Forge FC Names Jelani Smith As Director Of Soccer Operations

The internal staff role restructurings of Forge FC have continued with the promotion of Jelani Smith as the club’s new Director Of Soccer Operations.

Smith, a retired Guyanese international who wrapped up his playing career with Forge feeder club Sigma FC in 2019, has been with the three-time CPL champions for every year of the club’s existence. He’s now signed on as the team’s Manager of Football Operations in 2018, and has impressed club brass through his continued service ever since.

The internal movement was triggered by the exit of the club’s former Director of Football, Costa Smyrniotis, who joined the league office as the CPL’s Executive VP of Soccer. Following the move, head coach and technical director Bobby Smyrniotis was signed to a new four-year deal, while also adding Sporting Director to his list of Forge FC titles.

The movement led to the promotion for Smith, whom Bobby describes as being an instrumental part of the club right from the beginning.

“His continued growth within the club and expertise of the soccer landscape makes him the ideal candidate for this role,” adds Smyrniotis, “and I am excited to work alongside him to continue to build on the identity and culture we have set here at Forge FC.”

Jelani added that he was thrilled to take on his new role and thanks the Hamilton Sports Group for the opportunity.

“I have had the opportunity to learn from both Costa and Bobby’s extensive wealth of knowledge over the past five years,” adds Jelani, “and will use the experiences I have gained to aid in the continued development of the vision and identity of Forge FC.”

The hammers remain undefeated three matches into the season, having retained nearly all of their title-winning roster from last year. Forge will be back in action this Friday for the first 905 Derby of the year, away to York United.