Adrian Bevington

Owner

Adrian Bevington Sport & PR Ltd

Middlesbrough, UK

Biography

Adrian Bevington is one of football's most experienced communications professionals and has also held various senior leadership positions within the industry.

He is presently working as a Sports and Communications Consultant. Previously, he enjoyed 17 years at The English Football Association. After a long period as Group Communications Director, Adrian was rewarded with the leadership postion of Club England Managing Director. This saw him responsible for all operational management of 24 England national teams. At The FA he was part of the executive management team, overseeing the Wembley Stadium rebuild and opening of St. George’s Park. Bevington was also prominently involved in five World Cups and three European Championships. He was directly involved in the recruitment of current England Manager Gareth Southgate into the organisation.

Post FA, he successfully formed his own sports and communications consultancy, Adrian Bevington Sport & PR Ltd. The company thrived, acting as tournament advisor for the Football Association of Wales for Euro 2016, dealing with all operational aspects as the team historically reached the semi-finals. Other highlights include acting as communications advisor to Andrea Radrizzani during the six-month period he was purchasing Leeds United and similarly, performing as UK communications advisor during the purchase of Portsmouth FC by Michael Eisner’s Tornante Group. As a consultant he provided senior executive leadership to owner and board of Nottingham Forest FC and Aston Villa FC.

Adrian has also worked with commercial organisations such as Pitch International LLP and Dugout and UEFA. More recently, he returned to his home town club Middlesbrough FC, where he was a part of Club Executive Management Team and Board until December 2019.

Adrian Bevington’s Newsfeed

PR Week

'Premier League stars must pitch in on pay to retain public support' - former FA comms chief

Bevington, who also served as the managing director of Club England in a 17-year career at English football's governing body, told PRWeek that footballers, managers and club officials must come together and agree collective pay cuts – an idea that “ties in with the public mood” as the pandemic wreaks havoc on the lives of football fans and communities.

Adrian Bevington Sport & PR Ltd

Owner

Jan 2015 - May 2018

Saffron Walden, UK

A former sports and communications consultancy, Adrian Bevington Sport & PR Limited provided executive advice, guidance on purchases to club owners and project planning. Whilst in operation, the company was renowned for its specialism in corporate communications, commercial partnership and worked numerous high profile individuals and sporting organisations.

Middlesbrough FC

Executive Management

May 2018 - Dec 2019

Middlesbrough, UK

Formed in 1876, Middlesbrough are an English professional football club situated in North Yorkshire. The club has played its home matches at The Riverside stadium since 1995, their third stadium since turning professional. Middlesbrough were one of the founding members of the Premier League in 1992 and achievements include a League Cup success in 2004.

The Football Association

Club England Managing Director/Director of Communications/Head of Media

Nov 1997 - Dec 2014

London, UK

Established in 1863, The Football Association is the governing body of association football in England. It is the oldest football association in the world and oversees all aspects of football within the country, from grassroots level upwards. The body runs a whole host of competitions, the most famous of these the world-renowned FA Cup and its base is at the historic Wembley Stadium, in London.

Middlesbrough FC

Senior Publications and Press Officer

May 1995 - Nov 1997

Middlesbrough, UK

Middlesbrough FC

Freelance Writer

Aug 1989 - Jun 1995

Middlesbrough, UK

Imperial Chemical Industries

Trainee Reporter

Jun 1987 - Feb 1989

Middlesbrough, UK

A former British chemicals company, Imperial Chemical Industries was for a large proportion of its existence, the country's largest manufacturer. Formed in 1926 following the merger of four British chemical companies, the brand produced paints, food ingredients, electronic materials, flavourings, fragrances and speciality polymers.

View allHide

Current Non-Executive Positions

North Riding County Football Association

Independent Director

Aug 2019 - Present

Stokesley, UK

Acting as the governing body of football in North Riding, Yorkshire, The North Riding County Football Association oversees cup competitions and provides support with matters including finance and health and safety. Its headquarters are located in the town of Stokesley, seven miles south of Middlesbrough.

Previous Non-Executive Positions

UCFB

Advisory Board Member

Sep 2015 - Sep 2016

London, UK

Established in 2011, the University Campus of Football Business is a higher education institution, offering both undergraduate and post graduate degrees in the football business, sport and events industries. UCFB has three campus locations throughout England, including Wembley Stadium and the organisation boasts a plethora of reputable connections, ideal for those desiring a career in sport.

Philanthropy

Sporting Memories Network

Patron

Mar 2015 - Present

London, UK

Sporting Memories Network coordinates a variety of projects that aim to enrich the lives of older people. Founded in 2011, the charity implements the use of sports images and memorabilia, allowing individuals to reminisce about significant sporting moments and in the process, improve their mental health and physical wellbeing.

NSPCC

Sport Board

May 2016 - Present

London, UK

Working to combat child abuse, the NSPCC is an independent charity that has remained committed to such a crucial cause for over 100 years and in doing so, proudly leads the way as the UK's top such organisation. 90% of its funding originates from supporters and every single penny donated allows the charity to reach as many children in need as possible.

Media

Sky Sports

Media Appearance - "Bevington: UEFA made right decision"

Mar 2020

London, UK

Adrian speaks out on the coronavirus pandemic and expresses his support for UEFA in how they have dealt with the issues that have arisen.

Publications

From Doom to Boom: Most Dramatic Decade in the Life of Middlesbrough FC

Co-Author

Nov 1996

Middlesbrough, UK

As a born and raised supporter, having also worked for his beloved "Boro" in official capacities, there could be nobody more suitable to document an unsettling period during 1986 that saw Middlesbrough sink into liquidation. Adrian combines with co-author, Dave Allan, and together, with the help of former players and managers, they chart the club's revival.