Staff & Trustees

Kevin Moore has been Director of the Museum since the beginning of the project in 1997. He is an experienced museum professional of international stature. He is regularly invited to give papers at museum conferences around the world, and has published a number of major books about museums, including the internationally acclaimed Museums and Popular Culture, Museum Management and Management in Museums. Kevin is chair of the Sports Heritage Network, the organisation of the UK’s sports museums, libraries and archives, which is recognised as an important Subject Specialist Network by MLA. He is also a Fellow of the RSA. 

Football Team: Tranmere Rovers

Favourite Object: It has to be the 1966 World Cup Ball - symbol of the greatest moment in England's football history.

David Pearson joined the National Football Museum as General Manager in 2006. Prior to this he was the Manager of Reading Museum where he led two major capital projects, one of which was shortlisted for the Gulbenkian Prize. David has worked at a range of museums in the UK and overseas since 1988. He has been a board member of ICOM UK and has published articles on museums in the international context. 

Football Team: Reading

Favourite Object: Bert Trautmann Neckbrace.  This has such a great story behind it; a man who carried on playing with a broken neck. I have also spoken to Bert Trautmann on the phone and he was charming.

Michele Somers joined the Museum in January 2011. Michele is responsible for maximising revenue from retail, catering, interactives, functions, events and sponsorship and to control costs in each of these areas in order to deliver the profitability target. She is also responsible for the finance department. Michele has over 20 years experience in Sales and Marketing in the hotel industry. Most recently she was General Manager of the Radisson Blue Waterfront Hotel, Jersey.

Football Team: Tottenham Hotspur

Favourite Object: As my favourite team is Spurs it's got to be the UEFA European Cup Winners Cup; they were the first British team to win a European trophy.

Football Team: Blackpool FC

Favourite Object: Diego Maradona's shirt - I still think he is possibly the greatest footballer of all time. I went to the football stadium in Naples where he played. The taxi driver had a Rosary and a picture of a statue of the Virgin Mary on his dashboard, but when we mentioned Maradona he got out a photo of him from the glove compartment, pointed to it and said, "God".  

Football Team: Everton & Chester FC

Favourite Object:  Arnold Kirke Smith’s shirt, from the world’s first international match played in 1872 between Scotland and England (the match ended in a 0 - 0 draw).

Peter Lambert joined in April 2011. Peter is responsible for the delivery of the Museum’s financial accounts and the Trading Company accounts comprising of the day-to-day processes, controls and audit, ultimately ensuring that all areas are maximising profit. With over 20 years experience in the Hotel & Catering sector Peter brings a great deal of commercial knowledge and experience to the role. Peter is also working closely with the Head of Commercial Development in creating business models for any potential commercial opportunity. 

Football Team: Burnley FC

Favourite Object: The book of rules drawn up by Ebenezer Cobb Morley - the first FA Secretary. Under his charge, 14 Laws were penned to a game that would in the following century become the most played, watched and talked about activity on the planet.

Philippa joined the National Football Museum as Marketing and Communications Officer in 2007, before becoming Marketing Manager in October 2010. Philippa is responsible for overseeing all marketing and communications activities including managing the brand identity, website, PR and media activities, social media channels, print and advertising. While reporting to the Deputy Director, she also works closely with the Head of Commercial Development. 

Football Team: Blackburn Rovers

Favourite Object: It has to be the shirt worn by Maradona during the 'hand of God match in 1986. I clearly remember watching this match on TV and being absolutely furious about it!

Football Team: Shrewsbury Town FC (my home town)

Favourite Object: My favourite objects are the early postcards from 1906 of women footballers - they're amusing, but thankfully times have changed!

Football Team: Preston North End

Favourite Object:  The 1966 world cup final ball because it was  involved in our first & only (yet) world cup win & the controversy surrounding it going over the goal line. If that ball could talk it would solve an argument that has rumbled on for years!

Football Team: Manchester United

Favourite Object: It's not really an object, more a collection. I love Stuart Clarke’s Homes of Football photographs – he captures what football means to people all over the world and gets behind the glossy facade to find humour and warmth at all levels of the game.

Football Team: FC St. Pauli, Hamburg.

Favourite Object: Difficult as they are all great, but if  I have to choose one it would be a 1922 English Ladies Football Association medal awarded to Stoke Ladies player L. Bridgett for winning the Ladies’ English Cup Competition. This shows that despite the FA’s ban on Women’s football in 1921 the women’s game was still very much in existence.

Football Team: Manchester City

Favourite Object: As a lifelong City fan, my favourite object has to be the crown made for Colin Bell by a fan; a great story and lovely to know that Colin Bell kept the crown for all those years.

