Paul Simpson (footballer)

Paul Simpson (born 26 July 1966) is an English former professional footballer and current football manager.

As a player, Simpson was a versatile midfielder who could also play as a forward. He began his career at Manchester City in 1984 and went on to play for Oxford United, Derby County, Sheffield United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Walsall, Rochdale, and Blackpool. He made over 500 league appearances in his career.

Simpson's managerial career began in 2003 at Rochdale, where he had previously played. He then managed Shrewsbury Town, Preston North End, Stockport County, Northwich Victoria, and Carlisle United across two spells. He has also held coaching positions with England's youth teams, most notably as manager of the England U-20 team that won the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup. His playing style was typically industrious and committed, and he has built a reputation as a motivator and tactician as a manager. He is known for favouring attacking football when the situation allows.