Moreirense Futebol Clube has a new sporting director

Moreirense Futebol Clube announced on Tuesday the hiring of Pedro Costa, 55, as its new sporting director. The former technical coordinator of the women's teams at Famalicão and Vitória de Guimarães arrives after five years with the English Black Knight Football Club, which also owns Bournemouth. The move comes while the club sits 7th in the Primeira Liga with 43 points (12 wins, 7 draws, 15 losses) and a recent form of DLWLW.

What experience does Pedro Costa bring?

Costa served as assistant coach at Gil Vicente and B SAD, and as head coach at Vilaverdense during the 2020/21 season when the Campeonato de Portugal was still the third tier. Over the past five years he coordinated the women's squads of Famalicão until 2023 and then Vitória de Guimarães from 2023 to 2026. His résumé also includes integration into the Black Knight group, promising financial resources and international contacts. "Today, at Moreirense, we are part of a group and, therefore, that group, Black Knight, certainly provides us with other ambitions and conditions," Costa said in the official statement.

Why does the change matter for Moreirense?

The club has struggled to improve its goal difference, currently scoring 37 and conceding 49 for a -12 net. The board sees Costa’s arrival as a way to turn the Moreira de Cónegos badge into "a house that empowers, values and opens wide horizons for new players." The immediate goal is to narrow the 45‑point gap to leaders FC Porto and cement a mid‑table spot. The squad returns to training on Thursday, with medical exams scheduled for all players.

What comes next?

In the coming weeks, Costa is expected to set transfer policy and strengthen the academy, leveraging Black Knight’s network to attract young talent. The board also plans to boost physical and tactical preparation, aligning with the Vitória de Guimarães philosophy he helped implement. Meanwhile, fans hope the new leadership brings more consistency to a squad that has shown flashes of quality but still suffers from irregularity. The next test will be the derby against Braga, where the team will aim to prove the change is already taking effect.

How does the community react?

Moreirense supporters have greeted the news with cautious optimism. On social media, many praised Costa’s experience and the Black Knight link, while others reminded that the season still has 34 games left and immediate results are needed. "It’s a step in the right direction, but the work only starts now," wrote a fan on the club’s official forum. The atmosphere at Estádio Comendador Joaquim de Almeida Freitas feels more confident, and expectations are that the new management will provide the necessary boost for the campaign.

With the season halfway through, Moreirense Futebol Clube now relies on a strategic plan that blends national and international experience. If all goes as planned, the team could finish above the relegation zone and perhaps even chase a spot in European qualification.