Favourite object: the Ugandan batik from the FIFA collection. I love it because it's big and colourful and perfectly expresses the notion of bringing together the community through the game of football!

Football Team: Derby County FC

Favourite Object: My favourite object is the Liverpool beach ball. I like it because it is an unusual object for a museum to have and therefore shows that museums aren’t just full of what you would expect.  It has such a colourful history too. A history which represents different things to different people, something which also may be surprising when you first look at it. It has sparked a controversial debate on the Laws of the Game. I hope it will intrigue our visitors for  years to come and continue to inspire debate and discussion, something which museums should always do!

Football Team: Buxton FC

Favourite Object: The original FA Cup trophy 1895-1910 (loaned by David Gold) because it was handled by famous players of over 100 years ago: including Billy Meredith of Man City & United and William Foulke of Sheffield United.It's a beautiful Victorian piece of silverware and the most valuable item of football memorabilia ever sold at auction.

Football Team: Newcastle United FC

Favourite Object: Caricature of Newcastle United captain Colin Veitch by Alf Morton, c1909. I like it because its caricatures like this, plus a little bit of imagination, that bring early players to life. Colin Veitch was a skilful midfielder and this gives a sense of what it might been like to see him in action. Alf Morton, the artist, produced these for publication in newspapers but took the trouble to hand colour the originals. It gives them an immediacy and charm that makes them better than any photograph.

Football Team: Liverpool

Favourite Object: My favourite object is the Peruvian padded textile: I love that it's vibrant and celebratory. I also really like the fact that it can be used as inspiration for children to create similar ones.  Or a textile artist could create a huge one for handling with Velcro bits and different tactile materials. This would be ideal for visitors with visual impairments, learning difficulties or very young children.

Football Team:  Newcastle United FC

Favouirite Object: so much to choose but a recent object is from the Justin Campaign; it's a pink and blue sparkly world cup, so what's not to like!  The serious message is though that the Justin Campaign is working towards ending homophobia in the beautiful game, so a great opportunity for us to help flag this up.

Football Team: Ipswich Town

Favourite Object: I love the idea that we have a football painting in the museum by Cecil Beaton, who's far more famous for his photographs of fashion and of 'high society'. 

Football Team: Blackpool FC

Favourite Object: Stanley Matthews' shirt from the 1953 final, for obvious reasons (see above)!

Football Team: Aston Villa

Football Team: Bolton Wanderers

Favourite Object: It has to be the Jules Rimet trophy. I can remember my brothers and I making little flags for every competing country!

Football Team: Manchester United.

Favourite Object: The 1896 FA Cup trophy because of its intricate detailing and sheer shininess!

Paul Dermody OBE has been Chair of the Trustees of the National Football Museum since 2007. He is a Chartered Management Accountant , a Fellow of The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce and the Institute of Hospitality. He is a Companion of  The Chartered Management Institute. Formally Chief Executive of the De Vere Group plc.He is currently Non Executive Director for AgaRangemaster plc and Majestic Wine plc and is Chairman of Conferma Ltd and Chairman of  Hospitality Action (Northern Committee).

Fayyaz is a Senior Business Analyst/Database Administrator at the University of Central Lancashire.  He has been employed at the university for the past 26 years. Fayyaz is also a qualified youth worker with over 25 years of youth work experience delivering youth work provisions for the young people of the Avenham/Frenchwood area of Preston.  His youth work has entailed working on various projects such as sports, outdoor education, health and international cultural exchanges. Fayyaz is an active member of the community at the local mosque, involved in both youth and community work. Fayyaz enjoys playing/watching football and travelling. Married with two children he lives in Preston.

Mike Amesbury is currently the Executive (Cabinet) Member for Culture and Leisure, taking up the role after the May 2008 elections. He was elected to Manchester City Council in 2006, representing the Fallowfield Ward. Mike has a Social Science Bachelor of Arts Degree, and is Postgraduate Qualified in careers guidance and education. His political achievements over the last three years include staging the first Manchester International Festivals, and the 2008 – A Year of World Sport programme, which included the UCI Track Cycling World Championships, the 9th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m), the BUPA Great Manchester Run, the UEFA Cup Final and the Hi-Tec World Squash Championships. This built upon the legacy of the successful Commonwealth Games in 2002. Mike’s particular interests are Manchester United, and utilising the cultural economy to improve the life chances of Manchester residents. He is Chair of the Velodrome Trust (National Cycling Centre) Manchester Concert Halls Limited (Bridgewater Hall), the Library Theatre Board, the Manchester Sport and Leisure Trust, Manchester International Festival and the Cornerhouse Trust. 

