our board members

At Who's Next Trials, we’re powered by a passionate and experienced team of football professionals dedicated to unearthing and developing the next generation of gifted and talented players.

Our team combines elite-level playing experience, top-tier scouting knowledge, UEFA-qualified coaching, corporate governance expertise, and a strong commitment to safeguarding and player welfare. Together, we ensure every player is given a fair, inspiring, and professional platform to shine.

Meet the experts behind the trials – the ones who know what it takes to succeed at the highest level and are here to support every young player on their journey.

founder & ceo

james johnson

James Johnson is the visionary founder behind Who’s Next Trials, a national football talent discovery programme giving gifted and talented young players the platform to be seen by professional scouts. With a background as an academy player at West Bromwich Albion, Nottingham Forest, and Birmingham City — and semi-professional experience at clubs like Redditch FC and Halesowen FC — James brings first hand understanding of the pathway challenges facing aspiring footballers.

His mission is clear, open doors for overlooked talent and ensure every gifted player, regardless of background, has a chance to shine. Through Who’s Next Trials, James is leading a movement to uncover the next generation of football stars from schools across England.

executive board member - HEAD OF TALENT IDENTIFICATION

SIMON johnson

Simon Johnson is a highly respected figure in the world of football, bringing a wealth of experience from every level of the professional game. A former Premier League and Football League striker, Simon’s career includes spells at Leeds United, Sunderland, Hull City,  and Darlington, among many others — giving him an unrivalled understanding of what it takes to succeed at the top.



Now a scout for Nottingham Forest, Simon leads on talent ID at Who’s Next Football Trials. His role is to oversee the player selection process, ensuring the highest calibre of talent progresses through to the final showcase at St George’s Park. With a sharp eye for potential and deep insight into what professional clubs are looking for, Simon is instrumental in bridging the gap between grassroots and pro-level football.

His knowledge, network, and experience make him a key force behind the success of Who’s Next.

executive board member - HEAD OF player development

MATT BAILEY

Matt Bailey brings elite-level insight and professionalism to Who’s Next Football Trials. A former professional footballer with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burton Albion, Matt has experienced the game at a high level and now channels that experience into developing the next generation. In addition to his playing career, Matt has coached within the academy systems at both Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion, working closely with talented young players and helping them progress through elite development pathways.

As a UEFA-qualified coach, Matt leads the delivery of all trial phases. He designs and implements dynamic, high-quality sessions that challenge and showcase each player’s ability. His focus is on creating a professional, engaging environment where nominated players can thrive and be seen at their very best.

Matt plays a crucial role in ensuring the standard of coaching across the programme matches the level of opportunity we’re providing.

executive board member - safety & welfare lead

sian jonson

Sian brings a wealth of experience and passion to Who’s Next Trials as the Head of Girls' Football Development. A former player for Birmingham City Ladies and Coventry City, Sian also proudly represented England at youth level during her early career. Known for her technical ability and leadership on the pitch, she continues to play competitively for Lye Town Ladies.

Sian is now playing a pivotal role in expanding Who’s Next Trials to provide opportunities for talented female players across the country. With a deep understanding of the women's game and a commitment to developing the next generation of female footballers, Sian is leading the design and delivery of a dedicated girls’ pathway within the programme. Her mission is to ensure that girls receive the same elite-level access, exposure, and scouting opportunities as their male counterparts.

non executive board member - Governance & Risk

MATTHEW morrison

Matthew is an experienced operations leader with a strong track record in strategy, governance, and delivery across complex projects. With a background in driving high performance. He brings a sharp focus on structure, accountability, and sustainable growth.

Passionate about youth development and grassroots sport, Matthew combines his leadership expertise with a deep understanding of risk management to help organisations to scale responsibly while staying true to its mission.

As a board advisor, Matthew supports the team in shaping long-term strategy, ensuring robust governance practices, and identifying key risks and opportunities as the platform grows.

executive board member - safety & welfare lead

sarah minks

Sarah is the safeguarding heart of Who’s Next Football Trials. With a background in welfare and extensive FA safeguarding qualifications, she ensures every environment we create is safe, inclusive, and supportive for all players involved.



Sarah holds certifications in Safeguarding Children, Welfare Officer Training, Player Welfare, and Committee Safeguarding, and she leads on all aspects of player protection and well-being. From trial day protocols to post-trial communication, Sarah’s role is to make sure every nominated player — and their family — feels safe, informed, and valued throughout the entire process. Her work is essential in building the trust that underpins everything we do.