HEAD of UK scouting Ben Chorley has confirmed he is leaving Saints and Sport Republic this summer, citing it as “the right time”.
The former Football League defender has worked under the banner of the club’s owners since he was appointed to oversee Valenciennes in 2023.
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Chorley was the French club’s director of football for more than two years, having previously held the position at Swindon for the 2021/22 season.
He became the Saints head of UK scouting in August 2025, working alongside technical director Johannes Spors and head of recruitment Sam Stanton.
But he has confirmed he is set to depart the organisation altogether, going on to thank the likes of Rasmus Ankersen and Henrik Kraft in a new message.
On LinkedIn, Chorley posted: “I’ll be leaving Southampton and Sport Republic at the end of June. It’s the right time.
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“Working within a multi-club model as Sporting Director in Europe, and leading the UK side at Southampton, has been a privilege.
“The experiences – promotions and relegations across the clubs, being involved in hundreds of transfer transactions, and learning from high-level leaders in data, performance, finance, and process – have been invaluable.
“I’m usually one for short and sweet, but there are many people who deserve a thank you after the last three-and-a-half years.
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“Rasmus Ankersen – always three steps ahead. Your negotiation, innovation, and vision are like nothing I’ve seen. Henrik Kraft – thank you for the opportunity and your encouragement. Mark Bitcon – what a guy. You’ve changed my outlook on elite performance and emotional control.
“Alyson C Pendlebury – the best PA. You are incredible. René Saggiadi and Roberto Gagliardi – thank you for welcoming me and integrating me into the model.
“Fellow Sporting Directors Jason Wilcox, Ivan Mance, and Johannes Spors – I’ve taken something from each of you.
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“Sam Stanton – my travelling companion through thousands of miles and support through 6am to 1am transfer window days.
“The UK team – Craig Bannister, Wade Elliott, and Ged Murphy – what a rewarding season. It’s been a pleasure to manage you. I only wish we’d secured the Premier League promotion that was deserved.
“A big good luck to my friend and assistant coach at SFC, Ben Garner – see you soon. Now it’s time to enjoy a couple of weeks with family and see what the game brings in 2026/27.”
