Simon Van Kerckhoven is Founder of the football business consultancy firm, DIAS - Developing Intelligence and Advice in Soccer, located in Belgium. He was previously Chief Operating Officer of the Belgian football club Lommel SK and a consultant for City Football Group. In addition, Simon has advised multiple investors on the acquisition of football clubs and football business strategies. Recently, Simon founded Zurafa Football Capital, a private equity fund focused on investments in high-potential, undervalued football clubs.

PART I GENERAL FRAMEWORK OF FOOTBALL CLUB MANAGEMENT

1 Introduction to football business

2 The continuous circle of football clubs

3 Business models

4 Revenue generation

PART II ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE OF A FOOTBALL CLUB

5 Introduction human resources in football business

6 Human resource management

PART III STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS OF FOOTBALL CLUB MANAGEMENT

7 Brand identification

8 Brand positioning

9 Customer relationship management

10 Legal support and regulations

11 Financial management

12 Strategic planning

13 Marketing and media

14 Communication management

15 Partnership and sponsorship

16 Ticketing

17 Hospitality

18 Venue management

19 Merchandise

20 Business development

21 Corporate social responsibility

PART IV CONCLUSION: REFLECTIONS ON THE FUTURE OF FOOTBALL CLUB MANAGEMENT

22 The evolution of football business