Ex-Liverpool and Premier League talent guru Malcolm Elias who was behind rise of Trent Alexander and Gareth Bale dies
Fulham FC confirmed Elias' passing in a statement on social media.
1
The post read: "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our colleague and dear friend, Malcolm Elias, after a short illness.
"The Club's Head of Academy Recruitment, Malcolm had a fantastic reputation in football for unearthing and nurturing young talent.
"A proud Welshman, Malcolm was approaching his 16th anniversary at Craven Cottage this summer, having joined us from Liverpool in July 2009, while he also previously enjoyed a highly successful spell at Southampton alongside future Fulham colleagues Huw Jennings and Steve Wigley.
"The influence that Malcolm had on the modern game cannot be understated, having worked with and developed the likes of Theo Walcott, Gareth Bale, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harvey Elliott, Luke Harris and Jay Stansfield, to name but a few.
"A hugely popular figure around the training ground, Malcolm will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Paula - Malcolm's ever devoted and endlessly supportive wife of nearly 50 years - his sons Andrew and Daniel, his six beloved grandchildren, as well as his additional family and friends."
Elias was always highly respected within football, having helped to identify and nurture some of the Premier League's best young talents.
The academy recruitment expert previously worked with Liverpool before joining Fulham in 2009 - helping the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harvey Elliott get their breakthroughs.
Prior to his time on Merseyside Elias worked with Southampton, where he had an impact on the early emergence of the likes of Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Luke Shaw and Gareth Bale.
Tributes for the iconic figure have started pouring in as the football world mourns the loss.
QPR posted: "We're so sorry for your loss.
"Sending sincere condolences to Malcolm's loved ones and all at Fulham."
While Oxford United, where Elias worked as an Academy Manager in the 1980s, posted: "Oxford United were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Malcolm Elias.
"A former teacher in Blackbird Leys, Malcolm began working at United in the 80's as an Academy Manager.
"A much loved person and coach at the Club for more than a decade, Malcolm is an integral part of the Club's history, helping bring through talents such as Joey Beauchamp.
"Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this time. RIP."
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
27 minutes ago
- BBC News
Swansea beaten by Cheltenham
Swansea City lost 2-1 away to Mike Flynn's Cheltenham Town in their latest pre-season friendly on Wednesday hosts went ahead early in the second half but Swansea levelled when a Cheltenham player conceded an own goal from Josh Tymon's the League Two side secured the victory during the final 10 minutes with Lee Angol scoring for the hosts.
The Sun
27 minutes ago
- The Sun
Win free kit for your kids' football team courtesy of Octopus Energy in our brilliant competition
FANCY getting your kids' footie team kitted out for the new season? The Sun has teamed up with Octopus Energy to offer 100 teams across the UK a FREE set of football strips including shirts, shorts and goalie kits. There are 1,000 Octopus-sponsored kits up for grabs and the 100 selected teams will be able to choose from 13 kit options in different colourways. Apply by midnight on July 31 and the kits will be ready for the new season in September. Open to teams serving children aged 16 and below, you just need to enter the code SUNOCTOKIT, tell us your team name, age group and contact details. The energy firm started its Kits For Kids drive last year and gave away 27,000 strips to clubs around the country. The costs of kits is one of the biggest outlays for grassroots clubs, with average prices for strips costing £250-£300 in total. After seeing huge demand for its original campaign, Octopus has teamed up with us to offer a special batch of strips just for Sun readers. Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, chief product officer at Octopus Energy, said: 'We've decked out more than 27,000 kids in free Octopus Kits, and we're delighted to extend an exclusive offer to Sun readers with an extra 1,000 strips. 'With opportunities for grassroots teams to win more goodies and awesome prizes, we can't wait to see the next generation of stars dazzle their opponents in their new Octokits.' Here we meet some of the teams who benefitted last year. Footie hero backs campaign to give grassroots football teams free kits - here's how to get your freebies SAVING SOULS FC 3 SAVING Souls established a football team for young women and girls in Lewisham, South East London, in 2024 with the aim of creating a community, combating isolation and helping mental health. A Savings Souls men's team launched in 2022 but founder Kerry Phillips, 38, wanted to set up a women's team, too. He said: 'Thanks to the Octopus kit we have now been able to realise our dream of establishing a women and girls' team because our funds go much further as the kit costs are covered. 'Before then, our ambitions were limited by resources. 'We chose bright yellow shirts and black shorts because we want women's football to shine bright.' Saving Souls goes beyond football. At the end of every session there is a circle where the players can chat and older girls can mentor younger girls. Club captain Nevaeh Phillips said: 'Our new kit really gives us our own identity, separate from the boys' team. 