Edinburgh City Football Club revealed on November 28, 2025, the hiring of Stefano Pieraccini as its new Commercial Director in a fresh role aimed at boosting business ties and growth. This move comes as the club pushes for stronger finances and community links in Scottish League Two, with Pieraccini bringing his skills from hospitality and marketing to drive sponsorships and fan involvement.
Stefano Pieraccini’s Background and Expertise
Stefano Pieraccini stands out as a young leader in Scotland’s business scene, especially in restaurants and hospitality. At 29 years old, he has built a strong track record running the Rocca Group, which owns spots like Seafood Ristorante in St Andrews and Rico’s Ristorante in Edinburgh’s New Town.
His journey started early, taking over family businesses and growing them into popular brands. Pieraccini has handled marketing, partnerships, and revenue strategies that fit well with sports clubs looking to expand. Sources show he acquired key sites, such as the former Honours brasserie spot, turning it into a thriving Italian eatery back in 2021.
This experience in building brands and community ties makes him a smart pick for Edinburgh City FC. He has spoken in interviews about focusing on local support and long-term plans, skills that could help the club in tough times.
Pieraccini also brings a fresh view from his work in competitive markets. His success in hospitality shows he knows how to spot chances for growth, something the club needs as it rebuilds after past challenges.
Details of the New Commercial Director Role
The Commercial Director position is brand new for Edinburgh City FC, created to tackle key areas like sponsorships and income streams. Pieraccini will lead efforts to find new partners, improve branding, and engage fans more deeply.
Club leaders see this as a way to make the team more stable off the field. With Scottish football facing money pressures, roles like this help clubs like Edinburgh City stay competitive.
Here are some main duties Pieraccini will handle:
- Building and keeping sponsorship deals with local and national businesses.
- Creating marketing plans to grow the club’s fan base and ticket sales.
- Working on community projects to strengthen ties in Edinburgh.
- Tracking revenue from merchandise, events, and digital platforms.
This role fits into wider trends in football, where clubs hire experts from other fields to boost business sides. Recent examples include Rangers naming an interim commercial officer in late 2024 to review and improve their setup.
Club and Pieraccini’s Statements on the Appointment
Edinburgh City FC shared the news through social media and its website, highlighting Pieraccini’s role in their growth plans. The club stressed his arrival as a big step toward a brighter future, both in games and business.
In his own words, Pieraccini expressed excitement about joining. He noted the club’s strong spirit and his eagerness to work with partners and fans to build solid foundations.
Club officials praised his fresh ideas and proven success. They believe his skills will help attract more support and resources, key for a semi-professional team in League Two.
This announcement follows other recent changes at the club, like new management hires praised by fans and former players. It shows a pattern of bringing in talent to lift the team’s profile.
Impact on Edinburgh City FC’s Future
This hire could change how Edinburgh City FC operates, especially in a league where money matters a lot. The club, formed in 1928 and reborn in 1986, has climbed to the professional ranks since 2016 but faces ups and downs.
Pieraccini’s background might open doors to new deals, like hospitality partnerships that tie into his restaurant world. Fans hope this leads to better facilities and more wins on the pitch.
Looking at similar moves in Scottish football, clubs that invest in commercial roles often see revenue jumps. For example, other teams have doubled income through smart sponsorships in recent years.
| Key Milestones in Edinburgh City FC History | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Original club formation | 1928 | Began as amateur side, joined Scottish Football League in 1930s. |
| Club revival | 1986 | Adopted name and started anew after original folded in 1950s. |
| Promotion to professional league | 2016 | Won Lowland League titles in 2015 and 2016 to enter SPFL. |
| Return to Meadowbank Stadium | 2022 | Moved back after rebuild, boosting home support. |
| Stefano Pieraccini appointment | 2025 | New Commercial Director to drive business growth. |
This table shows the club’s path, with Pieraccini’s role as the latest push for progress.
Experts say such appointments signal ambition. In a 2025 landscape where Scottish clubs deal with rising costs, strong commercial arms are vital for survival and success.
Broader Context in Scottish Football
Scottish football has seen a wave of off-field changes lately, with clubs focusing on business to match on-field goals. Teams like Hibs have made management shifts, drawing praise from icons and fans.
Pieraccini’s move from hospitality to sports mirrors trends where diverse skills help clubs innovate. His Edinburgh roots could help tap into local networks, vital for a city club.
Challenges remain, like competition from bigger teams, but this hire positions Edinburgh City FC for growth. It aligns with league-wide efforts to boost commercial value amid economic pressures.
As the 2025-2026 season approaches, watchers will track how Pieraccini’s strategies play out. Early signs point to a positive shift, building on the club’s community focus.
Share your thoughts on this appointment in the comments below, and spread the word if you think it could lift Edinburgh City FC. What changes do you hope to see?
