Coyle joins the PFA after almost a decade working in operational, commercial and finance roles at Manchester United, most recently as Chief of Staff to the CEO of Media.

In his time at Manchester United he played a major part in the innovation and growth of the club’s digital channels, overseeing and co-ordinating teams around the delivery of a number of significant strategic business projects.

Coyle, who was recruited through an independent and competitive process earlier this year, will report directly to PFA Chief Executive, Maheta Molango. He will be responsible for providing internal leadership to key departments at the PFA and driving operational efficiency, effective business change and strategic planning activities.

The newly created role will also include responsibility for governance, change management, operations, technology, safe-guarding, estates and resources and risk management.

Coyle is one of a number of new hires at the PFA, which has recently undertaken a programme of reform to its structures and governance. These changes include the establishment of new Operational and Player Boards and Molango’s appointment last summer as the union’s new CEO.

Maheta Molango, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Patrick to the team. This is a key appointment for the PFA and one that will help ensure that, across the organisation, our staff can work strategically and effectively to provide the best possible support and services to those we serve – our members.

“Patrick brings with him a wealth of industry experience from his time at Manchester United, which I believe will be of huge benefit to the organisation.”

Patrick Coyle, added: “It’s a great time to be joining the PFA, an organisation that has a major role representing those who play the game at a time of significant change for the sport.

“Maheta and the team have a clear strategic vision for the future of the PFA and I’m looking forward to working with the union’s talented and dedicated staff to bring that to life.”

The PFA is the world’s oldest professional sport trade union and represents over 55,000 current and former players across the Premier League, English Football League (EFL) and Women’s Super League (WSL).