East Kilbride-based Goals Soccer Centres said it appointed Andrew Anson as its chief executive with effect from April 23, 2018.

Anson has held senior roles at The Walt Disney Company, at Channel 4 in the UK, was commercial director for Manchester United plc and served as chief executive of the unsuccessful England 2018 FIFA World Cup bid and for ATP Europe.

“More recently, over a five-year period from 2011, whilst CEO of Kitbag Limited, an e-commerce focused, multi-channel sports retail business, he successfully led its recovery in profits, significantly grew its revenues and oversaw its successful sale to Fanatics Inc,” said Goals.

During 2017, he was global president, Teneo Sports.

Goals also announced a “reallocation of board responsibilities” in order to increase a strategic emphasis on its North American joint venture business and international prospects.

“Whilst Nick Basing will remain a non-executive director of the plc board, he will hand over, with immediate effect, the responsibilities of chairman, on an interim basis, to Michael Bolingbroke the senior independent director, until a new non-executive chairman is appointed,” said Goals.

“This will allow Nick Basing, in due course, to increase his focus and devote time to his role as chairman of the company’s joint venture with City Football Group and further its international growth prospects.”

Basing said: “We are delighted that Andy is joining the board to lead the business in its next phase of development.

“After a very thorough process, Andy is the standout candidate to take Goals forward.

“Andy has an ideal blend of leadership skills, a passion for football and proven expertise in modernising businesses.

“We are confident that Andy’s skillset will contribute to the future delivery from Goal’s investment led recovery strategy.

“I am looking forward to spearheading the company’s strategically important development of Goal’s US based joint venture with City Football Group.

“I am also delighted to be continuing on the plc board to see through the company’s recovery strategy, put in place in 2016, which has already delivered significant improvements.”

Anson said: “I am excited to be joining Goals at this time.

“I look forward to working with the very experienced board and the team at Goals to drive the business forward over the coming years.

“Strong foundations have already been laid and I welcome the opportunity to build on these and to explore new opportunities for growth.”