Founder of the famous Right to Dream Academy, Tom Vernon, has revealed departing Manchester United football director John Murtough was critical to the success of the Ghana-based football academy.
The English Premier League side announced on Tuesday that Murtough will leave the club after eleven years of service in different capacities.
Vernon said Murtough made trips to Ghana to fraternise with players at the academy before transferring them to Europe when others turned down their requests.
“Not many people know but John is one of the few people who was critical to the success of Right to Dream,” Vernon wrote on LinkedIn.
“I spent many years in the early 2000s trying to engage European clubs in our mission. Everyone apart from Fulham where John was the academy director ignored us. John flew to Ghana and diligently built relationships with some of our best players.
“He offered many development attachments and pro contracts to our first-ever Pros from RtD. He paid transfer fees that no one else was willing to pay in the African market and set us on our way.
“When he moved to Everton he did the same thing.”
The former Right to Dream Chief Executive Officer also eulogised Murtough for his exemplary human relationship, adding that he still aspires to be like him.
“I always aspired to treat people with the class and EQ John does and it’s still a work in progress to get to his level.
“His leadership style breads positive culture. He one of the best leaders in the game and will be a bigger loss than many can see.
“I’m forever grateful to have met him and received his support and inspiration.
“They don’t make them like that anymore.”