Simon was educated at Pendlebury High School, Manchester Metropolitan University and Manchester Business School. On leaving school in 1981 he embarked on a 19 year career as a professional footballer at Blackburn Rovers, Queens Park Rangers and Port Vale, appearing in 621 competitive matches, scoring 84 goals and earning 4 England U-21 caps. After retiring from professional football in 2000, he joined the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) as a full-time executive. In his role at the PFA he manages contractual, regulation and disciplinary issues between players, clubs and governing bodies, and educates players at clubs on issues that affect their careers such as anti-doping, betting, discipline, agents, pensions, insurance and retraining for a second career. As well as his position at the National Football Museum, he is also a Trustee of the Professional Footballers Pension Scheme and a Director of the Professional Players Federation and Sport Resolutions (UK). 

Sir Howard Bernstein joined the City Council as Junior Clerk, rising to become the Council’s Chief Executive in 1998. Following the terrorist bombing of the City Centre in 1996 he was appointed Chief Executive of Manchester Millennium Limited, the public/private sector Task Force set up by the Government and the City Council to oversee the redesign and rebuilding of the City Centre, a task successfully delivered to critical acclaim on time and on budget. Sir Howard is known for his business acumen; for forging partnerships with the City’s key players; and for successfully attracting millions of pounds into the City.  He played a key role in the regeneration of Hulme, the first area in the UK to attract City Challenge status, and subsequent area regeneration initiatives, most recently in East Manchester; in major projects including The Bridgewater Hall, the Velodrome and the Arena, and the new International Convention Centre; the City of Manchester Stadium and SportCity Complex and City Art Gallery. Since the mid 1980’s, he has been Clerk to Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority and took a lead in introducing Metrolink, the UK’s first on-street public transport system which is currently being expanded further across the conurbation. He was involved in the establishment of Manchester Airport as a plc in the mid-1980’s and has driven the expansion of the company into the next stage of commercial and physical development. Sir Howard was instrumental in securing Manchester as Host City for the XVII Commonwealth Games in 2002, which was the largest multi-sport event ever hosted by the UK and the most successful Games ever. Regular business surveys of the top 100 financial figures in the NW consistently rate him one of the most influential.  Recognition of Sir Howard's contribution to Manchester includes being awarded an honorary degree by UMIST in 2003, Manchester University in 2004, Manchester Metropolitan University in 2005 and Mancunian of the Year also in 2003.  Sir Howard was knighted for his services to Manchester in the New Year’s Honours 2003.  The Financial Times group FDI named Sir Howard as their European personality of the year 2004.  Sir Howard was recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Regeneration and Renewal Awards in September 2008.  The Confederation of Business Industry North West named Sir Howard as their business leader of the year in December 2009 for his innovation and initiative in leading the Council. Sir Howard took up appointment as Chairman of Blackpool URC from July 2008 to March 2010.

Professor Steven Broomhead holds the Chair of Entrepreneurial Education at Liverpool Hope University. He also is the Chief Director of Institutional Advancement at the University. Prior to this Steven was Chief Executive of the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) from April 2003 and before that he was Chief Executive of Warrington Borough Council (Unitary). From 1994 to 1997, Steven was the Principal and Chief Executive of Warrington Collegiate Institute. Steven is committed to the promotion of lifelong learning for which he was recently awarded the BT National Lifelong Learning Award for his contribution to skills and education. Steven is the Non Executive Chairman of Warrington Wolves Rugby Super League Football Club since 2009 and was Deputy Chairman from 2004. He is also a non-Executive Chairman of ‘Recycling Lives’ which is a major waste recycling company based in Lancashire with a national/global remit (turnover £20m). He is the independent Chairman of the Health & Wellbeing Board which sets the priorities for the Health Service in Warrington.  He is the non-Executive Chairman of Chester Renaissance – the private/public vehicle that drives regeneration in the City of Chester. 

An accomplished and experienced HR Director, with in depth knowledge of both Hospitality and retail sectors. Currently People & Development Director at Village Hotels, with 26 UK locations. Passionate about developing people and helping them realise their potential to develop – at all levels. Enthusiastic follower of football – both ladies and men’s games. 

Lord Faulkner of Worcester is an active “working peer” and a Deputy Speaker of the House. He was Sponsor of Sports Grounds Safety Authority Act 2010 and Chairman of the all-party inquiry into betting on sport 2004-2005. He is vice-chair for the all-party parliamentary football group. He holds and has held many football related posts, including Vice President, The Football Conference 2007-2009, 2010 onwards; Vice-President, The National Association of Disabled Supporters;  Member of FIFA Task Force “For the Good of the Game” 2006-2009; Trustee, Foundation for Sport and the Arts 2000 onwards; first deputy chairman, secretary and founder trustee, The Football Trust 1979-1998; Member, Sports Council (Great Britain) 1986-88; Chairman, Sports Grounds Initiative 1995-2000; Member, Safer Sports Grounds Panel 1998-2004; Member Football League enquiry into membership schemes 1984; Member Football League anti-hooliganism committee 1987-90; Chair, Women’s Football Association 1988-91; Vice-chair, Government’s Football Task Force 1997-1999; Member, Home Office Working Group on football disorder 2000-02; Former director Wimbledon, Crystal Palace, Brighton and Hove Albion, and Oxford United football clubs. He qualified as a referee (Oxfordshire County FA) whilst a student at Oxford University and was Deputy Chairman, Cardiff Millennium Stadium plc 2004-2008, (Director1997- 2004).

