ERIC BOULLIER left McLaren Formula 1 after his position became "untenable" as the team suffers the "worst run of results" in its 52-year history. The racing director’s departure came four days before the team’s home race, the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. McLaren F1 CEO ZAK BROWN said that he was "not shocked" by Boullier's resignation, but would not say if the Frenchman would be replaced. Boullier's departure is "part of a wider reshuffle" at McLaren. Former Ferrari engineer ANDREA STELLA took up the role of performance director. GIL DE FERRAN, who joined McLaren as a consultant, was appointed sporting director (LONDON TIMES, 7/5). ... League Championship side Aston Villa Dir of Football STEVE ROUND left the club. Round, 47, who was previously assistant manager at Everton and ManU, joined Villa in Sept. '16. Round's exit will "allow the whole player recruitment strategy to be streamlined," meaning Manager STEVE BRUCE and club Secretary SHARON BARNHURST will be responsible for "driving through signings as approved by the Villa board" (BBC, 7/4). ... DAZN appointed VERONICA DIQUATTRO to lead its latest addition, DAZN Italy. Diquattro joins DAZN as EVP, revenue from Spotify, where she was managing director, southern & eastern Europe, responsible for driving its strategic direction and growth in 16 countries (DAZN).
COACHES/MANAGERS: Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock Manager STEVE CLARKE signed a new contract at Rugby Park, along with assistant ALEX DYER. The former Scotland int'l was the Scottish Football Writers' Association manager of the year and was shortlisted for the PFA Scotland award (BBC, 7/5). ... Women's Super League side Bristol City Women named Birmingham City assistant coach TANYA OXTOBY its new manager. Bristol City Women appointed the Australian to replace WILLIE KIRK, who stepped down in May (BBC, 7/4).
