The club’s former sporting director has been weighing up his options since departing in February

Kristjaan Speakman could be set for a return to football at Danish giants FC Copenhagen.

Speakman was one of the key architects of the club’s rise from League One to the Premier League, spending six years at the club in his role as Sporting Director. He left in February of this year as Florent Ghisolfi assumed ultimate responsibility for the club’s football operation, and has been weighing up his options since taking a break from the game.

Sources in Denmark say Speakman has been a contender for the vacancy in Denmark and that talks are now advanced. FC Copenhagen finished seventh in the 12-team Superliga last season, but they are one of the biggest clubs in the country and have regularly played in the Champions League in recent years and won the league title in the previous campaign.

Speakman looks set to be tasked with leading the rebuild after one of the club’s worst seasons in recent memory, in which they played in the relegation phase for their first time. The club parted company with sporting director Sune Smith-Nielsen in February in response to the poor results, and it now appears that Speakman is in pole position to succeed him. FC Copenhagen will play in the Conference League next season after beating rivals Brondby on the final day of the season.

After his departure in February, Speakman issued an emotional statement reflecting on his time at the club.

“The opportunity to be sporting director and lead this historic club over the last five plus years has been the honour of a lifetime,” Speakman said.

“I owe a debt of gratitude to my wife and children for allowing me to live this experience and on so many occasions place the club before home.

“I was once told to 'work where it matters' and I've learned over these six seasons how much this club matters to the people of Sunderland. Re-establishing a team built on the region's identity, creating a deep connection with its people is an aspect I'll be most proud of. The same community welcomed our family and for that we'll be forever grateful to the many friends, neighbours, coaches and staff that made Sunderland our home - it's been a truly humbling experience to work alongside so many talented people. To all the players and staff past and present, thank you for believing in our shared vision. Ultimately all our success over these six seasons has been down to your unwavering commitment, technical excellence and attitude to deliver your best every day. For this you should all be immensely proud of where the club sits today.

“The greatest asset this club has are its fans and it's been a pleasure sharing some incredible memories with you all. Good luck for the remaining games this season.”

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