'It's vibrant and unique, and it will help us stand out, attracting more girls and young women.' POOLE TOWN FC WESSEX 3 POOLE Town FC Wessex began in 1989 with just one team. Today they have grown to 29 teams providing football for 400 local children. The club is also linked to the Poole Town Kids Initiative, which provides free football sessions for youngsters across the area. Alex Crabb, coach at Poole Town FC Wessex Under-8s, said: 'Football clubs unite all people from different cultures and backgrounds and bring them together with a shared passion. 'By having access to initiatives like this, it's enabled the children to feel proud to be part of a team and learn social and sporting skills.' Austin Smyth, one of the players with the Under-8s, said: 'I love the kit, especially the bright, cool colour of it. 'I've been wearing it to the park, around the house and to school on special days.' ALMONDSBURY UTD FC, GLOUCS 3 THE Gloucestershire team has been a powerhouse for youth football since it was established in 1969. With more than 300 kids playing each week, plus a men's team, the Under-11s side were the lucky winners of the Octokits. Coach Matthew Jackson, 41, said: 'The free Almondsbury Utd kit is a dream come true. 'The vibrant colour is eye-catching, and the quality is top-notch. 'Plus, the iconic club crest adds the perfect finishing touch. 'The kids love it and they all feel like they've won a competition.' Club player Lana-Jane Roberts, 11, said: 'Thank you Octopus Energy for supporting Almondsbury United FC in making us a kit. 'I love how the blue, pink and white looks. 'I really feel it makes us look like a professional team. 'Thank you so much for choosing us.' HOW TO ENTER SCAN the QR code above or go to Enter the code SUNOCTOKIT. Then tell us your name, email address, phone number, team name and its age group. Applicants must be 18 or over and resident in England, Scotland or Wales and be a reader of The Sun newspaper to be eligible to apply on behalf of the football team. One hundred teams will be chosen at random. Entries close at midnight on July 31. Promotion closes at midnight on July 31, 2025. Open to residents of England, Scotland and Wales aged 18 or older, excluding employees/agents of Octopus Energy Ltd or News Group Newspapers Ltd. One entry pp. Nominated teams must not have a shirt sponsor and must consist of players under 16, with the exception of mixed-age teams that include children under 16. Winners selected at random and notified on August 1, 2025. No cash alternative. and prize non-transferable. Your info will be used to administer this promotion and otherwise. For full T&Cs, see
BBC News
27 minutes ago
- BBC News
Grealish among Napoli targets - Thursday's gossip
Manchester City winger Grealish among Napoli targets, Javi Guerra rejects Valencia contract amid Manchester United interest and Tottenham monitor United midfielder Kobbie City and England winger Jack Grealish, 29, is one of several left-sided players being considered by Napoli. (Corriere dello Sport - in Italian), externalJavi Guerra has rejected an offer to renew his contract with Valencia, with Manchester United said to be monitoring the 22-year-old Spanish midfielder. (Marca - in Spanish), externalTottenham are closely monitoring Kobbie Mainoo, with the Manchester United midfielder yet to agree a long-term extension to his contract, which expires in 2027. ( externalAtalanta plan to make a move for Liverpool and Italy winger Federico Chiesa, 27, if Juventus meet their €50m (£43m) valuation to sign Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman, 27. (Football Italia), external West Ham are in talks with Callum Wilson over a free transfer following the 33-year-old England striker's release from Newcastle. (Sky Sports), externalSpurs are monitoring the contract situation of Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha. The Bavarian club are open to talks should an offer arrive for the 30-year-old Portuguese international. (Florian Plettenberg), externalRB Leipzig have named attacking midfielder Xavi Simons in their training camp squad, despite the 22-year-old being linked with a move to Chelsea and the Dutch international holding talks over personal terms with the Blues. (Standard) , external Borussia Dortmund are interested in signing 20-year-old Brighton midfielder Facundo Buonanotte. The Argentina international spent last season on loan at Leicester City and has three years left on his contract. (Sky Sports), externalTalks between Marseille and Feyenoord for Brazilian winger Igor Paixao are at a standstill after the French club's £24m bid fell short of the asking price. (RMC - in French), externalLeeds United now retain hope of signing the 25-year-old. (Yorkshire Evening Post), externalTurkey midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu has been linked with a move away from Inter Milan but the 31-year-old says he wants to stay at the Italian club. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), externalManchester City want to keep Ederson despite Galatasaray expressing an interest in the 31-year-old Brazil goalkeeper, who is about to enter the final year of his contract. (The Independent), externalFulham are confident of keeping hold of academy midfielder Seth Ridgeon despite Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea showing interest in the 16-year-old England Under-17 captain. (Standard), external