Clive has beens Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce since September 2010. Prior to this he was a Director of Robinson Keane the executive recruitment consultancy and is also a very experienced Non Executive Director. He is Chairman of Enworks, a business support programme that works with NW SME’s to improve their environmental and economic performance and is a non executive Director of Brockholes Enterprises Ltd, the commercial company of the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire Ltd. Following his appointment at the Chamber, he stepped down as Chair of Stoneleigh Park Ltd, the commercial arm of the Royal Agricultural Society of England. Vice Chair of Preston College and a Director of the North & West Lancashire Chamber of Commerce. He is an Honorary Research Fellow of Lancaster University Management School and has co-authored a book on improving business performance through effective and practical employee engagement – “Growing your own Heroes”. After qualifying as a lawyer he enjoyed a successful career in both industry and the public sector holding senior positions in the Hepworth, Steetley and Redland Groups and as MD of Tate Access Floor Systems before becoming Chief Executive of Business Link Lancashire, a role he held for over 8 years. Clive has lead, and managed, change successfully in the Public, Private and Third Sectors and is a firm believer in a people and values-driven approach to effective performance.

Sir Howard Newby, KB, CBE, BA, PhD, AcSS, is Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool. Prior to this he was Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West of England (UWE) in Bristol, the Chief Executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), President of Universities UK, and President of the British Association for the Advancement of Science. He was made a CBE in 1995 for services to social science and a knighthood in 2000 for services to higher education. Sir Howard was formerly a Professor of Sociology in both the UK and USA and has published a large number of books and articles on social change in rural England.  He is an honorary fellow of Lancaster University Management School and has co-authored a book on improving business performance through effective and practical employee engagement – “Growing your own Heroes”. After qualifying as a lawyer he enjoyed a successful career in both industry and the public sector holding senior positions in the Hepworth, Steetley and Redland Groups and as MD of Tate Access Floor Systems before becoming Chief Executive of Business Link Lancashire, a role he held for over 8 years. Clive has lead, and managed, change successfully in the Public, Private and Third Sectors and is a firm believer in a people and values-driven approach to effective performance.

Ian is the CEO of Sportech PLC, and has led its strategic repositioning and business turnaround into one of the world's largest pools and tote betting organisations, focusing on highly regulated markets worldwide. With the main headquarters in London, with operational offices in the UK, USA, Europe and Asia. Sportech provides pari-mutuel betting on football, horseracing and greyhounds, together with a developing e-gaming business. Prior to joining Sportech, Ian was CEO of Arena Leisure Plc, where he built the UK’s largest horseracing and media group. He is also a keen supporter of Preston North End. 

Vicky Rosin has worked in local government for over thirty years, both in service departments and in central policy departments. From 2001, Vicky headed Manchester City Council’s Commonwealth Games Unit responsible for coordinating those Council services that contributed to the successful delivery of the Games.  After the Games Vicky was responsible for ensuring that the legacy of the Games was captured for the City, through the development of an integrated Marketing and Events strategy. In 2003 she took up the post of Director of Libraries and Theatres and in September 2005, Vicky was appointed as Assistant Chief Executive with responsibility for Culture.  Vicky is the Lead Officer for Council support of the Manchester International Festival. In May 2009 Vicky was appointed as the Strategic Director of Neighbourhood Services, a post in which she has recently been redesignated as Deputy Chief Executive (Neighbourhoods).  In June 2009 Vicky was awarded an MBE for her services to Local Government.

Moira Stevenson has spent her career in the museum, heritage and arts sectors. Having worked in various curatorial and management roles she retiring as Head of Manchester City Galleries in 2011. She is still actively engaged in the sector as a trustee of a number of museum and heritage organisations.

Hedley Swain is Director of Museums at Arts Council England. Past posts include Director of Programmes, and Head of Museum Policy at the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council and Head of Early London History and Collections at the Museum of London. He has published and lectured widely on museum matters and is an Honorary Lecturer at University College London.  His early career was as an archaeologist. Hedley is a lifelong Charlton Athletic supporter and with his son Finlay currently has a season ticket in the West Stand at the Valley.