Ex-Manchester United assistant Rene Meulensteen joins EFL club in newly-created role

League One side Stockport County have announced the appointment of Rene Meulensteen in a newly-created role.

The Hatters confirmed the Dutchman’s arrival as the Director of Football Methodology on Monday.

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“Stockport County is delighted to announce the appointment of Rene Meulensteen as the club’s new Director of Football Methodology,” a statement read on the club’s official website.

“The vastly experienced Dutch coach arrives at Edgeley Park having spent more than two decades working at the highest level of the game, including an immensely successful spell at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson.”

“I’m delighted to be joining Stockport County as Director of Football Methodology,” Meulensteen said later on Monday.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to help build on the club’s progress and support the development of players, staff, and a clear football identity.

Meulensteen joins having last served as Graham Arnold’s assistant manager for the Iraq national team between 2018 and 2024.

The appointment comes after a period of change off the pitch for Stockport.

Dave Challinor departed as manager following their League One play-off defeat to Bolton Wanderers earlier in the year.

Chief Executive Simon Wilson also left, and were replaced by Jim McNulty and Damien Allen, respectively.

McNulty admitted he is looking forward to working with Meulensteen, stating: “It is a genuine pleasure to be adding a coach of Rene Meulensteen’s calibre to our coaching team. 

“Having operated at the very highest level, guided elite players, and gained invaluable experience across diverse footballing cultures in both domestic leagues and major international tournaments, he brings a tremendous breadth of wisdom and perspective to our coaching team. 

“This brilliant addition adds another layer of strength to our coaching collective and I am delighted Rene has decided to join our County team.”

Allen, meanwhile, said: “Today marks a significant milestone in our club’s history with the appointment of our first-ever Director of Football Methodology.

“His landmark appointment reflects our commitment to building an elite football department, where every player and coach across the club is aligned behind a clear football philosophy, coaching methodology, identity and way of working.

“We are delighted to welcome Rene to the club. His wealth of experience, football knowledge and proven success at the highest level will bring invaluable expertise to our coaching department.

“He will work closely with our first-team staff throughout the training week and on matchdays, while playing a pivotal role in the development of our football programme across the academy and first team.

Who is Rene Meulensteen?

The 62-year-old is best remembered for his time on the Manchester United coaching staff.

With Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm and the Dutchman part of the backroom set-up, United won the Premier League three times and the Champions League once before departing Old Trafford in 2013 after David Moyes took charge.

Meulensteen briefly managed Anzhi Makhachkala, following up his stint in Russia with the role of Fulham boss in November 2013.

However, he was relieved of his duties in February 2014 as Felix Magath took charge at Craven Cottage.

Meulensteen returned to management in 2016 with Israeli outfit Maccabi Haifa and then on to Indian side Kerala Blasters in 2017 before taking up his position as Arnold’s assistant for Iraq.