The Colorado Rapids are not standing pat after their disappointing season.
The Rapids announced on Thursday that they have hired Pádraig Smith as sporting director of the club. Smith has spent the last three years with UEFA, European soccer's governing body, and previously worked for the Football Association of Ireland (FAI). He will oversee team operations, working directly with technical director Paul Bravo and head coach Pablo Mastroeni.
“We are delighted that Pádraig will be joining us in an executive role within the soccer operations department,” said Bravo in a statement released by the club. “He will work across all levels of our technical staff and we look forward to him adding a level of sophistication and experience to our soccer operations.”
Smith was most previously part of UEFA’s Financial Analysis Group, which assesses the top professional European clubs in the areas of finance, corporate and sporting structures. He also oversaw national association and club compliance with Financial Fair Play and Licensing regulations.
With the Rapids, Smith will focus on data analytics and performance analysis as they pertain to player acquisitions and scouting from a team performance, player and opposition perspective. He will also oversee strategic planning and management of the soccer operations budget, salary cap and ensure that the club is in compliance with all player collective bargaining agreements and FIFA regulations.
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“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at UEFA,” said Smith in the same statement. “However, I feel that this is the right opportunity for me to move on to another exciting and challenging chapter in my career. It is clear to everyone in European football that MLS is taking major strides towards its goal of becoming one of the top leagues in the world and I believe the Rapids are poised to play a leading role in that development. It’s a project I’m very much looking forward to playing a key role in.”
Smith will officially begin working in his new role on Jan. 1, 2015.
“I’m leaving a very good role at UEFA where I’ve been able to work with some of the biggest clubs in Europe,” he said. “The only reason I would leave would be for a position like this — something every bit as exciting. From an ownership standpoint, right through to the management team of Tim, Paul and Pablo, it’s just a wonderful group. The impressions I have of the leadership team I’m joining, as well as the Denver area, have been incredibly positive.”
Colorado finished in eighth place in the Western Conference in Mastroeni's first year as a head coach. The club went 8-18-8 in the regular season, scoring 43 goals and conceding 62 times.
