitment, medical and performance departments. The Preston-born football executive joins the club’s Executive Management Team, reporting to CEO Ben Sadler, with Trivela Group’s Chief Sporting Officer Matt Jordan continuing to provide strategic support at ownership level.
Mairs brings over 20 years of football industry experience. Most recently Director of Football at AFC Fylde from March 2025, he rebuilt the squad and staff who now sit on the brink of promotion from the National League North.
Before Fylde, Mairs spent eight years at D.C. United in MLS — rising from Director of Soccer Strategy and Analysis to Technical Director, working alongside Wayne Rooney and Christian Benteke. He also served as General Manager of USL side Loudoun United.
Prior to that, an 11-year stint at analytics firm Prozone saw him support over 120 clients globally. A career highlight: providing technical and tactical analysis for the U.S. Women’s National Team as they claimed Olympic gold at London 2012 and the World Cup in 2015.
Stewart Mairs said: “I’m really excited to be here. We’ve already started work on key priorities — finishing this season strong and building towards next year. There’s a good foundation in place and I’m confident I can add value to help kick us on to the next level.”
CEO Ben Sadler said: “Following an extensive process, we’re confident we’ve added a key leader with the skill and experience to move the club forwards.”
