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
Malcom Elias has passed away
Credit: Fulham FC
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.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
"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.
Most read in Football
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."
MORE TO FOLLOW...
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video
.
Like us on Facebook at
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
6 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Infamous ‘Hand of God' shirt from England clash with Maradona up for auction for £300k along with Pele World Cup medal
THE England jersey worn by Peter Shilton during the infamous Hand of God 1986 World Cup quarter-final is going under the hammer. Shilton's grey-and-blue No 1 goalkeeper top, Advertisement 2 Peter Shilton's jersey from the 'Hand of God' moment is up for sale at auctino Credit: PA:Press Association 2 It could fetch as much as £300,000 Credit: PA It is part of a treasure trove of football memorabilia to be sold on behalf of Graham Budd Auctions during the 2026 World Cup finals in North and Central America. Other items available to buy in 12 months' time include Brazilian legend Gordon Banks' 1966 World Cup winners' medal from the 4-2 final triumph over West Germany at Wembley could fetch between £220,000 and 300,000. The No 7 long-sleeved match shirt worn by the late Alan Ball in that clash is priced at £150k-£200k. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL And a complete set of 1966 World Cup ticket stubs for all 32 matches has been valued at £7,000 to £10,000. England's 125-cap record-holder Shilton, 75, sold his kit to a private collector following their controversial finals exit. A special launch event in Manchester takes place today and several items from the collection will be showcased at Premier League and Championship grounds throughout the year. David Convery, head of sporting memorabilia at Graham Budd Auctions, said: 'Items like this don't come up for sale normally. Advertisement Most read in Football BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS 'The impact of Peter Shilton — and other greats like Pele — has been felt by the generations of footballers and fans that have followed, on an international scale. 'Pele remains the youngest World Cup goalscorer of all time. Neymar SENT OFF for attempting to score Maradona-style Hand of God goal ours after old club PSG win Champions League 'The infamous 1986 Hand of God quarter-final is a match of huge cultural and political significance. Advertisement 'It's a privilege to have them pass through our hands. 'As part of this year-long consignment drive, we'll visit the clubs that hosted 1966 World Cup matches, where the public will get a chance to view some of these iconic lots. 'Bring along your own memorabilia to be valued by our specialist team. 'You never know what treasure you might already have at home.' Advertisement The late Diego Maradona scored two goals — the first with his hand, the second with a sensational 40-yard dribble — as Argentina eliminated Bobby Robson's Three Lions from the '86 finals. Tunisian referee Ali Ben Nasser failed to spot the deliberate handball by the cheating Argies captain — who died aged 60 in November 2020 — and the controversy still rages. Former Nottingham Forest midfielder Steve Hodge nabbed Maradona's blue Argentina match shirt following the 2-1 Three Lions defeat. He stored it in his attic before it sold for £7.1MILLION — the most expensive piece of sports memorabilia ever. Advertisement
Irish Examiner
9 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Watch: Evan Ferguson receives hero's welcome in Rome as Brighton boss confirms loan deal
Brighton and Hove Albion have not ruled out Evan Ferguson returning to the club next year despite loaning the Irish striker to Roma with a €38m purchase option. The 20-year-old travelled with his delegation on Sunday by private jet Ciampino Airport, where he was greeted at by droves of excited fans. 🔴 Ecco Evan #Ferguson a Ciampino accolto da un centinaio di tifosi. Domani le visite mediche. Prestito oneroso da 3 milioni con diritto di riscatto da 38. — Checco Oddo Casano (@CheccoCasano) July 20, 2025 Ferguson hardly featured for the Seagulls following the arrival of Fabian Hürzeler as manager just over a year ago, gradually reintegrating him following injury before sanctioning a loan to West Ham United in January. That change of scene didn't spark a revival for the man from Bettystown in Co Meath. He struggled for game-time under David Moyes and despite Brighton recently losing João Pedro to Chelsea, the German manager didn't view Ferguson as a reliable option to spearhead their attack when the Premier League season begins on August 16 at home to Fulham. He's allowed him to join the Serie A giants for the season – believed to be based on a loan fee of €3m – with the option available to make the transfer permanent. As Ferguson arrived in the Italian capital to complete the formalities of the switch, Hürzeler provided his reasoning behind the decision, talking up the traits which led to a notional price tag of €100m after he'd scored a Premier League hat-trick against Newcastle United in September 2023. 'For us, it is always important that the individual player has an environment where they can develop,' he said. "We decided the loan was the best option (but) Evan is still a player of us. "He still brings us quality with him. He is a target player and I am sure when he gets more game-time he will one day be back and be an important player for us.' Time will tell whether that's doable as the Italian club have factored in first refusal on his future into the package. Ferguson will work under legendary head coach Gian Piero Gasperini during a pre-season programme that includes friendlies against Aston Villa and Everton in England three days apart in early August. The league opener for I Giallorossi is against Bologna on August 23.
The Irish Sun
12 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Man Utd ‘enter shock talks to sign £100m-rated Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson… but must sell host of flops first'
MANCHESTER UNITED have entered talks with Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson's agent over a potential move, reports claim. But Stamford Bridge chiefs have allegedly slapped a whopping £100MILLION price tag on the 24-year-old 2 Manchester United have entered talks with Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson's reps Credit: Getty According to United have approached Jackson's representative Ali Barat. But for United to fund such an eye-watering move, minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co. need to flog some deadweight first. United's stormy finances are well-documented - as is Chelsea 's long standing interest in Old Trafford outcast Alejandro Garnacho, who is valued at £70million. But manager READ MORE ON MAN UTD United are currently focused on off-loading their five-player 'Bomb Squad', who have been forced to train alone after 5pm when the rest of the squad have left Carrington. But Amorim will be boosted by the news that Marcus Rashford is closing in on a dream move to Although United prefer permanent move, Barca have allegedly agreed to cover Rashford's staggering £300,000-per-week wages. Meanwhile, Most read in Football 2 Jackson's Premier League stats last season Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford Meanwhile, Antony and Real Betis and PSV respectively, are up for sale. Amorim have already signed Why Man Utd could finally shift Jadon Sancho | Transfers Exposed But the hunt for a new No.9 is ongoing, with Hojlund missed several clear cut chances during Meanwhile, Jackson is up against some stiff competition at Stamford Bridge next season. striker Liam Delap's signature, with the Blues adding proven Prem goalscorer Joao Pedro for £60million shortly after. Following Chelsea 's Club World Cup glory in the USA , Jackson ended the season with 13 goals and six assists from 37 games. But 15 of those contributions came in just 30 Premier League appearances. If United were to ramp up their interest in Jackson, they would likely MAN UTD PLAYER RATINGS: Hojlund completely anonymous and Heaton worryingly man of the match MANCHESTER UNITED kicked off their pre-season adventure with a 0-0 draw against rivals Leeds. Ruben Amorim handed a start to new signing Matheus Cunha as the Red Devils put out a strong starting XI. They ended up changing the entire side for the second half. And more subs followed for United later on in the game. But who had a match to remember? And did anyone have a performance to forget?
